Battle of the Saints goes Ratoath’s way in super finale

Despite what they say goals don't always win games but they can certainly be a big help. A big, big help. The goals St Paul's NS bagged were certainly major factors in helping them carve out a deserved victory in this breathless, end-to-end Girls Div 1 final at Pairc Tailteann on Saturday.

The closeness of this contest, the way both teams had strong defensive units, was most forcefully highlighted in how the teams stood at the interval. Ratoath led by only 1-0 to 0-0 their goal scored when Eliza Prior latched onto a loose ball and fired the ball soccer-style to the back of the net.

It was a strike Lionel Messi himself would be delighted to claim his own, Prior showing the skill and temperment needed to take full advantage of the opportunity. In that opening half both defences were very much on top. However, the game opened up somewhat in the second-half.

It didn't take long for Navan to get themselves back into contention. Within 30 seconds of the restart they were level. Bronagh Madden passed to Alyson Halpin and she unleashed a rocket of a shot to the net. It was very much game on. It was then Ratoath showed their champion credentials.

Within minutes of Halpin scoring, Lauren Richardson surge forward. She passed one tackle, then another, before lofting the ball to the net to put Ratoath back in front where they stayed.

The Ratoath cause was also greatly helped by a Lydia Jordan point, another from Eliza Prior while Katie O'Brien lofted over a flurry of well-struck, superbly-taken scores in the closing stages to ensure her side stayed one step ahead.

Ratoath's third and match-clinching goal arrived shortly before the end. It was a well-worked score, carefully constructed and clinically finished by Cáit McElroy.

Eliza Prior and Naoise Lumley were involved in moving the ball quickly up the field as Ratoath launched another of their lightning quick counter-attacks.

The ball was passed to Cáit McElroy who made space for herself before skilfully and clinically finishing to the back of the net. It was a super goal that sealed a tremendous victory.

Navan battled and worked throughout the agme with Croi Traynor capping a fine display with two points from frees while Lily Maguire also scored a splendid goal.

Both goalkeepers, Evie Mitchell and Lucy Comiskey, played their parts with outstanding saves. Defences too were brilliant. It all contributed to a memorable spectacle, one the relentlessly-cheering crowd in the stand certainly enjoyed.

St Paul's NS Ratoath - Lucy Comiskey; Amelia Cooley, Rachel Smyth, Ellie O’Gorman; Ellie O’Leary, Lydia Jordan (0-1), Ellen Daughton; Lauren Richardson (1-1), Eliza Prior (1-1); Caroline Woods, Katie O’Brien (0-4), Cáit McElroy (1-0); Jessica Hynes, Maya Moran, Holly Dowling. Subs - Nina Mooney, Ella Bracken, Naoise Lumley, Katie Conaty, Elodie Curry, Clara McLoughlin, Abbie O’Brien, Robyn Lynam, Isabelle Sherry. Mentors - Shane Mulvany, Niamh Grall, Aoife McCabe, Charlie O’Donnell, Caoimhe Bird.

St Paul's NS Navan - Evie Mitchell; Zara Chambers, Sadhbh McDaid, Maisy O’Brien; Meadhbh McDermott, Maebh Ward, Clodagh Heffernan; Bronagh Madden, Aoibhinn Kenny; Bevin Moran, Croí Traynor (0-2 frees), Alyson Halpin (1-0); Mia McGauley, Lily Maguire (1-0), Isabelle O’Flaherty. Subs - Annabelle Foley, Alison Murray, Lucy Melia, Meadhbh Culligan, Doireann Gibbons, Grace Flanagan, Eileen Quinlan, Katie Behan, Megan Mooney, Saoirse Dunleavy, Kayla Farrell. Mentors - Rosalind Hennessy, Erin McMorrow, Sadhbh McElearney.

Referee - Tony Kearney.