Mayo almost pay the penalty in Carrick-on-Shannon thriller

Mayo have secured a win in the first competitive match in manager James Horan's return.

But only by virtue of a penalty shootout.

They overcame the stubborn challenge of Leitrim in the first round of the FBD Connacht League at Carrick-on-Shannon despite suffering a second half collapse.

The visitors led 2-9 to 0-8, early goals by Brian Reape and Fergal Boland giving Mayo the upperhand.

But they failed to push home their advantage and Leitrim hauled themselves back in the match with two goals in quick succession by Ryan O'Rourke and Evan Sweeney.

A further point by Sean McWeeney squared the issue, 2-10 apiece, before Domhnaill Flynn was denied a Leitrim goal by Robbie Hennelly's crossbar.

A brilliant point by the outstanding Fergal Boland restored Mayo's lead but Leitrim were not to be outdone thanks to Dean McGovern's late equalising point and the match went to a soccer-style penalty shootout.

Jason Doherty took the first spot-kick and scored, Ryan O'Rourke matching his effort.

Brian Reape scored No. 2 and Mark Plunkett hit a post.

Fergal Boland converted in style for Mayo while Domhnaill Flynn missed.

This gave Evan Regan the opportunity to seal Mayo's passage and he duly obliged.

Mayo face Galway in the semi-final next weekend.

Full report by John Melvin coming up later.