Na Fianna 4-12
Ratoath 5-09

Na Fianna came from ten points down in the second half to snatch a draw in this high scoring encounter in Ratoath on Friday night. They played second fiddle to their hosts for much of the game and found themselves well behind going into the final quarter.

Na Fianna started strongly, with Mark Slevin scoring a goal after five minutes. He followed up with a point from play. Sean Martin was also on target, but the home side cut through the South Meath sides defence to net two goals. Na Fianna trailed at half time by 1-04 to 2-07 and looked to be in real trouble facing into the second half.

However, Na Fianna showed great heart and determination to claw themselves back into the game right from the start of the second half. Ciaran Holton led by example at full back while Ronan Byrne and Daniel Devine broke up many Ratoath attacks and helped to drive Na Fianna forward. Mark Slevin sent over a couple of inspirational points while Sean Martin again caused trouble at corner forward. Na Fianna were pegged back in their efforts when Ratoath goaled courtesy of a penalty, even though goalkeeper Jack McNally saved the initial shot which was converted on the rebound.

Will Flynn broke through the Ratoath defence and was unlucky to see his effort rattle the crossbar before Ethan Devine surged through to bury to the net to give Na Fianna some hope. Sean Rafferty made an immediate impact when introduced as he found the net and with further points from Ethan Devine, Mark Slevin and Sean Martin, Na Fianna managed to scrape an unlikely draw. 

Best for Na Fianna were Ciaran Holton, Ronan Byrne, Daniel Devine, Mark Slevin and Sean Martin.

Na Fianna: Jack McNally, Sean Coffey, Ciaran Holton, Owen McDonnell, Ronan Byrne, Daniel Devine, Adam Hyland, Ethan Devine (1-03), Peter Slevin, Will Flynn, Cian Slattery, Glen McDonnell, David Flanagan, Mark Slevin (1-06), Sean Martin (1-03).
Subs: Sean Rafferty (1-0), Oisin Coffey, Simon Daly.

Minor Football League

Ratoath 5-9 Na Fianna 4-12
Nothing could separate Ratoath and Na Fianna in the first round of the minor league in Sean Eiffe Park on Friday night. Playing under lights, Na Fianna were first to get on the scoreboard before corner forward; David Ryan registered Ratoath's first point and Ben Mc Gowan rattled the net for their first goal soon after. At half time, the scoreline had Ratoath up by 7 points, following well taken points by forwards Conall Ahearne and Harry Gribben, as well as a second goal, this time off the boot of Ryan O Connor, playing at centre forward.

The second half was a highly entertaining affair. Na Fianna came out fighting and scored a series of points. Ratoath also had some scores of their own, including two great goals by full forward Conall Ahearne. The game had suddenly become very close when in the dying minutes, the home side were awarded a penalty as David Ryan was fouled in the square. Conor O Sullivan stepped up to take it and although it was initially saved by the Na Fianna net minder, he made sure it was scored on the rebound. Na Fianna still didn't give up however, finishing with some points of their own and forcing the game into a draw.

Best for Ratoath were Ryan O Connor, Conall Ahearne and Conor O Sullivan

Ratoath: 1. Eoin O Connell 2. Eoin Clayton 3. Micheil Treize 4. Daniel Egan 5. Luke Farrell 6. Sean Mc Cann 7. James O Brien 8. Ben Mc Gowan 9. Enda Cahill 10. Cathal Duggan 11. Ryan O Connor 12. Conor O Sullivan 13. David Ryan 14. Conall Ahearne 15. Harry Gribben Subs: Dylan Mc Loughlin, Leigh Sullivan, Eoghan O Shea, Tom Fadden

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