Mayo score 21-point victory in New York

Mayo .... 1-22

New York ... 0-4

 

MAYO have put down an early championship marker with an emphatic victory over New York in a one-sided Connacht SFC opener.

Despite the gulf in class between the sides, James Horan's charges performed with immense confidence and intensity.

From the first whistle to the last, Mayo played to a standard that reflected a clear focus and drive.

The side's outstanding player, Evan Regan, was only named to start shortly before throw-in, the Ballina ace coming into the half forward line in place of Fionn McDonagh in one of two alterations to the selection, the other being Colm Boyle replacing right corner back Chris Barrett.

Regan proceeded to register 1-4 during the opening half to inspire Mayo to lead by 1-15 to 0-2 at the break.

The Ballina Stephenites ace struck his goal just before the interval, directing the ball sweetly past goalkeeper Vinny Cadden on the rebound.

In a show of attacking power, eight other Mayo players got in on the scoring act during the first half: James McCormack, Fergal Boland, Paddy Durcan, James Carr, Jason Doherty, Lee Keegan, Kevin McLoughlin and Darren Coen.

On the negative side, Mayo registered 11 wides by eight players during the half and finished with 19 in total.

The home side did not help their cause by consistently directing their long kick-outs into midfield where Aiden O'Shea was exceptional in his ball winning skills.

Mayo goalkeeper Robert Hennelly set the early tone in the second half with a brilliantly converted long range free before Michael Plunkett, Regan, Ciaran Treacy, Boland and Carr further underlined the superiority of the National League champions.

Mayo boss James Horan described aspects of his side's second half display as sloppy.

It was a hint to the high performance levels he is demanding from his players this year.