Noreside Celtic 3 - Rearcross Youths 1
Rearcross Youths trekked to the Noreside venue with a depleted squad for this Youths league game and turned in a gutsy performance against the home side before losing out on a three goals to one score line. The blustery and wet conditions detracted from this game somewhat, however Rearcross playing with wind advantage in the opening half made a promising start and a back header from Kieran Devitt following a long delivery was knocked in to space in front of goals, however the ball was cleared to avert the danger. Proinsíos Matthews then threatened for the home side with a low effort that skidded just wide of the post in the fifth minute. The exchanges were being evenly shared and William Horrigan did well to head to safety minutes later when Noreside looked to be through on goal.
Rearcross keeper Bobby Carroll was called in to action midway through the half with a superb one handed save to block a rasper that was destined for the top corner. Noreside took the lead on the half hour mark when Frankie Kennedy ran on to a through ball and kept his nerve to slip the ball to the corner of the net. Rearcross were dealt a further blow a minute later when an attack on the left saw Bobby Bergin collect the ball on the end line before dispatching to the back of the net from the tightest of angles. Rearcross upped the ante towards the end of the half and Brendan Shanahan got through on goal, however Noreside custodian Pa Ryan had read the situation correctly and made the save. James Deegan following up later with an effort that wasn't far over the Norside crossbar.
Noreside Celtic made it three nil two minutes in the second half when Joe Maher advanced on the left before drilling past a faultless Bobby Carroll. An encouraging performance from Rearcross saw the visitors dominate proceedings after this and came close with efforts from Kieran Devitt, Greg Kennedy and Michael O'Gorman. Rearcross did pull a goal back with five minutes remaining when Greg Kennedy was the provider to Michéal McLoughlin who sent a low left legged effort underneath the Noreside custodian. Rearcross attacked in droves after this, however Noreside held out to secure the points.
Noreside Celtic: Pa Ryan, Damien Hogan, Bobby Bergin, Stevie Russell, Anthony Lyons, Ricky Buckley, Paddy Murray, Frankie Kennedy, Joe Maher, Proinsíos Matthews
Subs: Tom Ryan, Johnny Whelan
Rearcross Youths: Bobby Carroll, Harry Williams, Eoin Armshaw, Cormac Nolan, Greg Kennedy, James Deegan, Michael O'Gorman, Kieran Devitt, William Horrigan, Brendan Shanahan, Dave Carroll
Subs: Michéal McLoughlin for Dave Carroll, Colm Nolan for Harry Williams
Referee: Liam Kelly