COLUMN: Positive signs for Mayo ahead of visit of Armagh

Our columnist, Billy-Joe Padden, was impressed with Mayo as they swept Monaghan aside to get back on track in the National League

Mayo and Monaghan clashed in Round Four of the National Football League Division One in Saint Tiernach's Park, Clones. Pic: Sportsfile

SOMETIMES, the most important thing after a defeat is simply to win the next day out.

That was the situation for Mayo in Clones. After a difficult afternoon against Donegal the previous week, this was less about style and more about getting the job done.

Mayo had four points already on the board and had made a decent start to the league, but this was the kind of game they simply had to win — and win well.

Against a Monaghan side short on confidence, Mayo did exactly that, and the manner of the performance made the journey home that bit easier.

From early on, there was a sense of control about Mayo’s play, and just as importantly, there was clear evidence that important lessons had been learned from the week before.

Playing with the wind in the first half, their approach was far more controlled and deliberate. Instead of forcing ball into the full-forward line at every opportunity, they carried possession into the scoring zone and trusted their shooters.

Shot selection was disciplined. Most efforts came from central areas, and the accuracy reflected that.

Fergal Boland, Darragh Beirne and Jordan Flynn all showed their ability to strike cleanly when given the chance, while Jack Carney also chipped in.

If last week showed Mayo what not to do with a strong breeze at their backs, this was a much better example of tailoring a game plan to the conditions.

The running game brought the half-back line heavily into play, and the........

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