Mayo ace Vaughan says it’s win ‘at all costs’ in survival fight

If we get a win that makes fans proud again, that’s what we want..

Tyrone v Mayo Tomorrow, Omagh, 3pm (Live on TG4)

MISFIRING Mayo are treating tomorrow’s crucial National League clash with Tyrone as ‘a win at all costs’ affair and believe it will be like ‘a Championship game’. The Westerners are in real danger of dropping out of Division One for the first time in 20 years after defeats against Dublin and Cavan, and travel to Omagh tomorrow in need of two precious points. The future of the current Mayo squad has also been questioned this week but Donie Vaughan says the players remain focussed on only one objective — getting what they need tomorrow. “We’re going to Tyrone to put in a performance, and we’re going up there to win,” declared the experienced Mayo defender. “I think in six out of the last seven years we’ve gone into games six and seven having to win. Ideally, it would be handier for us if that wasn’t the case, but it’s very good preparation for the Championship for us. “Because it [Tyrone] is a Championship game really, it’s a win at all costs. “I’d be disappointed with our last two performances. They were below standards we’ve set for ourselves over the last few years, and again this year. Stephen [Rochford] would have expected more. “But if you were to flip it onto a positive note, we’re still in control of our own destiny. “We’ve Tyrone next and if we bring the performance we’re capable of then a win in Omagh will certainly lift things.” Lots of GAA analysts and pundits have been queueing up recently to question if Mayo’s race is run as serious All-ireland title contender after six years of nearmisses. Having already lost three games during this league campaign, including home ties against Monaghan and Cavan, Mayo find themselves back in the familiar position of a relegation dogfight. However, Donie Vaughan is certainly not pushing the panic button ahead of Mayo’s remaining matches against Tyrone and Donegal. “You get to play for Mayo for a limited time, and there are some great moments in that,” he explained. “But every year there are ups and downs, it’s never a straight line. “Often, before you’re successful, you can be at your lowest ebb and that’s where the belief comes from. People might look back sometimes and say, ‘How did they do that?’ “But we never doubt ourselves. “What we can control now is Tyrone on Sunday. “If we get two points there, and a performance that we’re capable of producing and one that makes the Mayo fans proud of us again, then that’s what we want. “It would be a way of us showing our appreciation to them for the support they’ve given us over the last few months.” VERDICT: Tyrone

Donie Vaughan was speaking at a press event to mark Vaughan Shoes’ sponsorship of the Ballinrobe Community School football team who are competing in the Masita All-ireland Post-primary Schools Senior ‘B’ Championship Final against St Ciaran’s, Ballygawley at Croke Park on Saturday, April 1.