Mayo FC ramp up preparations with Bonagee United friendly

The Mayo FC senior men’s team played their first ever fixture when they hosted Bonagee United at Umbro Park, Milebush, Castlebar, in what was a very competitive pre-season friendly, writes Patrick Hennelly.

Mayo produced a most encouraging display but a late winner from Luca Barrett secured a 2-1 victory for the Donegal visitors.

Overall, this was a positive outing by Mayo FC as they prepare for the inaugural FAI National League season.

The hosts played with plenty of purpose during the 90 minutes, although a raft of second-half substitutions from both sides disrupted the flow of the contest.

Despite the long journey to Castlebar, Bonagee made the dream start and snatched the lead after two minutes when a cut-back pass found Aidan Brennan and he gleefully tapped the ball to the back of the net.

To their credit, Anthony O'Neill's Mayo FC outfit bounced back impressively and restored parity on 16 minutes. A spellbinding team move culminated in a scoring opportunity for Connor McCarthy, and he finished with aplomb.

Padraic Ward Heinz very nearly shunted the hosts into the lead on 37 minutes but his angled drive was thwarted by Andrew Nicholls in the Bonagee United goal.

The healthy attendance enjoyed an intriguing contest and the hosts almost fashioned the lead seven minutes into the second period, Ben Edeh’s strike forcing a fine save from the Bonagee custodian.

Both sides were full of endeavour during the second half and a draw would have probably been a fair result. However, on the stroke of full-time, Luca Barrett plundered what proved to be the winning goal for the visitors.

Mayo FC’s next pre-season fixture will take place on Saturday, August 15, when they face Mervue United away from home.