Blank opening as neighbours fail to ignite

Hosts Kentstown and neighbours Slane Wanderers were unable to conjure up a goal between them as the race for the Meath & District League Div 1 title got underway in earnest on Sunday. That was in stark contrast to Slane's opening game in the Kilmessan Shield last week when they travelled to Ardee and beat Square Utd by the odd goal in five. Kentstown had to wait until Sunday for their opening game as their scheduled clash with Duleek was postponed. That postponement was as a mark of respect following the death of Duleek's Chris Dowd who was only laid to rest on Sunday morning. A minute's silence was observed before kick-off and at all MDL games on Sunday. Kentstown are on a upward curve at the moment and after winning the Div 2 title last season, they will be pleased enough with this performance against an experienced Slane side which managed a comfortable mid-table position last season after relegation from the Premier League at the end of the previous campaign. Experience was evident across the Slane back four with central defenders John Gibney and Eoin Rock proving to be a solid obstacle for a fairly lightweight Kentstown attack which was beefed up in the final 15 minutes by the introduction of David Doyle. Full-backs Rory Finnegan and Jonathan McCarthy completed the Slane rearguard. McCarthy is a son of the late John McCarthy who was a founder member of the Meath Branch referees and a hugely popular figure in the MDL going back to the mid-1980s. The Slane defender maintains the 'Corky' tag which his late father was also burdened with, for obvious reasons, and the son plays as good a game as his father talked. Kentstown were equally solid at the back with Sean Doyle and Derek Ratcliffe flanked by Ronan McDonnell and Shane Gargan. Paul McDonnell had Kentstown's first chance in the fourth minute, he shot wide. Slane goalkeeper Gavin O'Brien had nothing much else to do until four minutes from time when he reacted smartly to save Gibney's sliced clearance. Slane were enjoying a period of dominance at that stage and Derek Rock and Aidan O'Brien went close before the break. Kentstown had what looked like a legitimate call for a penalty ignored by referee Martin Reilly, who had a good game, on the hour and they finished stronger as the heat took a bigger toll on Slane. Gareth Toal shot wide after a probing Derek Bowens run and O'Brien saved well from Ronan McDonnell near the end. Slane also created a few half chances, but the blank scoresheet was probably a fair result. Kentstown celebrated 30 years a few months ago and are planning a special commemorative publication. Slane have about 25 years behind them and the club's founder member, Tommy Cassidy, was on sideline duty on Sunday. He was the driving force behind the club which started off with a u-10 team around 1986. As part of the fundraising for the development of a home ground, a very successful Miss Slane competition was organised for about three or four years. Both teams will improve on Sunday's performance and can expect to make an impact in what will be a very competitive race for the Div 1 title. Kentstown Rovers - E O'Connell; R McDonnell, S Gargan, S Doyle, D Ratcliffe, P McDonnell, A Lynch, M Bates, G Toal, David Bowens, S Emmett. Subs - Derek Bowens for Lynch 52 mins, D Doyle for Emmett 75m. Slane Wanderers - G O'Brien; R Finnegan, J McCarthy, J Gibney, E Rock, C Wogan, G Warren, J Gillick, D Rock, A O'Brien, A Harding. Subs - C Smith for Warren 65 mins, E Connor for Rock 80m, B McConnon for A O'Brien 81m. Referee - Martin Reilly (Louth Branch ISRS)