Mayo battle bravely to secure much-needed win against Kildare

Mayo secured the win that they needed to leave them with a chance of survival in Division 1 of the Lidl LGFA National League, defeating Kildare by 3-4 to 0-12 at Swinford Amenity Park on a cool, blustery afternoon.

Three first-half goals left Mayo in the driving seat at half-time as they took a five-point lead (3-3 to 0-7) into the dressing room.

It might have been expected that they would push on from there in the second half, especially as the wind would be more in their favour following the turnaround, but that's not quite how things worked out.

It wasn't for the want of trying for the youthful Mayo team but the scores just wouldn't come in that second half.

And after five minutes of added time, Kildare could have snatched a draw but for the intervention of the bar denying substitute Leah McGovern a point.

A draw would have consigned Mayo to relegation and confirmed Kildare's safety, but the win for Mayo changes things slightly going into the final round of games next weekend. Mayo still have a mathematical chance of staying up but it would take a particular set of results to make it happen.

They gained a foothold against Kildare in the first half with goals from Sinead Walsh (two) and Annie Gough from the penalty spot. Walsh scored three points as well, two from placed balls, but Kildare battled gamely and had seven points on the board by the break.

It looked good for Mayo when Walsh put them six ahead in the sixth minute of the second half but the scores dried up thereafter.

Before the third quarter was over Kildare had reduced the arrears to three (0-10 to 3-4), Lisa Shaw and Nessa Dooley (two, both frees) on target, and the deficit was just one with nine minutes still to play, Dooley and Aoife Murnane with the scores.

The visitors had chances to draw level but snatched at them, while Mayo had their opportunities as well and also miscued on a couple of occasions.

With some stubborn defending, Mayo bravely held on to secure the victory that leaves them with a chance, however slim, of staying in Division 1 for another season.

Mayo: J. Gawalkiewicz; L. Wallace, C. Durkan, S. El Massry; D. Caldwell, J. Mortimer, S. Lally; H. Reape, A. Geraghty; C. Doherty, E. Murray, B. Hession; A. Gough (1-0p), C. Keane, S. Walsh (2-4, 2f).

Subs used: E. Brennan, L. Hanley, C. Whyte, S. Delaney, N. Mooney, M. Cannon.

Kildare: M. Hulgraine; R. Sargent, L. Lenehan, E. Wheeler; M. Doherty, L. Dunlea, M. Aspel (0-1); C. Sullivan, G. Wheeler; C. Moran, A. Rattigan (0-1), N. Dooley (0-5, 3f); L. Shaw (0-1), E. Dowling (0-1f), R. Byrne (0-2).

Subs used: A. Murnane (0-1), L. Doran, A. Mahon, A. Prizeman, S. Galvin, L. Curran, L. McGovern.

Referee: A. Clogher (Roscommon).