Free-scoring Mitchels blast their way into county semi-final
Eight goals seal the deal for Filo's fliers
COUNTY U21A QUARTER FINAL
CASTLEBAR MITCHELS 8-11
KNOCKMORE 1-7
Michael Gallagher
Castlebar
While the rest of the country was preparing for The Toy Show, those fortunate enough to be in Gerry McDonald Park on Friday night witnessed a stunning game of football between mighty Mitchels and noble Knockmore.
The fact that there was a 25-point gap between the teams at the end is not a negative reflection on Knockmore, indeed the North Mayo side were in front near the end of the first quarter but once Mitchels got rolling there was absolutely nothing to stop them.
Eight goals from seven players says all one needs to know about the Castlebar statistics and to think that they produced such a performance without Mayo seniors Bob Tuohy and Donnacha McHugh and last season’s county U20 captain Sean Morhahan illustrates the rich pickings at Kevin Filan’s disposal.
The home side were 2-5 to 1-6 clear at the break following a very even first half. A goal from lively attacker Adrian Sotoparra, three points from hard-working midfielder Tadhg Staunton and three white flags from Dylan Coleman accounted for Knockmore’s tally as Adam Battle, Oliver Armstrong and Ronan Holmes showed well.
Mitchels were playing within themselves but Cian Walsh, Ben McHale and Ciaran Mylett were impressing in attack while John MacMonagle, Joe Tuohy and Paddy Heneghan were doing well at the back.
A goal from Walsh after 12 minutes and another from Conchobhar Mulroy near half time left them with their noses in front.
The second half was a different matter entirely. Castlebar took complete charge and won the final 30 minutes 6-6 to 0-1.
The three Cunningham brothers, James, Shane and Mark were to the fore as was tireless midfielder Brendan Gaughan.
The scoring avalanche began after just 46 seconds of the new half when Mylett crashed home a goal and the biggest cheer of the night arrived four minutes later when MacMonagle swung over a point.
Goals from James Cunningham, Mylett again, Ronan Treacy, Ben McHale, and Dylan Rice put the icing on a very sweet Mitchels cake despite the very best efforts of an honest and hard-working Knockmore side.