Castlebar Town secure place in Mayo Women's Cup final

Another keenly contested derby encounter between Manulla and Castlebar Town unfolded at Carramore on Friday night, with the visitors securing a 3-1 victory to book their place in the McHale Agri, Forest & Garden Mayo Women’s Cup final on August 17.

The first half saw both sides create plenty of chances, with Manulla crafting the first noteworthy effort of the game, when Ella Vahey’s delivery found Mary Reilly, but her close-range chip was just inches over Kira Bright’s crossbar.

Castlebar Town very nearly fashioned the lead on 15 minutes. Amy Dowling’s inch-perfect corner-kick found Saoirse Mahon, with the latter’s close-range header whistling narrowly wide.

The hosts almost plundered a spectacular lead goal on 26 minutes, however, Aoife Brennan’s long-range free-kick clipped the crossbar, much to the relief of the Castlebar custodian.

The black and white ended the stalemate on 28 minutes. Castlebar were awarded a free-kick from outside the box and from a difficult angle, however, Amy Dowling’s placed ball effort ended up in the back of the net.

Castlebar were in a buoyant mood and the energetic Saoirse Mahon added a second goal for the visitors on 42 minutes.

Trailing 2-0 at the break, a positive start to the second half was imperative for Manulla and the hosts were given a gilt-edged chance to get back into the game on 51 minutes when they were awarded a penalty. Aoife Brennan was coolness personified from the spot-kick, much to the delight of the home supporters.

With the game in the balance, Castlebar snatched a crucial third goal on 66 minutes. Cliodhna Dowling teed-up her sister Louise and the latter’s sublime finish from outside the box nestled in the bottom corner of the net.

Castlebar Town will now meet Kiltimagh Knock United in the Mayo Women’s Cup final.

* Full report in Tuesday's print edition