Soccer
1 July 1998

Ballyheane hopes take a surprise nosedive

Lacken United 3 . . . . Ballyheane 2

Ballyheane suffered a serious setback in their bid for a first even Mayo League Premier Division title when they suffered their second defeat of the series at the hands of a spirited Lacken United side at Belleek Park, Ballina, on Sunday.

The result moved Lacken up to fourth place in the table, four points behind leaders Castlebar Celtic.

The match was decided during a dramatic period midway through the second half. Lacken had just taken a 2-1 head when Ballyheane were awarded a penalty for a foul on Lacken's John Lavin.

But Brian Donnelly's spot-kick was saved by Paul O'Boyle, who had started in attack and scored but replaced Sean Forde between the posts at the beginning of the second half.

Immediately following the vital save, Lacken produced an attack which led to their third goal through John Clarke, a score which virtually killed off the Ballyheane challenge.

Ballyheane, missing a number of key players, launched a bold late charge. A second goal from Kieran Heneghan was the best they could achieve.

The sides had been deadlocked 1-1 at half-time. Paul O'Boyle opened Lacken's account with Kieran Heneghan responding for Ballyheane.

Lacken probably deserved to win the game on the basis of their second half performance, but Ballyheane's missed penalty was the turning point.

United hope to resolve their goalkeeping problems with the signing of John Madden, the former Mayo GAA star.

A former player with the club, Lacken hope to press him into action for next Saturday evening's clash away to Erris United in what is expected to be an exciting North Mayo derby.

Lacken United: S. Forde, B. Horan, J. Lavin, P.J. Horan, D. Lavin, O. Clarke, V. Clarke, J. Clarke, P. Tighe, B. Forde, P. O'Boyle. Subs: D. Collins (for S. Forde); D. Loughney (for B. Horan).

Ballyheane: S. Fahy, J. Kelly, B. Heneghan, P. Bourke, C. Connolly, B. Donnelly, B. Henry, K. Heneghan, P. Joyce, M. Kilcourse. Subs: A. Skeffington and N. Donnelly (both used).

Ref: M. Walsh (Castlebar).

* Star Rating: Paul O'Boyle. . .striker turned goalkeeper made match-winning save.

Castlebar Celtic 1 . . . . . Manulla 0

BY TOM KELLY. . .AT CELTIC PARK

It is premature, on this offering at least, to start talking about Castlebar Celtic in terms of potential Mayo League Premier Division champions.

In a game which rarely emerged beyond the lethargic, it was a case of the result being more important than the performance as far as Celtic were concerned. The champagne football must wait for another day, it would seem.

The bottom line, however, was that they opened up a three point gap at the top of the table with a narrow victory over Manulla.

A headed goal by Keith Hopkins just before the half-time interval proved decisive in a match of sub-standard quality.

Hopkins directed the ball sweetly into the net following a splendid corner-kick delivery from Steve Gavin, the game's most influential figure.

Scoring opportunities were limited in the opening half, and Celtic attacker Shane Kenny was guilty of fluffing a golden chance with Manulla goalkeeper, Walter Barrett, at his mercy.

Powerful midfielder John Flannery went closest at the other end when his 30 yards snap shot rebounded off the woodwork.

Manulla went within an ace of equalising in the early moments of the second half when Gary Heneghan was put clean through. But his finish was expertly parried by Celtic goalkeeper, Niall Gallagher.

Tom Cunnaune also had a clear-cut chance of equalising for Manulla, but he blasted his attempt wide of the target.

Celtic took command after that, with the skill and control of Gavin causing all kinds of problems for the Manulla defence. But Celtic lacked a striker with the killer instinct to finish off the numerous chances Gavin created.

Kevin Boyle had the most glaring miss of all in the dying moments after doing everything right to play himself into a point_blank scoring position.

With both sides below full strength for one reason or another, it was hardly a surprise the affair failed to reach the heights of a classic.

But Celtic's energy, enthusiasm and enterprise are bound to prove big factors in the title race, while Manulla will take a lot of points because of their sheer commitment and perseverence.

Those who took the trouble of turning up at Celtic Park on Sunday were treated to a superb individual performance by local star, Steve Gavin.

His first touch, control, sheer speed of feet, vision and awareness were a pleasure to watch. It will be a surprise if he fails to make the breakthrough in the National League with Bohemians next season. I will eat my proverbial hat if he doesn't!

And taking of players making progress, Manulla's Mark Basquill has developed into a defender with immense strength and solid technique. He is as good as there is around the local game at the moment.

Castlebar Celtic: N. Gallagher, R. Berkeley, B. McNulty, B. Redmond, A. O'Brien, K. Hopkins, S. Kenny, S. Reilly, J. Canning, K. O'Boyle, S. Gavin.

Manulla: W. Barrett, M. Basquill, T. Cunnaune, D. McDonnell, M. Costello, G. Heneghan, J. Flannery, D. Walsh, G. Heneghan, R. Clarke, I. Tonra.

Ref: M. Walsh (Castlebar).

* Star Rating: Steve Gavin. . .different class, different league.  

Connaught Telegraph - News & Sport - July 1998