Ratoath turn up the heat to defeat Donaghmore/Ashbourne

On a warm evening in Dunshaughlin the footballers of Ratoath turned on the heat, particularly in the second-half, to defeat Donaghmore/Ashbourne 4-15 to 1-13 in the SFC.

After 13 minutes of the game Ratoath trailed 0-3 to 1-6 but by half-time they were just a point behind, 1-7 to 1-8, behind. However in the second-half they moved up to another level fired home three more goals and marched to victory.

Eamon Wallace found the net for them in the opening half with Daithi McGowan going on to add two more in the second-half while Cian Rogers also made the net dance.

This was a powerful statement of intent by Ratoath who were knocked off their rhythm in the opening half with Kevin Fenton scoring an early goal for Donaghmore/Ashbourne who finished the game with 12 men.

Michael Deegan was sent off after 29 minutes while Ethan Tormey was dismissed in the second-half. They also used up all their subs before one of their players was carried off with an injury.

Ratoath also had a 'maor uisce' sent off by referee Cormac Reilly.

SCORERS

Ratoath - Daithi McGowan 2-2 one free; Cian Rogers 1-2; Eamon Wallace 1-1; Jack Flynn 0-3 two frees; Bryan McMahon 0-5 three frees; Bobby O'Brien 0-2.

Donaghmore/Ashbourne - Kevin Fenton 1-5 one free; Michael Deegan 0-3 frees; Kevin Cully 0-2; Leo Reilly 0-1; Jack Hannigan 0-1 '45.'

Gerry Shanahan's photos from the game and much more detail about the game in next issue of the Meath Chronicle.