Crucial win for Mayo at the home of the champions

Mayo have made a habit of second-half fightbacks in Division 1 of the Lidl National League this year but unlike the three previous occasions, this time it was enough to earn them victory on a 2-6 to 0-9 scoreline.

That the win came at the home of reigning champions Meath in Pairc Tailteann, Navan, was all the more remarkable, and it's a huge boost for Michael Moyles' charges as the league now turns for the closing stages.

Mayo were four points down at the break but a burst of two goals and two points without reply in the second half turned this game on its head.

Meath, who won their second successive All-Ireland senior championship last year, had secured an 0-7 to 0-3 lead at the break but a Maria Cannon goal brought them right back into the contest as they levelled on 39 minutes.

Just three minutes later a 45' from substitute Rachel Kearns found its way to the Meath net and Mayo were in command.

They were able to keep the champions at arm's length over the closing stages to hold on for a vital victory that lifts them off the foot of the table.

Mayo: L. Brennan; E. Ronayne, C. McManamon, D. Caldwell; L. Wallace, C. Needham, H. Reape; F. McHale, S. Cafferky; S. Howley (0-3f), T. Needham, M. Cannon (1-1); L. Cafferky, M. Reilly, S. Walsh (0-1).

Subs used: K. Sullivan, R. Kearns (1-1, 1-0 45'), S. Mulvihill, E. Brennan, T. O’Connor.

Meath: M. McGuirk; A. Sheridan, M.K. Lynch, K. Newe; N. Gallogly, S. Melia, A. Cleary; M. O’Shaughnessy, A. Minogue (0-1); M. Thynne, M. Byrne (0-2), C. Smyth (0-1); A. Leahy, S. Grimes (0-2f), N. O’Sullivan (0-3).

Subs used: O. Gore, A. Sherlock, R. Casserly, O. Mallon.

Referee: E. Cuthbert (Down).