Hoops on course to retain Mayo 'Super' crown after sinking main rivals

by Mike Kelly

They say it's the sign of champions when they always find a way to win and Castlebar Celtic certainly did that in a fiery encounter with Westport United in Celtic Park, the home side emerging 2-1 victors in a top of the table Mayo Super League clash.

Despite dominating the opening exchanges, where Celtic Stefan Hester was forced into a brilliant save from Cian Halpin and the winger hitting the crossbar, Westport found themselves behind after 13 minutes.

A poor clearance by Gary Cunningham falling to Oran Groarke, who slotted to an empty net from 30 yards out.

There was a bite throughout with both teams flying into tackles and leaving a mark on their opponents on more than one occasion.

Westport got themselves level in the 56th minute when Harrison Quinn headed a corner to the net.

But despite being second best throughout Celtic found a winner when Johnny Cocozza bundled home after Fionn Mahon had hit the crossbar.

There were scenes of wild celebration from the Celtic faithful as they kept their 100% record intact after eight rounds.

The result leaves second-placed Hoops with 24 points, four behind leaders United, but having four games in hand.

Castlebar Celtic: Stefan Hester, Mark Cunningham, Mark Howley, Ioseph Reilly, Brian Walsh, Ben Murphy, Johnny Cocozza, Oran Groarke, Jordan Loftus, Dylan Edwards, Fionn Mahon.

Subs: Basho Hay, Eoin Keane, Daniel Ajenipa.

Westport United: Gary Cunningham, Michael O'brien, Cillian White, Harrison Quinn, Alex Halpin, Caoimhin O'Toole, Kevin Ketterick, Jack Dawson, Darren Browne, Dylan O'Malley, Cian Halpin.

Subs: Sean Heaney, Aaron Cannon, Serhii Morarenko.

Ref: Jimmy Cawley (Ballina).