Mayo IFC: Goals prove crucial for Davitts as border club advance to last eight

Davitts penchant for three-pointers proved crucial in their 4-20 to 0-20 victory over a spirited Louisburgh side at Clogher. The victory secures Davitts' place in the quarterfinals of the intermediate championship.

There was a good tempo to this contest from the outset and Louisburgh almost pounced for a goal during the opening seconds, but Dylan Prendergast’s thunderous drive was superbly turned around his post by the alert Dylan O’Brien.

However, the lively Prendergast continued to chase possession at an early juncture, and he guided over a marvellous two-pointer during the opening minute, much to the delight of the Louisburgh supporters.

Davitts took time to settle, however, the black and red’s game plan received a timely boost on nine minutes when Jack Melvin rustled the back of the net, which gleaned a 1-2 to 0-3 lead for Mark Concannon’s troops.

Aided by the wind during the first half, Louisburgh utilised the elements and a brace of two-pointers from Prendergast (free), and Pearce O’Malley, helped swing the pendulum back in the west Mayo sides favour.

Davitts continued to create chances and the Ballindine outfit registered their second green-flagged effort of the evening on 23 minutes courtesy of Niall Treacy, which nudged the south Mayo side into a two-point lead.

However, this humdinger of a tie continued to ebb and flow and a majestic two-pointer from Basil MacLeod, followed by points from Tommy Morahan, Cian O’Malley, Prendergast (free), and a peach of a two-pointer from Oisín Lally, helped garner a 0-15 to 2-4 lead for Louisburgh during the half-time musings.

Davitts began the second period with plenty of gusto and a booming two-pointer from Fenton Kelly after 35 minutes seemed to inspire his team-mates.

Davitts also introduced Mayo selector and former All-Star Colm Boyle into the fray during the second half, and he proved to have a steadying influence in the south Mayo side’s defensive unit.

Louisburgh failed to replicate their first half endeavours and after Davitts’ Niall Treacy levelled matters with a tidy point on 41 minutes, the border side netted their third goal of the joust on 42 minutes when Ciaran Treacy fired home a close-range effort.

Niall Treacy added a two-pointer for the black and red, but this was negated by the tireless Prendergast and his two-pointer free for Louisburgh left just a point separating the sides, 3-11 to 0-19.

However, Davitts ended the game in a flurry and a late goal from their impressive wing-forward Melvin helped add gloss to the full-time score-line.