A Premier N26 derby is in store as Swinford and S&F vie for the Cup
Straide & Foxford United pictured after their Mayo Premier Cup semi-final win over Achill Rovers last Thursday evening. Picture: Straide & Foxford United FC
The first of the Mayo Cup finals double header sees two sides who may become very familiar with one another next season.
The Battle of the N26 sees Premier Division side Straide & Foxford United take on League One's Swinford in the Premier Cup final, with the former hoping to reclaim past glories while the latter looks to win a second trophy of the season.
Not since their Super Cup success in 2010 and Westaro Cup in 2013 have all in S&F been as excited for what is in store. While they did win the Premier Division title in 2016 and 2021, their stays in the Super League have been brief and they have been stuck in the second tier the past two seasons.
They could find themselves in the third tier should they fail to beat Killala in their relegation playoff this Thursday, which would be a bitter pill to swallow for a club that have previously won the Super League.
While that was back in 2000, big days for the club since that 2013 Westaro success have been few and far between. A trophy would not only be crucial for this current group ahead of that Killala showdown but it could be used a platform for more regular outings in Umbro Park.
The problem for S&F is that trying to gauge their form coming into this game can be very tricky. Two wins over Kilmore and one each over Killala and Crossmolina have been their sole return in the Premier Division this season, while they have also taken some heavy beatings from Ballyglass, Castlebar Celtic ‘B’, Westport United ‘B’, Claremorris and Iorras Aontaithe.
Their run to the Premier Cup final was somewhat kind, with three of their four games against League 2 opposition. They have beaten Glenhest Rovers ‘B’, Iorras on penalties, Fahy Rovers ‘B’ and then League 2 champions Achill in what was an impressive performance.
Key to the win was the return of Michael Guilfoyle, who was playing only his third game this season. He scored twice and if he is available to play alongside a potent attack that includes Paul Moran, Luke Ruane and former Swinford winger Conor Devaney, then S&F will feel the game it is there’s to lose.
It will be at the back where veteran Chris Downey will have to man his backline well against a goal-hungry Swinford. The defence has been a real problem all season for S&F, conceding 59 goals in 18 matches, and only Killala and Ballyheane ‘B’ have had a worse defensive record in the Premier Division.
When you consider Swinford have scored 73 goals in League One on their way to promotion to the Premier Division, where their strengths lie are obvious. Aidan Dunleavy’s (Snr) side were chasing a treble up until just over a week previously but defeat to Snugboro United in a frantic final league game saw the title go the way of Ballina Town ‘B’.
It could have been very easy for Swinford to feel sorry for themselves, but the perfect pick-me-up was waiting for them last Thursday, as Snugboro stood between them and a place in the Premier Cup final. The final league outing saw nine goals flying in, but defences were on top for the semi-final as the game ended goalless after extra-time. Swinford goalkeeper Jamie Leahy pulled off a big save in the penalty shootout before captain Joe Slevin scored to send them to Umbro Park once more.
They have already claimed the divisional cup this season, beating Ballina Town ‘B’ 2-0 to win the Tonra Cup. Slevin and Aidan Dunleavy Jnr were the goalscorers on the day and both are integral to Swinford’s chances along with hot shot striker Evan Rowley.
Whether we get a high scoring affair or a tight and tense final is anyone’s guess but either way, this is a final that is too close to call.
