Agony as Mayo lose out in Gaynor Cup quarterfinal

By Michael Collins

MAYO lost out agonisingly in their Gaynor Cup quarterfinal against Midlands this afternoon.

Playing with the wind, Mayo had their first chance in the opening minute when Sive Flanagan delivered a free from her half that Ava Mitchell just failed to get on the end of. In a repeat of this scenario a minute later, the linesman's flag cut it short.

Midlands had their first chance on seven minutes go over the bar before Anna Burton had a strong run and worked the 'keeper.

Emily Coleman proved that old Bob Paisley ditty about the right ball when she brilliantly got on the end of a long pass to fire Mayo ahead with 23 minutes on the clock. Midlands almost immediately got parity but Mayo 'keeper Aoibheann McGreal made a stunning save with her foot.

Caoimhe O'Donnell saw her well hit effort go just too high, Burton was again denied by the 'keeper, and both Mitchell and Anna Meaney were uncompromising in their challenges. Burton had another half chance and Mitchell fired over as the first half came to a conclusion.

Emily Coleman was most unfortunate after a fantastic dribble and snap shot which the 'keeper just about got saved on the line. She was even more unlucky in the 42nd minute when her brilliant strike came back off the bar.

Mayo were made rue those chances when a fantastic move up the left by Midlands ended with their equaliser, and nine minutes of normal time left.

McGreal pulled off the save of the match down to her left at the expense of a corner as we entered stoppage time. Although Mayo cleared the corner, another piece of intricate passing football saw Midlands claim their second goal, which would prove to be the winner.

Mayo will look back on this game and wonder, having dominated for 50 of the 60 minutes, how they lost it. Jimmy Greaves opined a long time ago that it is a funny old game.

Mayo have to dust themselves down now and play a placing match at 11 in the morning.