Mayo sneak past Monaghan in All-Ireland SFC opener

Mayo sneak past Monaghan in All-Ireland SFC openerImage source, InphoImage caption, Mayo almost let an 11-point half-time advantage slip at ClonesByOdhran CrumleyBBC Sport NI Journalist, AtClonesPublished1 minute agoMayo survived a late Monaghan comeback to secure a 1-24 to 2-20 All-Ireland SFC first-round win at Clones. A late goal from Stephen Mooney, after a two-pointer from Jack McCarron, left two between the sides, but the Farney men were unable to claw back Mayo's 11-point half-time lead after Kobe McDonald's goal. Monaghan were returning two weeks after their Ulster final defeat to Armagh, and Gabriel Bannigan made three changes to that team. The Farney men were a dealt a blow with news that Stephen O'Hanlon, who kicked five points in the Ulster final, was ruled out entirely with Ryan McAnespie taking his place on the starting 15.Mayo were back in action for the first time in almost five weeks, after their Connacht semi-final defeat to eventual champions Roscommon. In response to that defeat, Andy Moran made six changes, handing out three senior inter-county debuts; Jack Livingstone starting between the sticks, Diarmuid Duffy in defence and Darragh Beirne in the forward line. Aidan O'Shea also marked his 100th championship appearance, securing a nice piece of history by becoming the first ever outfield player to reach a century of championship caps. Two-point specialists MayoImage source, InphoImage caption, McDonald hit 1-4 for Mayo at ClonesMayo kicked six two-pointers across the first-half, the first of those coming from the boot of Jack Carney with the opening effort on goal. The visitors raced into an early four-nil lead, as Andrew Woods had a goal chance expertly saved by debut goalkeeper Livingstone. The Farney men failed to make anything of their first five attacks, before McCarron's close-range free on 11 minutes finally got them up and running. Moran's side replied with three two-pointers in as many minutes, another fro...