Rearcross 'A' 2 - Clodiagh Rangers 1
Rearcross progressed to the semi-final of the Ann Kennedy Tournament when James Goough scored a late winner to give his side a narrow 2-1 victory. The opening chance of the game came after five minutes when Declan O'Toole advanced on the right and squared to Michael O'Gorman with resulting effort not far off. Declan O'Toole was in the action again four minutes later with a well struck effort that pulled to the left of the upright. Clodiagh Rangers were also having their moments and Declan Carr linked up with John Ryan on eleven minutes who fired on target, however Paul Murphy who played well throughout booted to safety. Liam Ryan fired over the Clodiagh Rangers cross bar midway through the half. Rearcross were enjoying the better of the exchanges and Declan O'Toole broke on the right, however the shot dragged outside the upright. Rearcross custodian Sean Sheehy did well to save from Clodiagh's Paul Doyle three minutes before the break. Rearcross counter attacked and Sean Mullins got in a shot which was just wide. Rearcross went ahead seconds later when Sean Mullins volleyed to the corner of the net with a fine strike. The Drombane side rallied at the start of the second half and created their fair share of chances, however Rearcross defended sternly with Paul Murphy and Derek O'Toole to the fore. Clodiagh Rangers equaliser sixteen minutes in to the second half when Mark Quinlan's inswinging corner finished in the net. Rearcross pushed forward in search of a winner and a darting run from Shane Lenihan down the left flank produced a fine cross, however the Clodiagh defence closed in to avert the danger. Rearcross snatched a winner with a minute remaining when Nigel Ryan did well on the left before drilling to James Gough who held his nerve before slotting between the posts to seal a hard earned victory.
Rearcross ‘A’: Sean Sheehy, Robert Harrington, Adrian Hurley, Paul Murphy, Derek O'Toole, Declan O'Toole, Nigel Ryan, Sean Mullins, Matthew Ryan Luke, Michael O'Gorman, Liam Ryan
Subs: Shane Lenihan, Liam Nolan(B), James Gough, Alan Shanahan (All Used)
Clodiagh Rangers: Adrian Cooke, Shane O'Dwyer, Rory Ryan, Paul English, Declan Carr, Matt Ryan, Paudie Doyle, John Ryan, Andrew Quirke, Mark Quinlan, Patrick Purcell.
Subs: Keith Ryan, Joe Cullagh, PJ Kennedy
Referee: Pat Gibson