Mason inspires Ballinacor to Wicklow quarter-final
BALLINACOR’S reward for an impressive victory over Baltinglass on Friday night is a place in the Wicklow Junior A quarter-finals, with Joe Mason playing a starring role in a performance that he believes was their best of the group stage.
The former Cill Chomain midfielder contributed 1-1 as Ballinacor got the better of Baltinglass in a game that carried added importance, with top spot in the group at stake.
It was not the most convincing of starts from Ballinacor, with chances going astray in the early exchanges, but once they settled into their rhythm they began to cause Baltinglass serious problems.
Three goals in the first half provided the foundation for the victory, with some excellent combination play opening up the Baltinglass defence.
Mason and Jake Byrne were particularly effective in that regard, linking well as Ballinacor began to find space and move the ball with purpose.
“We were slow enough to start and missed a few chances,” Mason reflected. “But then we got going and scored three goals in the first half.”
Baltinglass did manage to rally before the break, but Ballinacor responded well and Mason was among those who helped ensure their advantage was maintained.
There was no letting up after half-time either, as Ballinacor continued to attack and contributions came from throughout the team, with John Toomey and Lark among those making their mark.
For Mason, the overall display was particularly encouraging.
“I thought it was our best game of the group stage,” he said.
Having negotiated the group with top spot secured, Ballinacor can now look forward to the knockout stages with confidence.
The quarter-final will present a different challenge, but Friday’s performance has given Mason and his teammates plenty of reason for optimism.
“We're looking forward to the quarter-finals and hopefully we can keep going beyond that,” Mason added.
With momentum behind them and Mason finding his form at the right time, Ballinacor will have their sights set firmly on a place in the latter stages of the Wicklow Junior A championship when they play Blessington's second team in two weeks time.
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