Mayo Under 21 League round-up

The eagerly anticipated Under 21 League kicked-off this morning as competitive action resumed in the Mayo League for the first time since last October.

A huge derby took place in Carramore as Manulla proved too strong for Castlebar Celtic as they claimed all three points after a 3-0 win even though it was far from the comfortable win that the score line suggests. Darragh Byrne, Sean Corcoran and Aiden Dunleavy were on target for Manulla but they had their keeper Brian O’Flaherty to thank as he made not one, but two penalty saves to earn his side an opening day win.

Another two of the favourites met at CMS Park as Kiltimagh/Knock United hosted Conn Rangers. Evan Reape opened the scoring for Rangers, but the goal was quickly cancelled out as Jack O’Connor levelled matters from the penalty spot minutes later after he was fouled in the box. It remained level at the break, but Eoin Prendergast had Conn Rangers back in front within five minutes of the restart only for Kiltimagh/Knock to ensure they took a share of the spoils as Matthew Leadbetter fired in their crucial second goal.

In the other game in Division One Claremorris held on to take the three points as they overcame Glenhest Rovers by two goals to one. Adam Vahey and Nathan Ring found the net for the East Mayo side while Eoin McNulty got the Glenhest goal.

In Division Two Ballinrobe Town made their return to Mayo League action, but they came up against an excellent Swinford side that were too strong for them on the day as they recorded a 5-2 win at James McEvaddy Park. Callum Cairns scored twice while Cian Redington, Jonathon Sweeney and Daniel Molloy also found the net while keeper Cian Campbell was the hero at the other end with a penalty save. Connor Ryan scored both goals for Ballinrobe who will face Conn Rangers C next time out on Thursday week.

- Report by the Mayo Football League

*Full match reports for Manulla v Castlebar Celtic and Swinford v Ballinrobe Town in tomorrow's print edition.