Extra-time drama in Mayo Women’s Cup Final

Manulla were crowned the Mayo Women’s Cup champions on Sunday afternoon following a 3-1 extra-time victory over a gallant Killala side.

The pitch at Michael Keaveney Park, Ballyglass, was in pristine condition and this led to a fast paced and entertaining contest.

Premier Division champions Manulla may have been many people’s pre-match favourites; however, Killala weathered the early storm, and the plucky north Mayo side pounced for the lead goal on 10 minutes courtesy of Alva Munnelly.

Increasing first half pressure from Manulla almost forced the equaliser just before the interval, however, Anna Mae Clarke’s snapshot produced an outstanding save from Emma Munnelly in the Killala goal.

Manulla’s second half persistence paid dividends on 57 minutes, when Laura Regan’s perfectly placed header rustled the back of the net.

The white and blue very nearly snatched the lead goal on 75 minutes, when a weaving and tricky run from the influential Stacey Freyne saw the midfielder instigate a scoring opportunity for herself inside the box, but her strike flew just inches over the crossbar.

At the other end, Killala almost pinched a dramatic winner, however, Zuzanna Patyk was most unlucky to see her strike fly across the face of goal and wide.

Neither side could muster a winner, and extra-time was required to see who would get their hands on the prestigious silverware.

Manulla began the extra-time period at a whirlwind pace, and they nudged in front on 92 minutes, courtesy of the hard-working Nicole Ryan.

One minute later, Manulla added the insurance goal. Tracey Hall collected possession just inside the box and her cross-cum-shot deceived Emma Munnelly and the ball fortuitously ended up in the back of the net.

Overall, Manulla were deserving victors and the Carramore outfit can add the Mayo Cup to their trophy cabinet alongside the Premier Division title.