Manulla's day in Milebush

IT took just a single goal to decide the outcome of the Connacht Gold Super Cup in Manulla's favour today at Milebush Park in Castlebar.

That goal came after about a quarter of an hour, when Declan Tonra rose highest to head a Conor Byrne corner past Westport United goalkeeper Gary Cunningham with some power.

Manulla were full value for the lead and were fairly comfortable in maintaining it until half-time. The defence did come under pressure, as would be expected against the league champions, but, led by the excellent Cillian McGlade, they kept all advances at bay.

The second half was even more of a challenge for the Manulla rearguard but again they stood firm, with bodies flying all over the place to prevent Westport from scoring.

There were a few close calls, however. Westport substitute Mark McNally met a Danny Scahill cross with a fine header but Manulla 'keeper James Jennings made a superb save, while another United sub, Vinny O'Malley, headed against the bar, and that was after a third replacement, Pat Moran, had a close-range effort blocked on the line by Keelan McDonnell.

It was just one of those days for Westport, who looked a little off-key for the first half and couldn't quite get the ball over the line when the performance improved in the second.

Take nothing away from Manulla though; they are deserved Connacht Gold Super Cup champions for 2015.