Merrigan’s the man for ‘A’ team

RATHNEW AFC ‘A’ will take their place in the Jim McLaughlin Premier Trophy final after a Jody Merrigan hat-trick helped them to overcome their second string 4-1 at Shamrock Park on Sunday.

The recently-crowned Andy McEvoy Premier champions held a 2-0 advantage at the interval thanks to two goals shortly before the change of ends, from Theo Smyth and Merrigan.

Dean Franey’s spectacular strike moments after the resumption brought the ‘B’ team right back into the tie, but Merrigan added two more to his tally to send the ‘A’ team safely through.

Rathnew ‘A’ had reached the final four with a midweek win over Wicklow Cup winners Ashford Rovers ‘A’.

The Village needed extra-time to oust their opponents, with Michael Anthony Doyle grabbing the decisive goal in a 3-2 victory.

Jody Merrigan gave Rathnew the advantage in the quarter-final tie but Eddie Kelly drew Ashford level before the interval.

Merrigan restored Rathnew’s lead with his second goal, but Rovers fought back for a second time with Brendan Manning levelling matters.

However, Rathnew had the final say, with substitute Michael Anthony Doyle heading home an extra-time winner.