Westport United are on course for a crack at provincial glory after their penalty-shootout win over West United in the TP Brennan Connacht Cup semi-final last Sunday.
The Covies will take on Salthill Devon in the final in a few weeks after Phil Keegan's late, late, headed goal, from a James O'Donnell corner, saw Westport United pull level with West United last Sunday, sending the game into extra time.
Neither side was able to get a winner in extra-time and the game went to penalties to decide who was going to progress to the final. Keegan, who was the hero in normal time - missed the first spot kick for United, but conversions from Darren Browne, Mickey O'Brien, James O'Donnell and Jack Murphy along with Gary Cunningham pulling off a penalty save, saw United through to the final.
Also in provincial final four action last weekend were Glenhest Rovers - who bowed out of the TP Brennan Connacht Shield at the end of a seven goal thriller in Beltra against Colemanstown United. Rovers led twice during the game with Cormac Reilly putting them ahead early doors before United pulled it level before the break. The visitors then edged ahead early in the second half before goals from Cathal Chambers and Kevin Warde put them 3-2 up - but it wasn't to be for the Mayo League outfit as Colemanstown United hit two late goals to book their place in the shield final.
Back on the local scene - Ballina Town left it late to see off Super League newboys Swinford in Belleek on Saturday evening with Caleb Daley getting a late winner for the north Mayo men. The game was tied 0-0 at the break, but it didn't take Duane Helly long after the restart to put the Town' in front. The lead lasted only a matter of minutes before Johnny McNulty levelled it up - however the homeside was to have the last say on the game with youngster Daly driving home the winner from the edge of the area late on.
Ballyheane made the short tip to Carramore last Sunday morning and they went home without a point after a 2-0 win for Manulla. The hosts struck twice in the first half through Gerry Canavan and Enda McGahon to keep hold of the three points. McGahon was first to strike after 15 minutes and 20 minutes later Canavan doubled their lead from the penalty spot. The 'Hane did have a chance to pull a goal back from the penalty spot in the second half, but they failed to convert it and the hosts were able to see out the remainder of the game and pick up the win.
There was a five-goal thriller in Concannon Park where the visitors Ballyglass went home with the points. Keelan McDonnell put Ballyglass into the lead ten minutes before the break, but the game was levelled up not long after from a Rokas Mikuckis free-kick. The visitors edged in front again ten minutes into the second half after McDonnell struck his second goal of the day - but once again his goal was replied to by a Mikuckis goal. The fifth goal of the day went to Ballyglass' Mossy Joyce and that was enough to seal the win and the points for the visitors.
Exciting action this weekend in the top flight
There were two games down for decision on Thursday night after this paper hit the printers - with Castlebar Celtic heading to Glenhest Rovers and Westport United hosting Ballyhaunis Town; and there will be a short turn-around for those four teams with a full round of Super League fixtures slated to take place over the weekend.
On Saturday evening both Ballyheane and Claremorris will be looking for their first league wins of the season when they clash in Quigley Park at 6pm. Both sides are coming into this game on the back of two defeats from two and they will be keen to get some points on the board as early as they can.
The stand-out game heading into this weekend is the meeting of Castlebar Celtic and Ballina Town in Celtic Park on Sunday afternoon at 2.30pm. The Town' have won two from two so far this season, while Celtic had a big come-from-behind win in round one away to Ballyglass - they will be expecting to also have two wins under their belts come this game after their trip to Glenhest last night.
Manulla also have two wins from two in the league so far this season and they will be on the road to Ballyhaunis Town on Sunday afternoon - the east Mayo side was well beaten by Ballina Town in round one and will also head into this game off just two days rest, following their meeting with Westport United last night and Manulla will be confident of making it three from three.
Swinford, who pushed Ballina Town hard last weekend, will host Westport United on Sunday morning, the Super League newboys drew 1-1 with Glenhest Rovers in round one and will be hoping they can push United as hard as they did Ballina on Sunday of last weekend .
Fresh off their odd goal in five win over Claremorris last weekend, Ballyglass will be at home on Sunday when they welcome Glenhest Rovers to Keaveney Park - Rovers will be heading into this one on two days' break after their game with Castlebar Celtic on Thursday night.
Super League Fixtures
Saturday, August 29: Ballyheane v Claremorris at 6pm
Sunday, August 30: Ballyhaunis Town v Manulla at 2.30pm; Swinford v Westport United at 11am; Castlebar Celtic v Ballina Town at 2.30pm; Ballyglass v Glenhest Rovers at 11am.
