Battling Mayo hurlers defeated in Derry

Mayo are still without a win in Division 2 of the Allianz National Hurling League following defeat in Derry on Saturday afternoon, the home side winning on a scoreline of 2-25 to 0-21, writes Brian Gillespie.

It follows on from an encouraging draw away to London last week after the opening weekend saw Ray Larkin's men well defeated by a strong Laois side.

As if buoyed by the London result six days earlier, Mayo started well in Derry. An even first quarter in Celtic Park ended with Mayo two ahead (0-8 to 0-6), but that was as good as it got for the westerners.

The second quarter was all about Derry, who tacked on 2-6 to just 0-3 in reply. The goals, both scored by Shea Cassidy, were marked by contrast. The first, on 27 minutes, came at the end of a patient build-up, with Deaghlan Foley and Eamon Cassidy combining, the latter supplying the pass to his brother who showed good composure to work the space and fire to the net past Kevin Duffy, the Mayo 'keeper.

For the second, scored in the 33th minute, Cassidy showed a poacher's instinct. Whether or not the delivery by Cormac O'Doherty was going to creep over the bar or not we'll never know but Duffy chose to intervene, with Cassidy pouncing on the loose sliotar to crack it to the net.

Cormac Phillips, Mayo's top scorer on the day, had the final say in the half with a pointed free but his team trailed by seven (0-11 to 2-12) at the break.

Mayo tried valiantly in the second period but every time they made a move, Derry responded to keep them at arm's length. The 10-point victory was no more than the hosts deserved, and it leaves Mayo with plenty to do if they hope to maintain their Division 2 status into next year.

Responding to the defeat, Mayo manager Ray Larkin said: “I thought we started really well but two unlucky goals set the tempo in the first half. But we're still building. These are the games you want to play. We'll take something out of it and move on.

“I think we have a three-week break now before we go again. Hopefully we'll have three weeks of hard training and we'll be in a better place by then.”

*See Tuesday's print edition for a full report and reaction