Galway have ground to make up after latest league defeat

Mayo 2-5

By DARREN KELLY AT DUGGAN PARK

WHILE nobody will be pressing the panic button, Galway suffered their second successive defeat in the Ladies National Football League on Saturday as two Lisa Cafferky goals ensured Mayo left Ballinasloe with the three points on offer.

The Tribeswomen played their way back from a four-point deficit with three consecutive scores but when Roisin Leonard had a free with 15 seconds left to rescue a draw, unfortunately for Galway, the effort tailed just left of the posts.

It leaves the maroon and white joint bottom of Division 1 along with Dublin and Waterford on zero points. But with two teams relegated by the LGFA this year, a result away to Armagh on Sunday (Athletic Grounds, 2pm) is needed to keep league aspirations intact.

That being said, new manager Daniel Moynihan has dealt from a lighter deck against Cork and Mayo. He kept faith in the same starting 15 that showed just six survivors from last year’s All-Ireland quarter-final loss to their Connacht rivals.

The Kilkerrin/Clonberne players that make up approximately one quarter of the overall squad are due back soon. If not this Sunday, then definitely for what could be a relegation six-pointer away to Dublin on February 18.

Galway won’t be thinking about that at the moment as the priority is to provide game time for new and fringe players. But being their only home game from the first block of three, this was a result worth targeting.

From the throw-in and with the wind, things began perfectly when Mairéad Glynn took possession and sent Leanne Coen on the run. Her pass found Shauna Hynes who was fouled and Aoife O’Rourke slotted over the free.

However, Galway didn’t score again for 13 minutes and two Maria Cannon placed balls overturned the deficit for Mayo. But the hosts weren’t without chances which ultimately cost them, including 11 wides. They also had three goal opportunities even if one looked over the line.

Pictured: Galway's Kate Geraghty breaking out of defence against Mayo's Lisa Cafferky during Saturday's National Ladies Football League tie at Duggan Park. Photos: Joe O'Shaughnessy.