Mayo thoughts must now turn to shot at title

MAYO'S thoughts must surely be turning to a crack at the Allianz National League title following a third win on the bounce, beating Cavan by 1-13 to 0-11 at Castlebar.

Cavan provided stern opposition before a crowd of 10,000 at Elverys MacHale Park where the wind and rain stayed away.

James Horan has to be a happy man with his side's third win in three games - but also with giving young players the chance to show their wares.

However it was the old guard who pulled Mayo through this game, Ger Cafferkey turning in a superb performance at full back and Aiden O'Shea a huge presence in the second half as was Diarmuid O'Connor.

Mayo led by 1-7 to 0-7 at the break, but the goal was somewhat controversial.

A high ball by Matthew Ruane was caught by the Cavan goalkeeper before Evan Regan thundered in over the top to dislodge the ball from the custodian's grasp and direct it into the net.

Cavan battled gamely but just lacked the requisite finishing power. Their cause was not helped when they lost a key man for 10 minutes as Stephen Murray picked up a second yellow card.

By that stage Mayo had established a 1-11 to 0-9 lead with back to back points by substitutes Donal Vaughan and Brian Reape with Lee Keegan and Diarmuid O'Connor also registering important points.

It all contributed to leaving Mayo in a confident mood ahead of their trip to Croke Park to meet Dublin in two weeks time.

Mayo: D. Clarke, S. Coen, G. Cafferkey, K. Higgins, L. Keegan (0-1), M. Plunkett, P. Durcan, D. O’Connor (0-1), M. Ruane, F. McDonagh (0-1), A. O’Shea (0-1, mark), J. Doherty (0-3, 3f ), E. Regan (1-2, 2f), A. Moran (0-2), C. Moran.

Subs used: B. Reape (0-1) for C. Moran (41) D. Vaughan (0-1) for Ruane (44), K. McLoughlin for F. McDonagh (57) J. McCormack for Coen (56), K. Treacy for A Moran (68).

Cavan: R. Galligan (0-1, 1f), J. McLoughlin, P. Faulkner, S. Murray, N. Murray (0-1), C. Brady, C. Rehill (0-2), P. Graham, K. Clarke, C. Mackey, D. McVeety (0-2), M/ Reilly, J. Brady (0-3, 3f), T. Galligan, C. Madden (0-1).

Subs used: C .Moynihan (0-1) for T. Gavigan (ht), N. McKiernan for N. Murray (58), O. Pierson for J. Brady (64). N. Clerkin for Mackey (65).

Referee: A Nolan (Wicklow).