Mayo got their LGFA National Football League Division One campaign back on track this afternoon. In a match played in windy conditions at Swinford Amenity Park the Mayo women got the better of Westmeath, winning out on an unusual scoreline of 0-10 to 2-0.
The visitors failed to bag a single point in the entire match, in which they were still scoreless at half-time. By then Mayo had moved four points clear.
A goal right after the restart brought the Lake County back into it but the home side responded well, hitting five points on the bounce before Westmeath bagged their second goal, this one coming from the penalty spot.
Mayo had the last word, however, with a free by Rachel Kearns – who notched eight of her side’s scores – closing out the win on a scoreline of 0-10 to 2-0.
Match report by Michael Gallagher for Ladies Football is here.
The win keeps Peter Leahy’s side in the hunt for a place in the League final. They remain in third spot in the table, three points off Galway and Cork who are now tied at the top.
Galway had an easy win over Tipperary today but Donegal fairly set the cat among the pigeons this afternoon with a shock win over Cork. From our perspective, however, things haven’t really changed – two win from their final two games will be required to seal the county’s place in this year’s League decider.
Mayo ladies certainly know how to keep a match interesting for spectators even when they are well on top. It was only when Rachel Kearns started hitting frees off the ground that they began to pull away but then they managed to concede two goals completely against the run of play. Both sides missed lots of chances on a very difficult day with strong wind and blustery showers. But there is fight in those Mayo girls and they will not be easily pushed over. Interesting that both they and the men have crucial games against Galway coming up in the next few weeks.