Mayo FC's Guga Kokaia in action against Babatunde Animashaun of St Francis during the FAI National League match. PHOTO: PAUL PHELAN/SPORTSFILE.

Edeh strike gives Mayo FC winning start in new National League

Caoimhin Rowland

Published: Sat 29 Aug 2026, 7:19 PM

Last updated: Sat 29 Aug 2026, 7:23 PM

Mayo FC 1

St. Francis 0

Umbro Park

MAYO FC marked a day of firsts with a 1-0 win over St. Francis in their FAI National League game at Umbro Park this evening.

St. Francis fashioned the better of the early chances, Sean McManus going close from distance inside the first 10 minutes.

Mayo settled through Connor McCarthy, but the striker's debut ended after 20 minutes when he went down with a leg injury.

Manager Anthony O'Neill was forced into an early change, sending on Neale native Darragh Forde in his place.

The green and red took the lead on 31 minutes.

Gary Armstrong played in Ben Edeh, the former Ballyheane FC striker, and he slotted the ball past goalkeeper Mark Devereux.

Ben Edeh of Mayo, right, celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during the FAI National League match between Mayo and St Francis at Umbro Park in Castlebar, Mayo. PHOTO: PAUL PHELAN/SPORTSFILE. Photo by Paul Phelan / SPORTSFILE

Edeh's pace had been electric throughout, and Mayo went in at the break a goal to the good.

The second half belonged to Mayo.

Forde was central to everything the home side did down the right, repeatedly working his way through the St. Francis defensive block.

Mayo's afternoon took a turn on 62 minutes when Zach Donohue was sent off for a second yellow card, leaving the home side to see out the closing stages with 10 men.

Zach Donohue of St Francis is shown a red card from by referee Mark Kennedy during the FAI National League match between Mayo and St Francis at Umbro Park in Castlebar. PHOTO: PAUL PHELAN/SPORTSFILE. Photo by Paul Phelan / SPORTSFILE

Forde won a penalty five minutes later with another dangerous run inside, but Aidan Coyle's spot kick cannoned off the crossbar and over the bar.

St. Francis had a late sight of goal from a corner, Jack Savage's delivery met by Abdurraham Bouderbala, but his header drifted wide.

It proved to be the last action of note as Mayo FC held on in front of almost a thousand supporters for the club's first-ever win, and first-ever game, in the new FAI National League.

Full match report and reaction inside Tuesday's edition of the Connaught Telegraph.