Ballyglass claim crucial three points in race for Mayo Super League spot

by Patrick Hennelly

BALLYGLASS have recorded a crucial 1-0 victory in the race for promotion to the top flight and the red and white, who occupy second spot, are now three points clear of third placed Claremorris.

This game was billed as a promotion six-pointer and it was Ballyglass who began the joust the brighter, with both Joseph Ferriter and Cathal Slattery forcing the Claremorris custodian into alert saves on 10 and 12 minutes.

Cathal Slattery produced a virtuoso performance for Ballyglass and the midfielder was full of endeavour from first whistle until last.

It was Slattery who provided the assist for the only goal of the game which arrived on 14 minutes, with Ryan McGurrin’s close-range header rustling the back of the Claremorris net.

David McNicholas’ troops could well have doubled their lead on 22 minutes, but Evan Connolly dragged a decent chance inches wide.

Claremorris struggled to find a way past the cordon of Ballyglass defenders and the visitors only noteworthy effort of the half arrived on 42 minutes, however, the under-pressure Ryan McLoughlin couldn’t direct his header on target.

The locals’ could well have doubled their lead on 53 minutes when a chance fell to Ryan McGurrin, but his strike flew over the crossbar.

Claremorris tried their level best to find a route back into the game, but the green and white struggled to craft decent goal-scoring opportunities against a rigid home defence.

The hosts could have added the insurance goal on 88 minutes, however, Slattery, Connolly and McGurrin, just couldn’t connect properly with the ball in the 18 yard box and Claremorris eventually cleared the danger to safety.

In the end, Ballyglass deserved the spoils, and this victory could prove crucial at the end of the season.