NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE: Mayo's Billy Joe Padden is aware of the must-win nature of Saturday's meeting with Laois
THE NEW format of the Allianz Football League was always going to result in something of a dogfight, or at least a fight for survival, particularly in the ultra-competitive Division One. After two rounds, Mayo and Laois are the only teams still without a win and suddenly their meeting in Portlaoise on Saturday is a game neither can afford to lose.
Otherwise, relegation will be staring them in the face, and for Mayo, last year's beaten league finalists, that fate would hardly represent progress. Mayo can afford to kick themselves a little for being in this situation given they conceded a late, late goal to Donegal in round two - a game they always looked like winning. They also went down by a goal to Derry.
"Sure it is very disappointing not to have any points on the table at this stage," says defender Billy Joe Padden.
"We've lost two close games, and I mean a lot of those close games last year we were winning. We're just losing them this year. That is disappointing, but we have to take the positives out of it.
"We played a lot of good football as well in those two games, all the time introducing a couple of under-21s and minors from the last few years. And they've done really well, raised the level at training again.
"We just didn't close out the Donegal game as well as we could have. We had a young team, and they'll have learnt from that. But I wouldn't say we took the foot off the gas. Donegal did really well around midfield, and it was always a horrible lead, two points. Unfortunately we didn't hold out."
Laois are in the same boat already in danger of sinking, having lost to Galway and Derry, and Padden fully realises the high-stakes they are playing for in Portlaoise: "As they say in the Premiership, it's a four-pointer. It's going to be a dogfight," he says.
"We know Laois are pointing the finger at this one as well, saying we've got to get the two points here. It's no different for us. We have to go up there and turn them over to have any chance of staying up."
Although well established on the Mayo panel, Padden hasn't exactly settled into the one position, and this season has found himself a new home at full back. Although blessed with the versatility of his famous father Willie Joe, Padden admits it's taking a little getting used to.
"Yeah, it's a whole new position for me. It seems I've a new position every year. I made my championship debut at full forward, and I think I've played every position now, going back. So David Clarke better watch out in goal, that's all I can say.
"I've never played there before, but then I was centre back with Mayo last year, and I hadn't played there before either. It's a bit of a learning process. I did play a few challenge games there last year when we'd the few injury problems, and maybe I did all right there. Then I played a few FBD league games there, so hopefully I can nail down the position.
"Full back is all about concentration. Switch off for about 10 seconds and the ball is in the back of the net. We've already conceded four goals, more than any other team in Division One, so we can't be happy about that. But to be honest, I am enjoying it more than I though I would. I probably would still prefer to be out the field somewhere, but when you're focused on a job you can't be thinking about any other position. We've a lot of good corner backs as well, and that's a help."
Mayo are still in a rebuilding phase under John O'Mahony. The Ballina players are set to return after their recent club duties, and Padden is confident Mayo can regain their winning form.
"We do still need to nail down a few positions. There are good players coming through, so from my own point of view, you just need grab every opportunity. We should have the Ballina players back very soon. Players like David Brady, Ronan McGarrity, Pat Harte, David Clarke. They'll come in flying fit and will really add to the squad."
Padden hasn't given up hope of Ciarán McDonald and James Nallen, more long-term absentees, returning as well. "That's for themselves, and John O'Mahony, to decide. They've given Mayo so much already, but it would be great to have them back if they are willing and able."
