Mortimer's return for Shrule/Glencorrib ends in defeat as Westport progress to final
Westport ............... 1-9
Shrule/Glencorrib ... 0-9
WESTPORT qualified for the Mayo intermediate football chamionship final following their three-point victory over Shrule/Glencorrib in the semi-final replay played in Elverys MacHale Park, Castlebar, tonight.
Westport will now face Kiltimagh in the final on Saturday evening at 5 p.m. at the same venue.
Played in front of a big attendance there was a massive roar when Shrule/Glencorrib introduced former Mayo star, Conor Mortimer.
However, Mortimer, who was cleared to play after his transfer from Parnells in Dublin came through in time, couldn't help save his native club, even though he fired over a great point with his first shot of the game in the 41st minute.
There was little doubt Westport deserved to come out on top. Although they found themselves five points in arrears after just 14 minutes, they fought back brilliantly in the second quarter.
During this period they turned the five-point deficit into a two-point lead and went in at the break themuch happier team.
After the resumption Westport continued to dominate. However, they made things very hard for themselves by wasting several good scoring chances, including two brilliant goal opportunities. But they kept their noses in front and ran out the deserving winners.
Shrule/Glencorrib started as if they were going to blow their opponents away.
Four points from Mark Ronaldson and one from Stephen Mullin saw they lead by 0-5 to 0-0 after 14 minutes. However, it was all down hill for them after that and they didn't raise another flag until Mortimer's point 11 minutes into the second half.
By that time Westport opened up a four-point lead, 1-6 to 0-5.
All of their six points came from the accurate Lewis Cawley, while the crucial and only goal of the game arrived in the 16th minute.
Scored by midfielder Shane Scott, it was a goal that would have done more than justice to any game.
Following a good upfield movement Scott was released down the left side of thefield before he cut inside and let fly with a thundering left foot drive that ended in the corner of the net.
This goal really woke up the west Mayo side, and from there on they controlled the game and advance to the county final.
Scores for Westport: L. Calwey (0-6, 5f), S. Scott (1-0), L. Staunton (0-1), O. McLaughlin (0-1), P. Lambert (0-1).
Scorers for Shrule-Glenncorrib: M. Ronaldson (0-6, 6f), S. Mullin (0-2), C. Mortimer (0-1).
Westport: P. O'Malley, N. McManamon, K. Keane, L. Kettrick, K. Dever, J. Walsh, B. McDermott, L. Keegan, S. Scott, F. McDonagh, P. Keegan, C. Higgins, C. Moran, P. Lambert, L. Cawley.
Subs used: L. Staunton, D. Horan, R. Geraghty, O. McLoughlin, B. O'Malley.
Shrule/Glenncorrib: G. Hennelly, D. McTighe, J. O’Dowd, R. Walsh, N. Sheridan, J. Naughton, C. O’Dowd, J. Lavelle, K. Walsh, C. Hoverty, M. Ronaldson, S. Mellett, N. McGee,D. Geraghty, S. Mullin.
Subs used: C. Bohan,C. Mortimer, B. Ryan, E. Hennelly, E. Cawley.
Referee: A. Gurren (Aghamore).