Connaught champions win convincingly in UK

MAYO secured safe passage through to the Connaught senior football championship semi-final against Galway in three weeks' time with a 2-16 to 0-9 victory over London in Ruislip this afternoon.

A black card for Cillian O'Connor in the seventh minute was an early setback but despite a slow start to the game, the Connaught champions were well in command by half-time, leading 2-8 to 0-5.

Conor Loftus, who came on for the Mayo captain following the black card, scored the first goal while Jason Doherty netted the second to open out a commanding lead.

The third quarter was Mayo's poorest but the introduction of new blood gave them the shot in the arm they needed, Andy Moran in particular making a big impact with two points from play. It was a memorable day for the Ballaghaderreen man, who has now made appearances (133) than anyone in a Mayo jersey.

Championship debutant Evan Regan finished the game as Mayo's top scorer, his five frees buttressed with two great scores from play, one in either half.

For London, Adrian Moyles and Liam Gavaghan landed some memorable points but once they had fallen behind they found it difficult to eat into the gap Mayo had created.

Mayo's Connaught semi-final against Galway will take place at Elverys MacHale Park, Castlebar, on Saturday, June 18.