Mayo League on the brink of Oscar Traynor Connaught glory

A win or draw against Roscommon will clinch the title and a place in national play-offs

MAYO League find themselves on the brink of Connaught glory as they face Roscommon in the final clash of the Oscar Traynor Cup group stage at Solar 21 Milebush Park, Castlebar, this Sunday.

The fixture, originally slated for December, was postponed due to an adverse weather warning that halted all football activities in Connaught.

A victory or even a draw will secure provincial supremacy against near neighbours Roscommon & District and would not only clinch the Connaught Oscar Traynor Provincial Cup but also guarantee Mayo a coveted home quarterfinal tie in the national play-offs.

Under the astute leadership of Joe Kelly, Mayo kicked off their campaign in splendid fashion with a narrow 1-0 triumph over Sligo/Leitrim League, courtesy of Darren Browne's first-half penalty.

This triumph set the tone for Mayo's subsequent remarkable 4-1 away victory against the Galway League, where Browne, alongside Ballyheane striker Ben Edeh, netted a hat-trick, solidifying Mayo's position as serious contenders.

A Roscommon & District League side has suffered two defeats, and a win would only salvage pride after an abysmal campaign that has seen them fail to score a single goal in their two matches against Galway and Sligo/Leitrim.

The stakes are high for Kelly’s men and the intensity on the field in Milebush on Sunday will be palpable as the two sides prepare to lock horns. The rivalry between both sides will be sure to ignite on the field.

Injury concerns loom over Mayo, with key figures like Benny Lavelle and Jordan Loftus facing uncertainties regarding their inclusion in the pivotal clash.

Lavelle's absence was felt in Ballina Town’s recent Connaught Cup encounter against Corrib Celtic, while Loftus exited the FAI Junior Cup clash for Castlebar Celtic against Pike Rovers due to injury.

The Christmas break gives hope that both of their injuries have had time to heal and the attacking duo make an appearance if necessary on Sunday to play for their county.

Despite the setbacks, Kelly's side has showcased its squad depth throughout the campaign, with the likes of youngster Harrison Quinn, Jordan Loftus and Jamie Cawley seamlessly stepping into pivotal roles at various stages.

Joe Kelly's faith in the younger cadre, including Oran Groarke, Cillian White and Adam Nugent, has proven pivotal in maintaining the team's momentum.

The defensive trio of Gary Cunningham, Ioseph O’Reilly and captain Cillian McGlade has been resolute, conceding only a single goal in the competition thus far.

Mayo, buoyed by the prospect of playing two crucial home games in the Connaught section, are eager to rally the home crowd at Solar 21 Park in their quest to become the inaugural winners of the Connaught Oscar Traynor Inter-provincial Cup.

Kick-off is scheduled for 2 p.m. this Sunday, January 14, in Solar 21 Park.