Manulla go two clear at top of Mayo Women's Football League

MANULLA have jumped to top spot in the Mayo Women's Football League following a 6-4 win over Swinford at McEvaddy Park on Friday evening.

Both sides went into the tie very much looking for the win - Manulla to go two points clear of Castlebar Town, the home team to stay in touch with the two ahead of them.

On an evening that saw heavy showers and ended in sunshine, it was Manulla who lived more up to their aspirations in that first half, with Jess Nolan very much involved in the action. She provided the assist for Katie Gibbons to get the first goal before tacking on two of her own.

Sandwiched in between was an OG where a clearance looped high and over the Manulla 'keeper, but Manulla finished the half 4-1 ahead courtesy of Niamh Flannery.

Swinford opened the second half pressing for goals, and registered two of three goals scored in a five-minute period, the second a penalty struck home by Erin Murphy on 58 minutes after Manulla's Flannery had her second goal of the evening on 56, responding to a Swinford strike on 53 minutes.

Flannery completed her hat-trick with 20 minutes left, with Melissa Devanny getting the game's final score for Swinford in the 84th minute as they battled to get something from the match.

The second Premier Division game of the weekend featured two sides at the bottom end of the table, with Kiltimagh Knock United enjoying a comfortable 6-1 win at home over Conn Rangers.

A pleasing aspect of the KK performance was that scores came from a number of boots, Ellen Boyle leading the way with a hat-trick, with Shona Mahon, Grainne Collins and Abby Sweeney also hitting the net.

Conn rued a number of missed chances, and finding KK captain Elaine Duffy in inspired form in goal, their sole score coming on 76 minutes via Chloe Stadler.

Two First Division ties were played on Friday evening with Straide & Foxford continuing their excellent run of form, winning 2-1 against Kilmore, and Ballinrobe Town drawing 2-2 with Killala.

Kilmore took the lead down by the Moy with an Annie Lynskey goal from the penalty spot on 21 minutes.

Two quick goals on 62 and 64 minutes from Stephanie Loughney and Natasha Gaughan made the three points secure for S&F, who now hold a five-point lead over Ballinrobe on the table.

Ballinrobe twice led in their joust with Killala, Lisa Geraghty with the only goal of the first half.

Alva Munnelly levelled matters on 53 before Sarah Gibbons made it 2-1 to Town on 70 minutes. It turned out to be a short-lived lead, with Munnelly netting a minute later, and the sides ultimately sharing the spoils.

RESULTS

Swinford 4-6 Manulla

S&F 2-1 Kilmore

Ballinrobe 2-2 Killala

Kiltimagh Knock 6-1 Conn Rangers

NEXT UP

The bank holiday weekend is a cup weekend, with the Mayo Women's Cup semi-finals down for decision on Friday evening at 7.15 p.m.

Swinford will host Castlebar Town, with Straide & Foxford hosting Manulla.