Mayo into minor semi-final

Mayo 3-11 Tipperary 1-8

A trio of goals proved vital as last year's beaten ESB All-Ireland Minor Football Championship finalists Mayo gained a comfortable win over Tipperary in this afternoon's quarter-final in Tullamore.

It was an excellent team display from a Mayo side that had ten players on target.

Thanks to goals from Alex Corduff and Darren Coen, the Connacht youngsters led by 2-2 to 0-1 in the 21st minute.

The decision of Mayo manager Ray Dempsey to utilise Corduff as a third midfielder certainly reaped dividends, with the Ballina Stephenites clubman immediately making an impact in the role.

Corduff cracked home the first of his side's goals soon after. Fergal Durkin broke the ball down at midfield to Cillian O’Connor who fed Corduff and Aaron Wall was left with no chance in the Tipperary goals.

This was the start of a dominant Mayo spell as they showed excellent form in front of the posts despite playing into a stiff wind.

Tipperary’s possession was limited at this stage as Mayo pressed for scores.

Corduff was again involved for Mayo’s second goal, linking with McCormack before Coen slotted the ball to the net.

Mayo built up a seven-point lead but this was quickly cut to three points as Tipperary enjoyed a purple patch.

A 23rd-minute goal from Eddie Kendrick, following a well-timed pass from John McMahon, gave Tipperary a much-needed lift.

Billy Hewitt's second point, a minute later, left a goal between the sides, but Mayo impressed once again before the interval as a brace of Andrew Farrell points ensured a 2-4 to 1-2 interval lead.

Jack McDonnell and Cillian O’Connor were impressive for the eventual winners on the restart, with O’Connor netting Mayo’s third goal as they broke 3-6 to 1-4 in front by the 47th minute.

Mayo fired on all cylinders and with Tipperary relying heavily on Hewitt and McMahon for scores, the westerners held plenty in reserve to progress.

Scorers Mayo: A Corduff, J McDonnell 1-1 each, D Coen 1-0, C Charlton, A Farrell 0-2 each, J McDonnell, A Walsh, D Herbert, S McDermott, B Walsh 0-1 each.

Tipperary: J McMahon (0-4f), B Hewitt (0-4f) 0-4 each, E Kendrick 1-0.