ROUNDUP: Knockout action takes centre-stage in Mayo soccer

For the first time this season, the Mayo soccer leagues took a back seat as clubs across the county buckled in for the whirlwind nature of Cup action.

There was no shortage of drama across the Benson, Tuohy, Tonra and McDonnell Cups, with last-gasp winners, shootouts, elation and disappointment all on the menu.

Here, we’ll run you through all the action.

TUOHY CUP

Two games took centre-stage on Saturday. Kieran McGreevy and Mark Dolan found the net early doors to give Ballyheane ‘B’ a two-goal lead over Straide/Foxford United.

James Duffy may have responded to inject some excitement coming down the tracks, but Colm Campbell’s 77th-minute strike was enough to secure progression.

Elsewhere, a Zac Collins brace, coupled with second-half goals from Odhran Donnelly and Thomas Coen, was enough to see Snugboro win 4-1 on the road to Ballyhaunis.

Westport United ‘B’ didn’t quite have it all their own way when Crossmolina came to town. Simeon Popov’s early strike was cancelled out by Martin Deacy, leaving it all level at the changeover.

The away side’s prospects took a serious hit when Stewart Griffin was sent off, and Ted Horan edged the Covies ahead once more, before a Niall McDonnell own goal sealed it for the hosts.

Iorras Aontaithe trailed at the changeover of their clash with Ballina Town ‘B’ courtesy of Sam Monaghan, but Luke McWilliams leveller saw the game delicately poised.

With the clock ticking down, up stepped Eoin O’Donoghue to edge his side ahead and secure a fine cup victory.

Lastly, Fionn McHale was on fire as his hat-trick helped Castlebar Celtic ‘B’ to a 4-1 win over Swinford.

TONRA CUP

The Saturday evening meeting of Castlebar Town and Claremorris ‘B’ was tight until the death.

Vladut Cretu’s early net-shaker was cancelled out moments before the changeover, leaving the tie on a knife-edge.

However, Ryan Quirke popped up with his first goal of the campaign to wrap up the win in Act Two.

One tie had a massive eight goals.

An eight minute brace from Tommy Muldoon saw Killala race ahead of Conn Rangers ‘B’ within ten minutes of kick-off. Alan Dempsey managed to pull one back before the interval, but Fergal McHale doubled the deficit once more.

A Joshua Kelly spot-kick had the hosts back within the minimum, before Rory Gallagher pushed it back to two in a free-flowing encounter.

Cillian Butler added some spice for the closing five minutes, but a last-minute Tommy Muldoon penalty made it 5-3.

Justin Healy and Anthony Barrett goals helped Kilmore get the better of Achill Rovers, while Cathal Cronin (2), Dean Shaughnessy, and Liam Burke helped Partry Athletic ease past Bangor Hibs.

MCDONNELL CUP

The tie of the round came between Ballyvary Blue Bombers and Crossmolina ‘B’. A goal on either side from Jason Muldoon and Roan Naughton within seconds set the tone. Muldoon netted a second.

Muldoon’s hat-trick seemed to wrap up the tie, but Kyle O’Neill and Michael Jordan caused nerves to soar, before Keaton Walsh made himself the hero as he slammed home to make it 4-3 in the end.

The clash of Ballinrobe Town ‘B’ and Conn Rangers ‘C’ was less enthralling, as Shane Ryan (2), Rafael Rosado Da Costa, Rodrigo Rosado Da Costa, and Conor Keleghan helped secure a 5-1 win for Ballinrobe.

Charlestown Athletic also secured victory against Manulla B thanks to strikes from Mark Lowther and Jonathan McNulty.