Clapham Celtic 2 - Rearcross 2

Rearcross had to settle for a share of the spoils after losing a two nil lead against a classy Clapham Celtic side in this away friendly fixture played in Battersea Park last Friday night under floodlights, Rearcross made a good start despite the bitterly cold conditions and matched their opponents in most sectors, Joey Nolan's free kick in the 4th minute wasn't far away, Sean Sheehy then did well in the 12th minute to thwart the home side with a fine reflex save. Shane Reynolds had to be clinical on the twenty-minute mark with a well timed tackle when a goal looked certain. Rearcross took the lead in the 28th minute with a strike from the edge of the box that flew to the back of the net. Clapham Celtic made a lively start to the second half and Rearcross looked to be in trouble a minute after the restart when the visitors were lucky to survive a goalmouth scramble. Rearcross regrouped and went two nil ahead two minutes later with a smashing long range effort from Liam Ryan, the Londoners didn't throw in the towel and an Adrian Hurley tackle averted the danger in the 70th minute, Sean Sheehy was then back in the action five minutes later with a creditable save. Rearcross had lived dangerously in the second half and were punished with eight minutes remaining when Clapham Celtic were given too much room on the right before John Spec slotted to the back of the net, Rearcross were on the back foot after this with Tommy Ryan Luke and Sean Sheehy to the fore, however the visitors succumbed to the onslaught deep in to injury time with the concession of a penalty which was duly converted by John Paul despite the best efforts of Sean Sheehy to leave the sides all square at the final whistle. Our thanks to the Nolan Family and to the staff of the Victoria for their hospitality, our thanks also for the pre-match and post-match food. After match presentations took place in the Victoria where Michael Nolan (Junior) presented Rearcross captain Michael Carey with a commemorative Cup to mark the fifth meeting of the sides since 1995. Rearcross FC also presented a commemorative Plaque to Michael Nolan as a token of the Club's appreciation. A special word of thanks to Michael Nolan (Junior) and all the Nolan family for their help with organising the trip.

Clapham Celtic: Smail Tinsit, Michael Nolan, Dave Gilgannon, Robert Miller, Spensor Nolan, Steve Fairbrass, Tony Evans, John Spec, Sean Murphy, Joe Nolan, Dave Murray
Subs: John Paul, Patrick Flaherty

Rearcross: Sean Sheehy, Shane Reynolds, Anthony Ryan, Tommy Ryan Luke, Michael Carey (Capt.), Martin McLoughlin, James Nolan, Matthew Ryan Luke, Liam Nolan(B), Eamon Devitt, Joey Nolan
Subs: Adrian Hurley, Theo English, Liam Ryan, Val Kennedy

Referee: Sam Monner