Na Fianna denied by late Trim surge

As the clock ticked into the 58th minute of this engaging SHC opener at wet and wintry Rathmolyon this evening Na Fianna led by five points and looked on course for a deserved victory over 2020 champions Trim.

However Trim dug deep into their reserves of determination and found a way back to earn a draw.

Alan Douglas was the one who dragged Trim back into the game when all seemed lost. It was his exquisite finish following superb play from Conor Quigley that produced the only goal of the game and closed the deficit to two.

Then after James Murray had arrowed over a free to make it a one-point game it was Douglas who produced the most memorable catch to claim Charlie Ennis's long clearance and earn another free which Murray converted to rescue the draw.

The magnificent Barry Slevin knocked frees over the bar from a variety of angles and distances to put Na Fianna in such a strong position and boosted by their supremely organised defence they limited Trim's potentially dangerous attack.

Na Fianna will reflect on this being one that got away and that was certainly the case as they were the better team for the majority of the contest, but Trim never gave up the fight and got their reward for dogged persistence to earn a 1-16 to 0-19 draw.

SCORERS

Trim - James Murray 0-8 seven frees, one '65'; Alan Douglas 1-3; Brian Dowling 0-2; David Murtagh 0-2; Sean McGee 0-1.

Na Fianna - Barry Slevin 0-12 10 frees, one '65'; Oisin McCloskey 0-3; Shane Walsh 0-1; Stephen Slevin 0-1; Peter Slevin 0-1.

Full match report and photographs from tonight's game in Tuesday's edition of the Meath Chronicle