Cup competitions heat up in Mayo League
Midfield action between Ballina Town and Westport United players during the Benson Cup tie at Belleek Park last Saturday evening. Picture: David Farrell Photography
Cup action took centre stage over the weekend with a host of games in the Mayo and divisional cups taking place across the county.
Glenhest Rovers and Castlebar Celtic both advanced to the Benson Cup semi-finals in contrasting fashion. Connor McCarthy’s goal on 77 minutes was the difference as Super League leaders Glenhest continued their excellent start to the season with a 1-0 win over Ballyheane.
Meanwhile, the game between Claremorris and Castlebar Celtic saw the Hoops come out on top in an eight-goal thriller in Concannon Park. Noel Mellett levelled the tie for Claremorris after Dylan Felle gave Celtic an early lead, but a brace from Lerlah Hay put the visitors 3-1 in front at half-time.
Johnny Cocozza made sure of victory for Celtic five minutes into the second half, but Claremorris went down swinging. Fionn McLoughlin and Simon Butler both got on the scoresheet while Luke Kelly added a fifth for Celtic.
The other Benson Cup tie saw Westport United defeat Ballina Town after extra-time. Serhii Morarenko put United ahead early on but wasted chances to put the game away. PJ Gilmartin levelled in second half injury-time but goals in either period of extra-time from Alex Halpin and Darren Browne saw the reigning Benson Cup holder join Glenhest, Celtic and Conn Rangers in the last four.
There was one game in the Tonra Cup, where Fahy Rovers edged Partry Athletic 2-1 to advance to the semi-finals, while Glenhest Rovers ‘B’ reached the McDonnell Cup semi-finals after beating Fahy Rovers ‘B’ on penalties.
The second round of the Mayo Premier Cup saw Kilmore, Snugboro United, Conn Rangers ‘B’ and Ballinrobe Town ‘B’ all advance to the next round. Kilmore defeated League Two side Charlestown Athletic 3-1, Snugboro picked a 3-1 win away to Bangor Hibs, Conn Rangers ‘B’ soundly defeated the club’s ‘C’ team 5-0 while a penalty in extra time by Rodrigo Rosado De Costa saw Ballinrobe ‘B’ edge Ballyvary Blue Bombers 2-1.
