Ballyglass are beginning to rediscover the magic touch which brought them such richness in last season's Guinness F.A.I. Junior Cup.

The Mayo kingpins, who wrote themselves in the history books by reaching the semi-final of the series in the 1997\98 campaign, produced a glorious performance in the rain to put paid to the challenge of Roscommon Town in a fifth round clash at Ballyglass on Sunday.

Manager Jarlath Moran made just one change from the side which was fortunate to overcome Charlestown Athletic in the previous road.

John Noonan, who emerged as the game's most industrious personality, replaced the injured Kevin Connolly in attack. Joe Glynn retained his place in the centre of midfield alongside the in-form, Ray Prendergast, despite the availability of Paul Connolly who has completed a two-match suspension.

Joe Reapy remains on the sideline with injury, but he is expected to return to action in the coming weeks along with the aforementioned Kevin Connolly, Kenny Staunton and Michael Kelly, who has returned from Australia.

There is a school of thought within the game in the county that Ballyglass cannot hope to emulate their achievements of last season by continuing to play Martin Vahey in defence rather than his preferred attacking role where his pace and finishing power are crucial.

It will be interesting to see how the debate develops in the coming weeks as Ballyglass prepare to take on opposition from outside the Connaught region when limited scoring opportunities in games must be exploited.

Castlebar referee John O'Brien was happy to allow the match proceed despite an incessant downpour, much to the disappointment of the visitors who turned up with only ten players.

Ballyglass were quick off the mark with a stunning goal after just ten minutes. John Stagg, a relative newcomer to the side, cut in from the wing before sliding past two defender and planting the ball into a corner of the net. Ironically, he had missed an even better opportunity moments earlier.

Although the home side dominated most of the opening half with the wind at their backs, they failed to create another clear-cut chance following Stagg's strike.

But they were in far more lethal form in front of goal in the second half, and killed off the game with two magnificent finishes by Stephen Ring during an eight minute spell.

Both of Ring's goals were created by John Noonan's skilful crossing ability from the right. The first of them came on the hour when Noonan glided past defender Cathal Dempsey before laying off the ball precisely for Ring to finish in style.

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