Rearcross
'A' 6 - Esker Celtic 4
Rearcross 'A' played hosts to Leinster Senior
League side Esker Celtic in a pre-season friendly at Rearcross FC Grounds last
Saturday and emerged victorious on a 6-4 score line after a highly competitive
encounter, it was the visitors who made the early running and went ahead in the
8th minute when a clinical delivery from a free kick out on the right was headed
to the roof of the net by John Murphy. Rearcross regrouped and an Eamon Devitt
effort wasn't far over three minutes later, then Liam Ryan found space in the
center with the lofted effort clearing the upper side of the crossbar. The Dublin
side were dangerous on the attack and Sean Sheehy reacted well to save with nine
minutes remaining in the half, Nigel Ryan pulled a smashing save out of the Esker
custodian two minutes later, Rearcross were robbed of an equaliser on the stroke
of half time when Kevin Mullins picked out Derek O'Toole with the resulting effort
going agonisingly wide.
A lively start to the second half saw chances falling
to both sides with Rearcross, however the home side had to wait until the 13th
minute of the half for an equaliser when Kevin Mullins was the architect with
a fine pass to Paul Murphy who slotted home from in front of goal, the floodgates
opened after this with a further eight goals being added to the score line, Rearcross
went in front on 65 minutes when Mike Ryan finished to the net from the edge of
the six yard box. Esker Celtic brought it back to two all when John Murphy's floated
effort seemed to deceive Sean Sheehy in the Rearcross goal. John Murphy who was
the visitors best player on the day came close with a well drilled effort three
minutes later. Rearcross increased their lead in the 70th minute when an assist
from Mike Ryan saw Paul Murphy grab his second of the day. Mike Ryan then added
his second of the day when he drove under an advancing keeper following good play
by Nigel Ryan. Rearcross went 5-2 ahead when Joey Nolan's pile driver was blocked
out to Liam Ryan who side footed to the net from close range. The Dubliners reduced
the deficit with eight minutes remaining when John Murphy rounded off his hat-trick
with a goal from the penalty spot, Esker Celtic's late rally continued and slack
defending allowed Dean O'Brien through on goal who in turn drove past Sean Sheehy,
Rearcross had the last say when Simon Kennedy popped up to place the ball to the
corner of the net in the 88th minute to seal the win for the home side
Rearcross:
Sean Sheehy, Kevin Mullins, Derek O'Toole, Simon Kennedy, Anthony Ryan, Eamon
Devitt, Nigel Ryan, Liam Nolan(B), PJ McLoughlin, Declan O'Toole, Liam Ryan
Subs:
Michael Ryan, John Ryan Luke, Paul Murphy, Joey Nolan, Diarmuid Sheehy (All Used)
Esker
Celtic: Alan Hayes, Colm Cockburn, Niall Ryan, Dylan Kelly, Ronan Kearns,
Diarmuid Cleary, Dean O'Brien, Hugh Feeney, Eoin Carolan, John Murphy, David Andras
Subs:
John Ryan, Eoin Clarke
Referee: Jim Lees