Garrymore through to last eight after overcoming Balla

Mayo Senior Football Club Championship Group Two

Garrymore 1-12

Balla 0-10

In Garrymore

Three two-pointers in the opening eight minutes of the second half proved crucial as Garrymore edged a tight encounter against Balla to book their place in the quarter-finals with a game to spare.

Garrymore were pushed right to the pin of the collar by a much-improved Balla side, who will rue a number of missed chances in the closing stages when the game was there to be won.

Balla led inside the opening two minutes through a Liam Glynn free, but Garrymore hit back emphatically when Eoin McGreal fired past David Dolan in the Balla goal after just three minutes.

Further scores from Enda Hession and Shane Nally put Garrymore four clear before Balla responded through Oisin Cronin and an excellent two-pointer from Glynn. Garrymore finished the half strongly, with Cathal Slattery and Darren Quinn on target to leave them 1-4 to 0-4 ahead at the interval.

Luke Flatley opened Balla’s second-half account with a free before a pivotal spell. Conor Walsh missed a gilt-edged goal chance before Balla were reduced to 14 men when Ger Holian was shown a black card.

Former Roscommon player Andy Glennon responded with a superb outside-of-the-boot free, before Trevor Nally added a two-pointer to leave Garrymore 1-10 to 0-5 ahead. Balla battled back through Gary McHale, David Dolan and Flatley, but Jude Clarke was also shown black, leaving Balla down to 14 once again.

Flatley reduced the deficit to three with ten minutes remaining, but Balla missed two 21- metre frees, two two-pointers and a 45 in the final quarter. Garrymore held their nerve, with two late Darren Quinn points securing their quarter-final place.

Balla will now play the three in a row county champions Ballina Stephenites in what will be a decider to see who goes into the relegation semi finals.

A full match report will be carried in Tuesday’s edition of the Mayo News.