Mayo women's league reaches halfway point
THE halfway point in the Eco-Powered Cabinets Mayo Women's League was reached this weekend, with Manulla top of the table in the Premier Division, Kiltimagh Knock United leading in Division One, and Snugboro United holding a five-point advantage in Division Two.
Manulla moved to top after a commanding 1-6 win away to Conn Rangers, where Clodagh Breslin had the consolation goal for the hosts. Tracey Hall (2), Hannah Prendergast (2), Katie Heaney and Anna May Clarke were on target for the winners.
Kilmore notched up their second win of the season having made the trek to Swinford, where Lauren McHale had them off the mark within a minute. Swinford captain Melissa Devaney cancelled that out 10 minutes later and it took until near full-time for the winner to materialise - Molly O'Connor driving home from the penalty spot for Kilmore.
With just 10 players at their disposal, Castlebar Town faced a tricky assignment away to Straide & Foxford. Trailing 3-0 at the break, they pulled a goal back soon after the restart, but Stephanie Loughney restored the S&F lead on 64 minutes, a second goal for Roisín Horkan 10 minutes from the end the only return for a battling Town.
DIVISION ONE
In Division One, Kiltimagh Knock United put an end to Castlebar Celtic's winning run, with a 1-3 result at the county town grounds.
Sarah Jane Kilcawley had a lovely finish for Celtic after 19 minutes in a gritty game that was real end to end. And when Mary Ann Ward got a deserved equaliser in the 42nd minute, KK were happy going in level at half-time.
Ward and Shona Mahon spearheaded a speedy KK attack, with goals for both in the 48th and 76th minutes, and were unlucky not to add another couple to their tally. Celtic, as always, posed a significant threat throughout, hitting the woodwork and seeing some super saves, but theirs was to be a frustrating outcome against a steely KK defence and hard-working young midfield.
A 3-2 tussle played out in Killala where visitors Westport United saw themselves coming out the wrong side of the result.
The game was level at half-time, one apiece, Ella McLoughlin with the opener for Killala after six minutes and Leila O'Malley equalising on 33. O'Malley had a second equaliser on 67 minutes after Alva Munnelly gave Killala the lead again.
There was to be a second goal for McLoughlin, seven minutes from time, to secure the points for the home side.
DIVISION TWO
The Division Two clash of Glenhest Rovers and Crossmolina saw the lead jumping back and forth in a six-goal thriller.
Crossmolina held a slender advantage at half-time, 1-2, with Rachel Bourke first off the mark and Ruth Queenan putting her side back in front after Milly Allen equalised for Rovers.
Glenhest were back on level terms on 55 minutes through Emily Chambers and then pushed ahead on 73 via Ciara McManamon. But substitute Danielle Kelly had the necessary impact for Crossmolina, popping up to put home the equaliser 10 minutes later as they shareed the points.
Next Friday evening, June 5, attention turns to the divisional cups - Rumley Cup, Mary Walsh Cup and Division 2 Cup.
RUMLEY CUP
Swinford v Manulla
Conn Rangers v Straide & Foxford United
Castlebar Town (bye)
Kilmore (bye)
MARY WALSH CUP
Killala v Kiltimagh Knock United
Castlebar Celtic v Ballina Town
Westport United (bye)
Ballinrobe Town (bye)
DIVISION 2 CUP
Crossmolina v Glenhest Rovers
Ballyvary BB (bye)
Snugboro United (bye)
Achill Rovers (bye)