Nobber 3 – 11 (20) Ratoath 1 – 12 (15)

Nobber registered their second win in a row in their A League Division 4 campaign with an impressive win away to Ratoath on Sunday morning last. The black and ambers played well for the majority of the game although they may look back on the final quarter as an area to improve on. At the end of the day, it’s the result that matters and Sean Carolan’s charges went home the happiest and brought the two points back to Nobber.

The Deesiders started the brightest and were direct in their play, providing the ball to sharpshooter Sean Meade who turned the Ratoath full-back line inside out with his quick pace and movement and rattled the ball to the back of the net. The black and ambers dominated the opening quarter on the scoreboard thanks to full forward Dale Larkin registering two quick scores and a fine two pointer into the main road end goals of the ground. The energetic Jojo Ogunbe raised a white flag for the Nobber men and increased their lead during this period.

Throughout the first half, Nobber defended with grit and determination and netminder Dary Hutchinson was kept busy at stages. He made a number of important saves including a fine penalty stop. Hutchy proving that age is just a number and anything that Rory Beggan can do – he can do better. Opposition teams may be wondering if Hutchinson has some secret insight into penalty takers around the county. Is Hutchy a great mind reader? Does he study every taker before games, or — like the top professional goalkeepers — does he have a few clues hidden on his water bottle about where the kick is heading?

Maybe it’s just luck, but whatever the reason, Nobber supporters are delighted. Hutchy’s penalty-saving record this year must surely be among the best in the county, and taking a spot kick against him is becoming a very risky business. Nobber concluded their scoring in the first half with further points from Larkin (3), and former Meath underage star Korede Otubango. 

Half-time – Nobber 2 – 8 (14) Ratoath 0 – 2 (2)

Nobber continued their fine form going into the second half and started brightly against their opponents once again. Otubango proved very lively in the half forward line and finished a fine team move to the back of the net to the delight of the travelling Nobber support at the start of the second half period. The experienced Niall Farrell kicked a fine point from a free at a tight angle into the clubhouse end of the ground to increase the black and ambers lead. Larkin the Health & Safety Officer proved he knows exactly where the hazards are — and today the biggest hazard for the opposition was leaving him unmarked in the scoring zone. He fired over another placed ball and a point from play assisted by sharpshooter Meade.

The Deesiders looked comfortable on the scoreboard going into the final quarter although they may have slightly took the foot of the gas and let their opponents pick up some momentum. To Ratoath’s credit they kicked a couple of two pointers and scored a goal, however Hutchinson, Eanna Fagan, Barry Cassidy and co. had enough in the tank to hold their opponents at bay and bring home the two points on offer.

Next up for Nobber in Round 9 is a home fixture against Skryne on Thursday, June 18.

Nobber team – Dary Hutchinson, Cathal Cassidy, Eanna Fagan, Seamus Fagan, Kian Donohoe, Barry Cassidy, Paddy Clarke, Mark Condra, Paul Meade, Korede Otubango (2 – 0), Thomas Murtagh, Jojo Ogunbe (0 – 1), Sean Meade (1 – 0), Dale Larkin (0 – 9), Niall Farrell (0 – 1).

Subs used – Brendan Heffernan.

Tweet

Most Read Stories