Mayo in Final of George Best Cup

• Jul 18,2010

It was an important day for Mayo today as they bid to progress to the final of the George Best Community Cup. They started off against Bohemians in Short's ground and from the outset, they were up against better opposition. Mayo did have opportunities, while Bohemians were threatening themselves in a first half that did not see any goal but played at a good tempo.

The second half saw Mayo breaking the deadlock with Michael Corrigan finishing off a good Mayo move. Bohemians came close with a header before Conor Byrne made it 2-0 with a spectacular cross cum shot. Mayo were in cruise control at this point and were awarded a penalty following a trip on Cormac Rushe. Jamie Fallon struck home his spot kick following protests from the Dublin club. Mayo wrapped up the match in style when Stephen Coen set up Leeroy Nevin to finish off calmly like the proverbial hitman. It was enough for Mayo to set up a semi final encounter against Loughgall.

Mayo: Conor O'Malley, Martin Owens, Padraig Keane, Andrew Shally, James O'Donnell, Conor Byrne, James Stretton, Andrew Peters, Cormac Rushe, Michael Corrigan, Jamie Fallon (Capt.). Subs: Stephen Coen-Michael Corrigan, Diarmuid O'Connor-Cormac Rushe, Leeroy Nevin-Andrew Peters.

The semi final, played at Dundela's ground, turned out to be quite a bruising encounter as Loughgall went in with thunderous tackles, with Michael Corrigan singled out for some rough treatment early on. Conor Byrne volleyed Mayo into the lead early on before the heavy challenges rumbled in. Loughall caused Mayo a number of problems before netting an equaliser. The half was on tenderhooks until Conor Byrne put Mayo back in front with an excellent left foot finish.

Loughgall nearly equalised early in the second half with a effort that hit the post, but Mayo went 3-1 up when Michael Corrigan rounded the keeper and slotted the ball home. Mayo had chances to put the game further beyond doubt but Loughgall came back strongly and did manage to pull a goal back near the end. Mayo then held out for a famous victory and are now playing Dundalk in the George Best Community Cup Final tomorrow afternoon in The Oval in Belfast with kick off at 2:30. It promises to be a good game and the squad and management are excited at the prospect of a cracking final and the few supporters that travelled up to Belfast hope that the lads do Mayo proud, win, lose or draw.

Mayo: Conor O'Malley, Martin Owens, Andrew Shally, Padraig Keane, James O'Donnell, Cormac Rushe (Capt.), Andrew Peters, James Stretton, Conor Byrne, Michael Corrigan, Stephen Coen. Subs: Jamie Fallon-Michael Corrigan, Leroy Nevin-Andrew Peters, Diarmuid O'Connor-Cormac Rushe, Jack Feeney-Conor Byrne.