Two goals in the first seven minutes gave Mayo the platform for victory in a first-round under-21 tie in Castlebar yesterday evening.
Midfielder Michael Webb sent a piledriver of a shot to the net in the fifth minute. Two minutes later, Robert Moran had the easiest of goals when Conor Mortimer's effort for a point came off the crossbar and into his arms.
Leitrim were rewarded for their perseverance when a defensive mix-up allowed Noel Doonan through for a soccer-style finish just on half-time. However, Mayo still led 2-9 to 1-3 at the interval.
Although Leitrim started brightly with two quick points, the game fizzled out when Michael Webb struck for his second and Mayo's third goal 15 minutes from time. Leitrim, to their credit, kept battling and were rewarded with a fine individual goal from James Holohan in injury time.
Mayo: F Ruddy; D Gerrity, J Brogan, R Walsh; P Kelly, C Casserkey, S Drake; P Navin, M Webb (2-1); J Gill, BJ Padden, E Casey (0-2); C Mortimer (0-5), R Moran (1-1), J Killeen (0-2). Subs: A Dillon for Padden, P Clarke for Webb, F Hoban for Gill, P Harte for Mortimer.
Leitrim: G Loughlin; J McWeeney, P GIlmartin, M McGuinness; K Kennedy, S Foley, G Deane; S Canning, P McGarry; M Foley (0-5), N Noonan (1-1), D Maxwell; H Holohan (1-0), M Duignan (0-2), J Glancy (0-1). Subs: M Kelleher for Kennedy, D Kennedy (0-1) for Kelleher.
Referee: D Joyce (Galway).
Mayo ... 3-11
Leitrim ... 2-10
