Balrath FC make history as club takes big step forward

There was no shortage of entertaining action as Skryne/Tara bounced back from going two goals behind to earn a draw with Balrath FC in the North East Football League Women's Div South encounter at Ross Cross this evening.

A youthful Balrath FC team achieved a significant piece of history for the club by even playing this game.

It was the club's first outing in senior football and for long spells it looked like they might mark the milestone with a victory.

They had a excellent opening half and they went ahead with a looping effort form Michaela Gavagan and it stayed 1-0 at the break.

Seconds into the second-half Sophie Goodman fired home a second goal with a powerful shot from distance to put Balrath 2-0 up. Then the balance shifted.

The home side started to dominate the game and they equalised with a superb shot from Sophie Finnegan. Skryne/Tara's relentless pressing yielded a second goal shortly afterwards with Steffie Finnegan this time finding the net again with a clinical finish.

There were chances at both ends as each side pushed for victory but a draw was the fairest way to end a cracking contest.

Skryne/Tara - Cliodhna O'Riordan; Kate Thorpe, Zara Cleary, Amy Herbert, Kate Ryan, Eimear Clarke, Steffi Finnegan, Samantha Clarke, Clara Maguire, Sophie Finnegan, Emma Swan. Subs - Cia White for Swan, Melony Kirwan for Cleary both 74 mins.

Balrath FC - Osarhumwense Osariemen; Michaela Gavagan, Niamh Cahill, Tara Traynor, Leah Corbally, Sophie Goodman, Niamh Mahon, Ceadaoin Martin, Meg Ni Scolai, Nicola Mongey, Abbey Hewitt.

Referee - Paul Lynch (Meath Branch).

See match report and photographs in next issue of the Meath Chronicle.