Alan Dillion reckons Mayo will have to prepare for “a hostile atmosphere” in Newry this Saturday when they take on Down in Round 2 of the All-Ireland SFC qualifiers.

James Horan’s men face their first elimination game of the summer as 1/5 favourites and two-time All Star Dillon expects that they’ll need to be patient early on against the home side.

“Mayo will have to set the rules of engagement very early,” the Ballintubber man is quoted saying by the Irish Examiner.

“They’ll need to bring a good attitude with lots of energy and intensity, dominate the middle third from the start, and make sure the attack gets enough ball. After that, it’s about being clinical. When the chances present themselves, you have to take them.

“Decision-making is going to be crucial. Making sure that the right players get on the ball in the right areas. When do you play the pass? When you do you run from deep?

“It could take 15 minutes to figure out what Down are trying to do, how they’re setting up, so Mayo will have to be smart and patient.”

He added: “You can be sure there’s going to be a hostile atmosphere in Newry.”

Tweet

Most Read Stories