Rearcross 'B' 3 - Thurles Celtic 1
Rearcross B made played host to Thurles Celtic last Friday evening in the 2nd Division and secured all 3 points with an encouraging 3 – 1 victory. The home side started brightly in what was a lively affair throughout and had all the early possession. They made the first real chance of the game after 5 minutes when good build up play saw Liam Ryan pick out Brian Sheehy at the front post. However his headed effort went the wrong side of the upright. Matthew Ryan (L) was picked out in the penalty area not long after this but he dragged his shot wide. Rearcross had further chances to open the scoring in the opening quarter but failed to capitalise. The visitors meanwhile, grew into the game and forced a number of free kicks and corner kicks. Indeed, during this spell, they took the lead on the half hour mark, when a free kick was sent deep in to the Rearcross penalty area. It was half cleared before a back post header sent the ball to the corner of the net. Jim Caplis made a fine save moments later to ensure that his side did not fall further behind. Rearcross took the game back to the visitors after this and had a number of half chances but remained in arrears at the break.
They deservedly drew level 5 minutes after the break when Tommy Ryan (L) bundled home a superb Liam Ryan corner. There was only going to be one winner after this and Rearcross dominated proceedings throughout the 2nd half. A Nigel Ryan shot skimmed the post after he was played in behind the defence. Moments later, an Adrian Hurley corner was sent goalwards only to rebound off the cross bar. The hosts had to wait until the 70 minute before taking the lead. Davy Ryan (L) played Nigel Ryan in behind the Thurles defence. He kept his composure to pick out the inrushing Matthew Ryan (L) and the captain applied the finish to an excellent move to claim his 2nd of the season. Rearcross went further ahead 5 minutes later when they were awarded the ball was handled in the area. Nigel Ryan stepped up to dispatch the resultant penalty to the corner and put the victory beyond doubt.
Rearcross 'B': Jim Caplis, Robert Harrington, Simon Kennedy, Larry McLoughlin, Tommy Ryan (L), Matthew Ryan (L), Davy Ryan (L), Brian Sheehy, Liam Ryan, Nigel Ryan, Adrian Hurley
Subs : Greg Kennedy for Adrian Hurley, Michael O’Gorman for Liam Ryan Shane Reynolds for Tommy Ryan (L)
Thurles Celtic: Colm Breen, Alan Considine, Jason Forrestal, Kevin Croke, David Russell,
Donal Ryan, John Leahy, John McLoughlin, David Mahoney, Mark Breen, Stephen Wade
Subs: Trevor McNeill, Densie Oztruk, Ray Fanning, Jamie Lennon, Pio Spillane
Referee: Naoise Lawlor,
Report Compiled by Tommy Ryan Luke
Goalmouth action as Thurles Celtic close in to avert the danger
Thurles Celtic’s Ray Fanning is closely marshalled by Rearcross FC’s Robert Harrington