Defending Mayo Super League champions maintain pole position

Defending Super League champions Castlebar Celtic recorded a resounding 5-1 victory against Ballyheane at Celtic Park to bridge a three-point cushion over second placed Westport United. Castlebar Celtic will host Westport this Sunday in what is expected to be a blockbuster showdown.

Castlebar began the tie against Ballyheane in a sprightly fashion, however, the visitors almost snatched the lead after 12 minutes, but Nathan Reilly Doyle just failed to connect properly with a good delivery.

Ballyheane’s Reilly Doyle almost scored on 21 minutes, but his close-range effort was brilliantly blocked by Jospeh O’Reilly.

On 29 minutes, the hosts seized the initiative, when a mazy run by Daniel Ajenipa ended with the busy winger applying an excellent finish to the back of the net.

The visitors regrouped and they thought they had levelled proceedings on 31 minutes, however, Ben Edeh’s close-range finish was ruled out for offside.

A brave Ballyheane tried their level best to get back into the game, but just two minutes before the interval Jason Hunt doubled the ‘Hoops’ lead much to the delight of the vocal home supporters.

Six minutes into the new half, Ballyheane reduced the arrears, when a sweeping counteroffensive move ended with Reilly Doyle rippling the back of Stefan Hester’s net.

Celtic though, were eager to extend their lead and the deadly duo of Ajenipa and Dylan Felle combined on 57 minutes, and the latter applied a simple close-range finish.

The game was effectively ended as a contest on 69 minutes courtesy of Fionn McHale’s close-range finish, which mustered a three-goal cushion for his team-mates.

Four minutes later, Castlebar added their fifth and final goal of the contest. A delightful through ball from Mark Cunningham set-up Ajenipa and the latter guided home an excellent finish.