Rearcross 'B' 3 - Gurtagarry 1
Rearcross B played host to Gurtagarry last Tuesday evening the 2nd Division and secured all 3 points with a hard fought 3 – 1 victory. The opening half was a lively and entertaining affair with both sides causing trouble for the opposition defence. Rearcross went in front with 20 minutes gone when Michael O’Gorman was played in behind the Gurtagarry defence and he made no mistake from 12 yards out to give the home side the lead. The Gurtagarry rearguard were playing a very high line and were undine once more when an exquisite pass from Larry McLoughlin put Joey Nolan in the clear. The striker kept his composure to slot coolly past the advancing keeper and double his side’s advantage. Joey was involved once more in the 3rd goal when he was unceremoniously upended in the Gurtagarry penalty area. Liam Ryan stepped up to dispatch the resulting penalty to the corner without much ado. This left the home side 3 – 0 ahead at the break, a score line which heavily flattered the hosts and reflected harshly on the visitors.
To their credit, Gurtagarry didn’t drop their heads as came out all guns blazing at the start of the 2nd half and in truth, Rearcross were on the back foot throughout. Jim Caplis was called upon on more than one occasion and as always, the Rearcross keeper was found to be more than able in preserving his teams lead. However and somewhat ironically, he was eventually beaten when Rearcross conceded an own goal from a dangerous corner kick after a period of sustained pressure from Gurtagarry. But this turned out to be the Gurtagarry’s last real chance as Rearcross repelled everything that was thrown at them. In the end, time ran out for the visitors and Rearcross left the pitch somewhat relieved but deservedly with maximum points.
Report Compiled by Tommy Ryan Luke