Mayo Super League title race could go to the wire

WITH a break this weekend before the Super League goes down the home stretch, what appeared to be a relatively straightforward run in has got a lot more interesting.

Ballyheane have hit a bump in the road as they were stunned by Straide & Foxford United last Saturday and, by all accounts, it was a victory for S&F that was fully deserved. Last season's champions still have their destiny in their hands but they will have to do it the hard way if they are to retain their title.

That defeat meant Westport United had a chance to close the gap to two points if they beat Kiltimagh/Knock United and that appeared to be the case for long periods at United Park but two late goals by Kiltimagh/Knock saw Westport only reduce the gap to four instead.

Both Ballyheane and Westport now meet in the next round of action and much rides on it. Should Ballina Town win their next two games, they could draw themselves level with Ballyheane going into the final day should Westport beat Ballyheane in Pat Quigley Park. A draw or a win for Ballyheane will see them lead going into the final day and Ballina will need a favour from Claremorris, who themselves could need a result to stay in the Super League should they not be relegated by that stage.

Claremorris can only blame themselves for the predicament they're in. Some poor defending cost them once again after Manulla came out on top in Concannon Park last Sunday morning. It marked a second consecutive weekend that the south Mayo side had scored three or more goals and lost. It's hard to believe that the same team that finished third last season is on the brink of relegation and as seen through the challenges that Ballyglass and Swinford have faced in the Premier League, it could be a long way back for them.

Another team who look like they will get the job done the hard way is Glenhest Rovers as they squandered a glorious opportunity against Ballyhaunis Town to put daylight between themselves and Claremorris. But after taking the lead and seeing Ballyhaunis go down to ten men, Ballyhaunis rescued a point late on. The result you feel is simply a stay of execution for Ballyhaunis and it remains in the Glenhest's hands. Any result against either S&F or Westport should see them safe.