Rearcross 'B' 2 - Blackcastle 'B' 3
Rearcross B made played host to Blackcastle B in their final home game of the 2008/2009 season and suffered a disappointing 3-2 defeat at the hands of the Templemore team. Rearcross began the game at a frantic pace and were well on top though did not convert this possession into clear cut chances. The game swung in Blackcastle’s favour when they were awarded what was a fairly dubious penalty after 15 minutes. However Jim Caplis did what he does best to parry the penalty out to the side and to safety. In spite of this miss, Blackcastle began to grow in confidence and scored the opener 10 minutes. A free kick from the edge of the area was struck home with precision by Cathal Leahy to leave Jim Caplis with little chance. Rearcross responded by forcing a number of corners and free kicks yet did not test the Blackcastle keeper. The home side were dealt a further blow 3 minutes before the break when they conceded a 2nd as the Rearcross rearguard were caught by a quick counterattack. Pat Murphy made no mistake from 10 yards out after he was played in behind the defence to leave his side in a commanding position at the break.
Rearcross came out full of determination in the 2nd half and had the visitors on the back foot once more. This pressure seemed to be rewarded when the hosts were awarded a penalty on the hour mark. However, Joey Nolans effort clipped the wrong side of the cross bar to go harmlessly wide. They deservedly pulled a goal back 5 minutes later when a fine passing move saw Michael O’Gorman round the last defender and his shot found the net despite the best efforts of the Blackcastle custodian. Cruelly, the 2 goal deficit was restored moments later when Rearcross conceded an own goal from a corner kick. Rearcross reduced the deficit once more with 15 minutes remaining when Larry McLoughlin got on the end of an Adrian Hurley free kick to blast the ball from close range. Rearcross pushed hard for an equaliser after this and came closest when a Shane Reynolds volley was cleared off the line. However, it was not to be as the final whistle was blown moments later to leave the hosts disappointed and empty handed.
Rearcross B: Jim Caplis, Shane Reynolds, Robert Harrington, Larry McLoughlin, Adrian Hurley, Tommy Ryan Luke, Matthew Ryan Luke, Greg Kennedy, Joey Nolan, Michael O’Gorman, Simon Kennedy
Subs: Anthony Ryan for Joey Nolan, Michael O'Gorman for Liam Ryan
Blackcastle 'B': John Martin, Mark Fennell, Padraig Greed, Jack Moore, Shane Purcell, Billy Prout, Christy Moore, Cathal Leahy, Eamon Whelan, Pat Murphy, James Quinn, Noel Leahy, James Kavanagh,
Referee: Tony Canning
Report Compiled by Tommy Ryan Luke
Thanks to Blackcastle 'B' for accommodating the original fixture change.
Blackcastle ‘B’ team that took the points against Rearcross ‘B’
Back Row(L to R): Mike Taylor, James Kavanagh, Mark Fennell, Padraig Greed, Jack Moore, Shane Purcell, Billy Prout, Ronnie Russell
Front Row (L to R): Christy Moore, Cathal Leahy, Eamon Whelan, John Martin, Pat Murphy, James Quinn, Noel Leahy
Rearcross ‘B’ team that were on the receiving end of a 3-2 defeat
Back Row (L to R): Myles Devitt, Matthew Ryan Luke, Joey Nolan, Tommy Ryan Luke, Larry McLoughlin, Liam Ryan, Shane Reynolds, Mike Carey
Front Row (L to R): Anthony Ryan, Greg Kennedy, Robert Harrington, Jim Caplis, Adrian Hurley, Simon Kennedy, Michael O’Gorman
Blackcastle’s Christy Moore tries to find a way through against Rearcross
Rearcross player Adrian Hurley squares up to Blackcastle’s Pat Murphy
Blackcastle’s Christy Moore in control of the situation as Greg Kennedy closes in.