Goals of any hue still the great equaliser

Back in April when it was scored most everyone agreed that Chris Forrester’s exquisite goal for St Patrick’s Athletic against Shamrock Rovers — a scooped lob which was as immaculate as it was audacious — would not be bettered in the Airtricity League this season.

But cometh August and cometh Mark Griffin of Dundalk, unveiling a jaw-dropping combination of skilful improvisation and clinical finishing to snatch the glory, even though his side lost the game 3-2 at Drogheda. For many, the goal echoed Denis Bergkamp at his best, though this observer couldn’t get Matt Le Tissier out of his mind, as Griffin first flicked to take out one defender, then pirouetted to take out another before finding the net with power and precision, the whole thing accomplished in one apparently seamless movement.

So even the most ardent fans of the gifted Forrester could hardly complain when, earlier this week, the MNS panel awarded Griffin the EA Sports Goal of the Season gong, the 21-year-old happily reliving a moment of magic when he was totally in the zone.