Celtic edge Ballina in seven-goal Mayo Super League thriller

By Caoimhín Rowland

Castlebar Celtic pulled off a dramatic 4-3 victory over Ballina Town in Belleek on Sunday afternoon, keeping their title hopes alive in what was a pulsating end to end encounter.

Celtic took the lead through a Jordan Loftus penalty, but Ballina Town responded in style with goals from Benny Lavelle and Goodhope Mutendebvure to lead 2-1 at the break.

When PJ Gilmartin volleyed home early in the second half to make it 3-1, the hosts looked set for a famous win.

But Celtic, down to ten men after Oran Groarke’s dismissal, dug deep. Mark Cunningham headed home from a corner to reduce the deficit, before Loftus grabbed his second with a looping header to level matters at 3-3.

Then, in the dying moments, Dylan Edwards latched onto a through ball and calmly slotted past Peyton to seal a sensational comeback win.

Ballina had one final chance to salvage a point, but Dylan McKee’s stoppage-time penalty struck the post.

The win sees Celtic maintain their 100% record and close the gap at the top, still with games in hand.

Victories earlier this morning for Westport United and Glenhest Rovers adds intrigue to Thursday evening's crunch clash at Celtic Park between the newly promoted Rovers and Castlebar Celtic.