There is no let up from the action in Mayo soccer circles this weekend with the Connacht Cup taking over where the FAI Junior cup left off last weekend. Even with the terrible weather conditions which saw a lot of sporting events called off around the country, only two games fell foul to the rain in Mayo, the ties between Castlebar Celtic and Straide and Foxford United and the Ballina Town and Kiltimagh/Knock United game.
Of the games that went ahead the big game was the clash between Westport United and Manulla at the Sportspark, and it was the away side who took the spoils running out 4-2 winners against a fancied Westport side. The central Mayo club had the game well wrapped up at the break leading 4-1 thanks to a brace from Declan Tonra who opened the scoring from a penalty and finished it a minute into injury time, with Roger Clarke and Damien Coleman adding the other two goals. Westport’s opening goal came from Vinny O’Malley with David Hoban bagging their consolation mid-way through the second half. Newly promoted Swinford needed penalties to see off Clew Bay United after a 3-3 draw, after the game finished 1-1 after 90 minutes. Swinford took the lead early in overtime through Nigel Sweeney, but two strikes from the sea siders through James Walsh and Conan Dyar had the visitors going through until Nigel Sweeny levelled it up at the death, the same man who scored the decisive penalty to put the Super League side through on penalties. Iorras Aontaithe who reached the semi-final last year saw off Ballyglass with ease in Carnenash 5-0 and Ballyheane were made to work hard for their 3-2 win away to Urlar United.
This weekend there is a full round of Connacht Cup games pencilled in with 12 Mayo sides in action, with eight of the Super League sides taking top billing. Champions Ballina Town face down a tough challenge when they face Roscommon side Castlerea Celtic at home, while Castlebar Celtic have been drawn to face Oranmore. After their big win over Westport United last weekend in the FAI Junior Cup, Manulla will make the trip to Sligo to take on Collaney United. Fahy Rovers will also be heading to Sligo to take on Calry Bohs for a place in the fourth round. Straide and Foxford, Iorras Aontaithe, and Snugboro United all have home games, the Green Road Club will welcome Shiven Rovers to Foxford, while Colmanstown United from Galway will make the long haul to Carnenash, and Conway Park will be hosting Leitrim’s Innishfree Celtic. There are also a couple of games to be caught up on in the Mayo League, Swinford will host Castlebar Celtic B while Ballinrobe Town will travel to Claremorris in the Premier Division. In the first division, Urlar United will round off their season hosting Glenhest Rovers on Sunday. The previous day, the Mayo League will host the Donegal League in an u18 inter league clash at Milebush at 2pm.
