Ballinrobe Town move clear of Mayo Super League relegation zone

by Patrick Hennelly

Ballinrobe Town have earned a hard-fought 2-1 victory over visiting Ballyhaunis Town in the Mayo Super League.

The result lifted Ballinrobe to seventh place, three points clear of the relegation zone.

The hosts made the dream start and plundered the lead just two minutes into the first half.

A route-one delivery from Oisin Connolly released the scampering Sean Vahey, who darted inside the penalty box.

Despite Vahey’s initial effort being blocked by the Ballyhaunis ‘keeper Ljubo Spajic, Vahey was on hand to guide home the rebound.

The Robesiders could well have enjoyed a two goal cushion at the break, however, the lively Niko Petrovic was most unlucky to see his diving header saved by Spajic, after the former latched on to a perfectly weighted delivery from the raiding Sean Hughes.

Having retired after last season, Ballinrobe Town striker J. P. Gorman entered the fray for the second half and his guile and creativity was impressive.

Indeed, O’Gorman almost had an immediate impact on proceedings when he received a tidy pass from Connor Ryan, but the former’s effort was thwarted by Spajic.

Ballyhaunis were still in the contest and the visitors levelled matters on 55 minutes, when Davey Hennessy’s cross was guided home by the poaching Mohammed Kezze.

Both sides were eager for the victory, however, Ballinrobe were awarded a penalty 13 minutes from the end of normal time after the energetic Vahey was fouled inside 18 yard box by Evan McNamara. Oisin Connolly coolly guided home the subsequent spot-kick, much to the delight of the hone supporters.

O’Gorman almost added the insurance goal for the red and white on 87 minutes, but his strike fizzed inches over the crossbar.