Second-half Ballyheane rally sinks south Mayo side

Claremorris 2

Ballyheane 4

BALLYHEANE produced a stunning second-half turnaround to sink Claremorris 4-2 in the Thursday night Super League action at Concannon Park.

Mark Maloney had been superb for the home side in the opening half, netting twice to put Claremorris 2-1 ahead at the break.

His first came on five minutes from a fine Mike Heaney pass, and his second a clever finish from the right flank on 23 minutes.

A fortunate Dylan Stevenson free-kick that bounced by Peter Murphy in the Claremorris goal on the stroke of half-time gave Ballyheane a lifeline they had barely deserved.

The second half was a different game entirely.

Adam Blake levelled on 57 minutes with a well-worked goal on the right wing, and the introduction of Liam Irwin off the bench gave Ballyheane a new dimension, his physical presence caused the previously composed Claremorris back four no end of trouble.

Nathan Reilly Doyle provided the match-winner, beating his man in the box to make it 3-2 on 67 minutes before sealing the win late on.

Adam Blake was outstanding throughout, his direct running and crossing from the right was a constant threat.

The result sees Ballyheane climb to sixth in the table, having been second-bottom at the interval.

Full match report to follow inside Tuesday's edition of the Connaught Telegraph