Soccer
Mayo International Cup - Day 2
By Nigel M. Naughton
25, Aug 2013 - 09:40

If the opening day of the Mayo International Cup was anything to go by, then the second day was almost certain to provide us with pulsating fixtures played at a high tempo and standard on immaculate surfaces.

Day 2 matched, if not exceeded the expectations which spectators had expected.

Five games were played, with the games sharing 18 goals between them.

First up, played in the superb grounds of Manulla FC, The Republic of Ireland U15's emerged victorious by the slenderest of margins against a spirited Glentoran side. Stephen Nolan starred for the Irish side in a performance which saw Ryan Fowley and Trevor Clarke score either side of half time before Mark Lowry scored a late consolation for the Belfast side to leave the full time result 2-1 to the Republic of Ireland.

Next up, played at the same venue, the Bradford and MD Schools defeated FAI Castlebar by a scoreline of 3-0, with the scoreline somewhat flattering the victors. Chris Truelove and Reece Webb-Foster scored twice in quick succession for Bradford, and despite conceding possession and territory to their opposition for much of the second half, they managed to hold firm, with the clinical Webb-Foster hammering the final nail in the coffin for his second of the game in the final minutes.

Michael Keavney Park in Ballyglass played host to the third game of the day, where the Republic of Ireland picked up their second victory of the day, overcoming Millwall on a scoreline of 2-1, in a game which epitomised the football cliche of a game of two halves. Despite controlling and creating numerous chances in the first half, Millwall only managed to turn their dominance into a 1-0 lead, largely thanks to a string of splendid saves from the Irish keeper Caoimhin Kelliher. Harris Rodgers had put the Londoners in front on 10 minutes. The Republic of Ireland emerged a completely different team in the second half, displaying much more hunger and purpose in their play, pressing millwall high up the pitch and being more ruthless in the final third. Trevor Clarke equalised from the penalty spot 9 minutes into the half, while Ryan Fowley scored what was to be the winner after excellent play from the impressive Daniel Mandariou.

In the second game played in Ballyglass, Bradford defeated Glentoran 5-1, whilst in the final game of the day in Ballina Town FC, Millwall attoned for their earlier loss by defeating FAI Castlebar on a scoreline of 3-0.

Sunday (25 Aug 2013) sees the final day of the tournament, with all remaining games being played in Milebush Park, Castlebar. At 9.30am, Glentoran face Millwall, with Braford facing off against the Republic of Ireland at 10,45am. The final will take place at 1pm, where Bradford have already confirmed their spot with a perfect record. Their opponents will be decided on the results of the earlier fixtures, with the Republic of Ireland only needing a point to confirm their spot. Should they not gain the point, they would remain on 6 points with FAI Castlebar, whilst a Millwall victory in the opening game would also see them finish the tournament on 6 points. Head to head records will then come into play.

All in all, another exciting day is imminent in the final day of the Mayo International Cup.