Mayo club suffer defeat in lively Connacht junior cup encounter

A lively Connacht Junior Cup encounter unfolded at Michael Keaveney Park as a brave Ballyglass lost 4-2 to visiting Salthill Devon.

Salthill began the game at a brisk pace, but Ballyglass almost fashioned the lead on nine minutes when Cathal Slattery’s through ball almost set up Liam Hughes, but the latter just missed out on receiving possession.

The visitors then took the lead after 22 minutes, courtesy of Colin Kelly, after his initial effort forced a fine save from Nathan McGurrin.

Seven minutes later, the Galway city outfit doubled their lead when Diala Princewell’s deft finish rippled the back of the net.

Trailing 2-0 at the break, Ballyglass made a positive start to the new half and the red and white pulled a goal back on 56 minutes. Substitute Evan Connolly teed up the raiding Liam Hughes and the latter finished with panache.

But the blue and white regained their two goal cushion on 65 minutes, when Michael Gallagher’s superlative finish from outside the box had too much purchase for the beaten McGurrin.

A doughty Ballyglass refused to give up the chase and the hosts set up a grandstand finish on 75 minutes, courtesy of a tidy goal by Jack Keane.

The red and white valiantly searched for the equaliser, and they went mightily close to forcing extra-time.

However, on 89 minutes, Salthill added a crucial fourth goal. A deadly counteroffensive move ended with Cole Connolly bearing down on goal, and despite seeing his initial effort parried by McGurrin, the former nonchalantly guided home the rebound.