Heartbreaking defeat for Mayo FC
Mayo FC suffered a heartbreaking 3-2 defeat at the hands of TU Dublin in Group 2 of the National League, at Umbro Park Milebush.
Mayo FC led 2-0 at half-time, however, the visitors launched a plucky second half comeback which culminated in Adam Mulhall netting the winner for the Metropolitans two minutes from the end of normal time.
There was a tentative opening to this contest with no real pattern to the game during the opening quarter, yet the Mayo FC duo of Ben Edeh and Darragh Forde were always trying to find that vital pocket of space and unlock the TU Dublin defence.
Mayo settled, and they almost fashioned a spectacular lead goal on 18 minutes when Guga Kokaia’s inviting corner-kick found the hovering Connor McCarthy, however, the latter’s audacious backheel clipped the post.
Ten minutes later, the visitors very nearly snatched the lead when Adam Mulhall’s cross found Leo Crabb, whose glancing header was just inches wide.
Mayo FC continued to press, and they deservedly pinched the lead on 26 minutes. Darragh Forde collected possession on the wing and his telling cross found McCarthy and the latter’s header rippled the back of the net, much to the delight of the vocal home supporters.
Just before the break, the green and red extended their advantage courtesy of a superbly taken free kick by James McGrath.
Following the half-time pep-talks, TU Dublin made the dream start to the second period and they pegged a goal back on 47 minutes through Leo Crabb.
Mayo FC could have regained their two-goal cushion on 64 minutes, but after making a neat swivel, McCarthy’s goal-bound effort was denied by Jamie Gamble in the TU Dublin goal.
The visitors then upped the tempo, and they capitalised on a Mayo error on 71 minutes, with Alex Fallon on hand to retore parity for the Dublin side.
The reminder of the game was delicately poised, however, on 88 minutes Adam Mulhall netted what proved to be the winning goal for TU Dublin.
Mayo had very little time to regroup and TU Dublin held on to claim the spoils.