NFL: Mayo battle to win over Cavan

Mayo 2-14 Cavan 2-12

The National League champions were put to the pin of the their collars by a plucky Cavan side in a thrilling NFL Div 1 tie at Ballinrobe.

The visitors bagged two early goals and left the Mayo defence in disarray, with Jason Reilly and Larry Reilly both finding the net.

Mayo blushes were spared before half time when a James Nallon interception set up Conor Mortimer for the goal which was to separate the sides at half time, Cavan leading 2-06 to 1-06.

The second half saw Mayo take complete control and a flicked goal from Stephen Carrolan and some excellent points from James Gill put Mayo five points clear 15 minutes from time.

With Mayo down to 14 men after Trevor Mortimer was dismissed on a double yellow card, the pressure was coming from Cavan in a pulsating final five minutes.

But it was the defending champions, leading by just a point in injury time, who secured victory through their scorer-in-chief Conor Mortimer.