Mayo minors fall a little bit short in quest to reach All-Ireland decider

Mayo's unbeaten run in the All-Ireland Minor Football Championshp came to an end at the semi-final stages as they were beaten 0-16 to 1-6 by Armagh in Glennon Brothers Pearse Park, Longford, this evening.

Despite getting off to the best possible start with an early goal by Andrew Quinn, Mayo were never able to shake Armagh off in the opening half and had to be content with parity at the break, the scoreboard reading 1-4 to 0-7.

The Connacht champions had had two let-offs during the first half as well, as both Daithi O'Callaghan and Fionn Toale hit the woodwork at different stages.

Armagh powered on in the second half, restricting Mayo to just two points while scoring nine of their own, including six in succession that really put them in command.

Mayo needed a goal but never really threatened one, and Armagh secured passage through to a final meeting with Derry with relative ease in the end.

Mayo: N. Roddy; C. Coghill, T. Hession, D. Butler; D. Hurley, M. Noonan, M. Sheerin; J. Moyles, O. Loughney; H. McHale, K. McDonald (0-3, 2f), D. Flynn; B. Langan, O. Deane (0-2), A. Quinn (1-0).

Subs used: C. Kavanagh, J. Forry, E. Walsh, J. O’Malley (0-1), F. Ó Cinnseala.

Armagh: M. Finnerty; T. Fox, G. O’Rourke, C. Wilson; F. Toole, S. Woods, D. O’Rourke (0-2); J. Loughran, D. O’Callaghan (0-2); R. Marsden, J. McCooe (0-1), K. McEntee; F. Toale (0-1), E. Duffy (0-4, 1f, 1m), S. Loughran (0-4).

Subs used: A. Garvey (0-2), O. Cribben, A. McGrane, D. McGee.

Referee: J. Hayes (Limerick).