Connacht Football League/Mayo 2-08 NUI Galway 1-07: An experimental Mayo side struck with two late goals to snatch victory in the opening round of the FBD Connacht League at Flanagan Park, Ballinrobe, yesterday.

Mayo were quick off the mark to take a two-point lead before the Galway students hit back to level matters after eight minutes. It was nip and tuck for the remainder of the half, and the sides were level at half time, at 0-5 apiece.

In the second half, the students, who were having the better of things in the middle of field, took control, but this dominance wasn't transferred to the scoreboard.

This was due to poor shooting and staunch Mayo defending.

At the end of the third quarter, the Galway side got a much needed break when they were awarded a contentious penalty. Michael Meehan gave Mayo goalkeeper David Clarke no chance from the spot.

Mayo kept plugging away and two magnificent long-range points from full forward Austin O'Malley were followed by those late goals, from Barry Regan and John Prenty.

MAYO: D Clarke; R Connelly, L O'Malley, G Ruane; B Ruane, G Mullins, E Devenney; J Varley, R McGarrity; B Regan (1-0), D Tiernan (0-1), M McNicholas (0-1); K Malone (0-1), A O'Malley (0-2), J Prenty (1-3). Subs: N Dunne for Connelly, E Gallagher for Dunne.

NUIG: C Naughton; R Keane, C Monaghan, D Blake; L Keane, M Beirne, S Drake; C Coyne, G Flanagan (0-1); B O'Colleran (0-1), M Clancy, R Donnelley; M Meehan (1-3), Ciarán de Paor (0-1), N Coyne (0-1). Subs: M Finneran for de Paor, Cillian de Paor for G Flanagan, P Dillon for R Donnelly.

Referee: D Hunt (Roscommon).