Mayo Oscar Traynor team eye final spot for first time since 1981

MAYO League are one game away from an All-Ireland final as they travel to Athlone Town FC (Lissywoollen) today (Sunday, k.o. 4 p.m.) in an all Connaught semi-final in the Oscar Traynor Cup.

Joe Kelly’s side will have to beat old foes Sligo/Leitrim in the last four if they want to advance to a historic cup final.

Mayo have already beaten their near rivals this season, when a 1-0 victory in the group stages brought success to the green and red, but since then Sligo/Leitrim have grown in confidence, throwing up a surprise to defeat Wexford in the quarterfinals.

Mayo peppered Sligo/Leitrim with shots on that occasion but were also susceptible at the back. The loss of Cillian Redmond to injury will be a blow to the side, but last minute call-up Mark Cunningham of Castlebar Celtic will add much needed energy, bite and youthfulness to an experienced Mayo League back line consisting of stalwart Ioseph O’Reilly, Westport United’s Cillian McGlade and wonder goal scoring full-back Andrew Shally.

Oran Groarke missed out on Connacht inter-provincial clash last weekend with a concussion but has resumed training and will be in contention for a starting spot.

All players will have had cup clashes to progress through this weekend and barring any major surprises or tragedies it will be a same-look Mayo League side that has already advanced to the semi-final in impressive fashion.

Stevie Gavin stated in pre-season that Jordan Loftus will be unavailable for much of the start of the season, but reports are circulating that the former Sligo Rovers attacker may be fit for Mayo League’s clash against Sligo/Leitrim.

Even for 30 minutes he would add greatly to an impressive Mayo League attack that has relied heavily on goals from Ben Edeh during the campaign.

The talented Ballyheane FC attacker will attract a lot of focus against Mayo’s northern neighbours at the weekend.

After overcoming the odds in getting this far into the Oscar Traynor Cup, Mayo League will be confident of getting one over Sligo/Leitrim once more but will fear complacency ahead of what will be a cracking afternoon’s football.

Donegal and Waterford are on the other side of the draw, but Joe Kelly has formed a strong squad to challenge anyone in the country.

Athlone Town’s home stadium in the heart of Ireland is the location for both semi-final games.

The last time Mayo reached the final of the competition was 1981 when they lost to the Leinster Senior League in the final in Dublin.