Mayo manager Kevin McStay says his side have no complaints following their defeat to Cork this afternoon in the Gaelic Grounds.
The Rebels stunned the Connacht side by running out three-point winners.
Elsewhere in the group Kerry thrashed Louth on a scoreline of 5-24 to 0-11.
That means that the Kingdom top the group, with Cork coming second and Mayo finishing third, meaning McStay and his side will play away next weekend.
“We’re very disappointed. We thought when we had 15 minutes left in the game we’d kick ourselves into gear, but Cork retaliated really well and won a penalty,” said McStay.
“That brought them back into the game. But besides that we never got going or had any time during the game when we were comfortable.
“I thought the six-point gap would give us a chance to cool the jets a bit and game-manage it a bit better. But Cork got serious adrenaline from the goal.
“So now we have to move on and say congrats to Cork.
“It was a great effort by them, and we have no complaints. We were in a great position, and we let it slip.”
Mayo began their championship journey with a disappointing loss to Roscommon in the Connacht quarter-final.
However, they bounced back emphatically with a commanding win over Kerry.
In their latest match against Louth, the men from the west displayed their ability to grind out a victory.
When questioned about whether Cork’s defensive system frustrated his side, McStay admits that they were prepared for the way the Rebel side were going to set up but just found it difficult to break them down.
“Every team faces different challenges, either offensive or defensive. Like what do you expect Cork to do? We can be very defensive as well at times.
“We were well ready for the way they were going to play and we got ourselves into a great position, but it wasn’t to be.
“All we do now is get back up on the horse and see what the draw brings.
“The dressing room is disappointed but there’s no point in feeling sorry for ourselves because we had great control of our situation this morning and now we have less control.
“But we’re still in the championship. Whoever we get, we get.”
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