Filan goal proves the difference between two sides in masters meeting
MAYO SLIGO 1- 12 0- 11 THE Sligo Masters’ side came out the wrong end of a hard- hitting and competitive championship opener against neighbours Mayo in Ballymote last Saturday.
Playing with the aid of the wind in the first half, Sligo took time to settle.
Mayo, backboned by former county players like Kenneth Mortimer, Aidan Higgins and Declan Sweeney came in at half- time 0- 6 to 0- 5 ahead.
While Declan Cawley, Damien Kelly, David Durkin and Nigel Clancy foiled numerous Mayo attacks, Sligo’s forward play was interrupted by equally committed Mayo defending. Points from Dermot Browne, Paul Taylor, David Durkin, Dessie Sloyan, and a booming effort from wing- back Morgan McCormack were poor return having had the wind. Rolling subs saw both sides use their bench regularly and to good effect.
Crossmolina’s Joe Keane proved to be a very important introduction for Mayo.
With the wind, Mayo packed their defence and left space to hit their inside line of the pacy Keane and Kevin Filan with long kick- passes, mostly from Declan Sweeney’s boot.
Sligo got on top for long periods around the middle gained plenty possession with Con O’Meara winning a lot of ball half- back line good on breaks.
The packed Mayo defence allied to the wind made scoring difficult however, and Paul Taylor’s absence through injury was felt in the second half.
Sligo’s second half points came from Dermot Browne ( 3), Dessie Sloyan, Nigel Clancy and Fintan Kennedy.
The killer score was a Mayo goal with ten minutes to go after Sligo lost possession going forward. Kevin Filan of Castlebar Mitchels buried the goal, having crashed a shot off the crossbar minutes earlier.
Filan finished with 1- 7, five of that coming from frees. Shortly after the Mayo goal, Sloyan did very well to cut inside three defenders but his rasping shot went just over the bar.
For Sligo, it was disappointing to lose but they will learn from a game against a side used to contesting all- Ireland semi- finals and finals at this level.
Mention must go to John Griffin, who has refereed Masters’ finals, for refereeing this hard- hitting match with common sense.
Sligo, managed by Reggie McNulty, Gerry Monaghan and Neil Carew have their next championship outing against Westmeath on Saturday August 13th at a neutral venue. They will also play Longford, Galway and Offaly in their group.
Sligo: Gerry Dooner; Damien Kelly, Declan Cawley, James Conlon; Morgan Mccormack, David Durcan, Jimmy Foran; Nigel clancy, Paul Durcan; Eamonn O’Hara, Paul Taylor, Christy Walsh; Dermot Browne, Dessie Sloyan, Gary Mullen. Subs: Sean Smith, Aidan Carty, Liam Filan, Ronan Keane, David Killoran, Con O’Meara, Fintan Kennedy, Pascal Gillard, Clive Slevin, Ray Kilcoyne.
Mayo: Martin Conway; Declan Conway, Brian Hughes, Declan Ryan; Brian Hennelly, Kenneth Mortimer, Pat Mulchrone; Aidan Higgins, Declan Sweeney; Kieran Hastings, Kevin Filan, Darren Madden; Kieran Lavelle, Danny O’Toole, Brian Shaughnessy.