Ratoath survive scare to see off Skryne

Heralded by many as certainties to retain the Keegan Cup Ratoath's credentials survived a stern examination by a plucky Skryne side as they just about made it two wins from two in the SFC with a 1-10 to 1-5 victory in Dunshaughlin today.

At the second-half water break Skryne led by 1-5 to 0-7 and were full value for their advantage as they hassled, harried and unsettled Ratoath into uncharacteristic mistakes and enjoyed bountiful possession.

However, that two-minute break before the final quarter gave Ratoath the breather they needed to re-evaluate their situation and within a couple of minutes of the restart they were ahead with points from Cian Rogers and Jack Flynn before Conor Rooney fired a superb goal in the 55th minute to settle the issue.

With only 16 scores those that couldn't attend might be forgiven for thinking this was a dour unexciting clash, but there was plenty of endeavour and quality between the two 45-metre lines to keep the 110 supporters happy.

Daithi McGowan forced Ian Gillette into a great save after just three minutes and even at that stage it was obvious Ratoath would have to be patient to breakdown the highly disciplined Skryne rearguard.

The excellence of Bryan McMahon gave Ratoath the opening score in the sixth minute, but within seven minutes they were behind as Mark Battersby and Conor O'Brien responded with fine scores for Skryne.

A very patient build-up led to Gavin McGowan restoring parity before the first water break, but after play resumed Niall Finnerty and Battersby converted frees to edge Skryne into a 0-4 to 0-2 lead.

Having their throne threatened Ratoath replied with a brace of McMahon points to restore parity, but in the fourth minute of first-half injury-time Battersby bundled over a goal to give Skryne a deserved 1-4 to 0-4 interval lead.

The second period developed into a dour affair. It took Ratoath seven minutes to draw level with points from Darragh Kelly, McMahon and Daithi McGowan. Battersby restored Skryne's lead with a superb score in the 42nd minute, but that proved to be their last score.

After the second water break Cian Rogers levelled it up again before Jack Flynn edged the champions ahead, then came the decisive moment.

As Skryne protested some decisions that went against them they lost concentration and allowed Gavin McGowan cut through the heart of their defence before he picked out Conor Rooney for a fine goal which put four points between the sides for the first time in the 55th minute.

The last 10 minutes were dour as Ratoath played keep ball and slowed the game down. Skryne couldn't get possession and it was a 46-metre free from Rooney with the last kick of the game that extended Ratoath's lead and edged them ever closer to the last four, while Skryne now face a relegation battle against Nobber in two weeks time.

SCORERS

Ratoath – Bryan McMahon 0-4; Conor Rooney 1-1 one free; Gavin McGowan 0-1; Darragh Kelly 0-1; Daithi McGowan 0-1; Cian Rogers 0-1; Jack Flynn 0-1.

Skryne – Mark Battersby 1-3 one free; Niall Finnerty 0-1 free; Conor O'Brien 0-1.

TEAMS

Ratoath – Shane Duffy; Ciaran O Fearraigh, Conor McGill, Ben Wyer; Sean Brazil, Gavin McGowan, Andrew Gerrard; Ben McGowan, Darragh Kelly; Daithi McGowan, Cian Rogers, Conor Rooney; Cian O'Brien, Bryan McMahon, Jack Flynn. Subs – Emmet Boyle for Brazil half-time, Padraig Byrne for O'Brien 50mins, Tom Fadden for D McGowan 60m.

Skryne – Ian Gillette; Niall Lenehan, Robbie Clarke, Andrew Moore; Eoin Smyth, Ciaran Lenehan, Stephen O'Brien; Harry Rooney, Ian Davis; Conor O'Brien, Darragh Campion, Paddy Carpenter; Niall Finnerty, Mark Battersby, Shane Smyth. Sub – Padraig Finnerty for Carpenter 55 mins.

Referee – David Coldrick (Blackhall Gaels).