Balrath FC 5 - 5 Ratoath Harps
A cracking game and in the end a fair result. Both teams started strongly and passed the ball well but it was Ratoath who took the lead before Kyle responded for Balrath with a well struck shot from the edge of the box for his 3rd goal of the summer. Ratoath took the lead again before the end of the first period and went 3-1 up early in the 2nd before Shane pulled one back with a neat finish after a nice move. Then came the free kick show with Jesse putting one in the top corner from 15 yards before Kyle struck another, his 2nd, from even further out to put Balrath ahead for the first time. Ratoath put one in their own net after a scramble in the box and that left the score at 5-3 to Balrath. Ratoath came out fighting in the last period and got two quick goals to level the game. From then on Balrath had the better of the play and had numerous chances to win it but it wasn't to be. A great performance where every single one of the players worked really hard against a very well organised Ratoath side.
It's difficult to choose a man of the match when everyone played so well! Unfortunately Zaki wasn't himself today and his injury returned to rule him out for most of the game. Jesse played great in goal in the first period and scored a lovely goal in the 2nd. Daniel was his usual reliable self at the back and also did well in goal as did Glen who was very unlucky with Ratoath's 4th goal after making a great save initially. Aaron and Alfie are getting better with every game and put in some strong tackles and tracked back well today. Our latest recruit, Alex Carter is coming on in leaps and bounds and showed his strength today with some tough defending and surging runs. Shane was on the scoresheet as usual and his first touch and all round play were terrific. The best word to describe Kyle Doherty is immense, he never stops running, loves the physical battle and today scored two lovely goals - a really good all round performance and a big contender for man of the match. There was another, however, who has really raised his game over the last few weeks and was so sharp and focused today and passed the ball so well that he pipped Kyle at the post. Today's man of the match is, of course, Corey Byrne! Well done Corey and all the team!