Ratoath 2-12            -           Dunboyne 1-8

A big crowd turned up for this Under 13 division 1 semi final between the two South Meath teams.

The match turned out to be a thriller and the result was in the balance right up to the last couple of minutes.

The first move of the game gave an indication of what was to come - having won the ball from the initial throw in, Ratoath moved the ball quickly to Cian Maher who struck a super shot that seemed destined for the bottom corner only for the Dunboyne keeper to make an incredible stop. This spurred Dunboyne into action and they dominated the next 18 minutes or so. They used their physical advantage to press Ratoath at every opportunity and over the first 18 minutes wracked up a score of 1-5 to 2 points and they seemed to be in control at this stage.

Ratoath management made two key switches at this point, firstly bringing Jason Farrell on to the pitch and secondly moving Maher into mid field with Jack Flynn moving to half forward. This move paid dividends quickly with Farrell causing the Dunboyne defense some trouble down the left wing. Indeed it was Farrell who got on the end of a Fionn Murphy cross field kick to punch to the net. This brought Ratoath back to life and got them back into the game.

 

It is important also to mention the remarkable save made by Dunboyne keeper, Adam Collins. Just on the stroke of half time, Murphy won a lovely through ball and appeared to have rounded the keeper and left him for dead only for Collins to recover and make a diving save to his left to keep the ball out!

Half time - Ratoath 1-4      -           Dunboyne 1-6

Whatever the Mentors said during the break, Ratoath came out all guns blazing in the second half! Maher and Gavin O'Neill started to get on top in mid field and Flynn started to come into the game and cause the Dunboyne defense some trouble. While Dunboyne still enjoyed some possession the Ratoath backline of Ruairi Coulter, Cian Kelly, Tiarnan Ahearne, Luke Newe and Michael Gaughan worked very hard to stop goal chances and when Dunboyne did get through Sam Coughlan was on hand. In fact the keepers kick outs in the second half provided Ratoath with a solid platform to attack from and with Adam Clarke also coming into the game much more Ratoath started to wrack up some lovely scores and it wasn't long before they drew level with a point from Flynn. 

Fionn Murphy was also showing well at this stage and with Paul Tierney coming on in place of the hardworking Aaron O'Neill, Ratoath started pressurising the Dunboyne kick outs. Conor Eiffe came on to help in the back line and worked tirelessly for the last 10 minutes. Flynn (2), Maher and Murphy each added further points to give Ratoath a 4 point cushion but even at that Dunboyne had their chances.

Cian Kelly, Tiarnan Ahearne and Captain Ruairi Coulter made some crucial catches and blocks and it was from a Dunboyne attack that Ratoath turned over possession and moved the ball swiftly to Fionn Murphy to dispatch to the net with the final kick of the game. This gave the score line a flattering appearance although Ratoath just about deserved to win on the basis of the second half performance.

Full Time - Ratoath  2-12     -           Dunboyne 1-8

Pat Melia the Referee commented "This was a match played in great spirit with both sides producing some excellent football."

You couldn't single out any individuals from the Ratoath performance as it was a full team effort - and the management should be congratulated on the spirit that they have built in the squad and you can see the work that Senior county player, Eamon Wallace, is putting in with the forwards.

Best for Dunboyne :  Ben Brady, Leon Byrne, Jack Tobin, Sean O Rourke,  Dan Howlin  & Adam Collins who pulled of 2 great saves

The final takes place on Saturday against Donaghmore Ashbourne. Throw in 2.00 in Dunsany.

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