Title race intensifies as Mayo Super League heads toward pivotal weekend

The Mayo Super League title race is heating up after a dramatic round of midweek fixtures saw twists at the top of the table.

Despite a late defeat to Castlebar Celtic on Thursday evening, Westport United remain top of the pile. A late winner from Johnnie Cocozza sealed a vital three points for Celtic, keeping their own title hopes very much alive and denting Westport’s momentum as Stevie Gavin’s men chase a third straight crown.

Meanwhile, newly-promoted Glenhest Rovers continued their fairytale rise with a statement 2-1 win over Ballina Town at a bouncing Strand on Thursday night.

A stunning 25-yard volley from Shane Finnerty in the dying moments sealed the victory, sending the home support into raptures.

Teenager Ethan Reilly had earlier opened the scoring on his first Super League start, finishing smartly after a fine run and cross by Neill Kirby. Ballina hit back through Dylan McKee after a fortunate ricochet, but it was Finnerty’s thunderbolt that proved decisive.

Goalkeeper Nathan Barrett also produced heroics between the sticks for ‘Hest, denying Ballina with a spectacular second-half save, while a gritty team performance helped Glenhest Rovers claim a famous victory.

With the top of the table tightly poised, all eyes now turn to Sunday’s crunch fixtures: Castlebar Celtic face Ballina Town, Manulla host the in-form Glenhest Rovers, and Westport United welcome Conn Rangers to Abbvie United Park.