Celtic and Westport advance in Mayo Super League Cup, Conn crash out
Castlebar Celtic's Luke Kelly, centre, scored in their Super League Cup tie against Ballina Town. Picture: Castlebar Celticw F.C.
Castlebar Celtic began their defence of the Super League Cup with a narrow win over Ballina Town in Belleek Park as the rest of the opening round divisional cup ties took place this afternoon.
In a repeat of last year’s final, Celtic won by the same 2-1 scoreline, with goals coming from Eoghan Hughes and Luke Kelly, with Benny Lavelle pulling one back for Town from the penalty spot.
Manulla were also visitors on the road, as they enjoyed an impressive 3-0 win over Conn Rangers thanks to second half goals by Shaun Dempsey, Colm Murphy and Gavin Jennings.
A Cian Halpin brace was enough to send Westport United into the next round over Kiltimagh/Knock United, who were largely outplayed despite the narrow 2-1 scoreline. KKU’s goal came from Ronan Clarke before Halpin edged them in front again moments later.
The other game in the cup saw Ballinrobe Town defeat Glenhest Rovers 3-1. Jonathan Lawerence put the Robesiders in front from the penalty spot on 43 minutes and Sean Vahey doubled their lead on the hour mark. Matthew Walshe put the result beyond doubt with five minutes of normal time left while Glenhest, who were missing the strike duo of Pat Mulchrone and Conor McCarthy, scored a consolation goal through new signing Eoghan Wright.
In the Tuohy Cup, Iorras Aontaithe and Crossmolina enjoyed big wins, 4-0 over Ballyheane and 6-1 against Killala, while Claremorris edged out Straide & Foxford United 2-1.
The only game left in the Tonra Cup was between Partry Athletic and Fahy Rovers. The sides played out a six-goal thriller but neither could find the winner in extra-time and it was Fahy who advanced after winning 6-5 on penalties.
All the McDonnell Cup fixtures took place today and Glenhest Rovers ‘B’ and Manulla ‘B’ enjoyed impressive wins, with Glenhest defeating Westport United ‘C’ 3-2 after extra time and Manulla ‘B; beating Castlebar Town by the same scoreline. The other games saw Conn Rangers ‘C’ narrowly beat Fahy Rovers ‘B’ 2-1 while Ballinrobe Town ‘B’ beat Crossmolina ‘B’ 5-3.
