Nenagh Celtic 'B' 1 - Rearcross 'B' 1

Rearcross 'B' made the midweek trek to Nenagh for this Fast Food Cup semi-final against highflying Nenagh Celtic 'B' and played out a one all draw against the league champions with the fall of darkness preventing extra time. A determined Rearcross side were not going to be vaunted by a home side that suffered just one defeat from sixteen league outings and made the better start after going ahead in the tenth minute when Sean Kennedy combined with Sean Hickey to set up stalwart Thomas Kennedy who banged home his 8th goal of the season with a trade mark left footed effort. Nenagh Celtic dominated for spells after this, however Rearcross were denied a second on the half hour mark when Sean Kennedy released Joey Nolan down the right flank with the Rearcross striker unlucky not to make better contact. Shane Lenihan did well to set up Joey Nolan minutes later, however play was called back for an offside infringement. Rearcross shot stopper Jim Caplis was also in the action and made a good block ten minutes before the break. The home side got back level a minute later after being awarded a penalty kick which was converted by Darren McGrath.
A lively second half encounter saw Rearcross match their illustrious opponents all over the pitch, however it might have been different had Cliff Moloney's effort from in front of goals gone in a minute after the restart. The visitors took full advantage of this let off and Joey Nolan's free kick effort on 54 minutes was held by the evergreen John Norton in the Nenagh goal. It was end to end for most of the second half and sterling defending from Eamon Wade who made successive and decisive tackles in a two minute spell midway through the half kept the home side at bay. Shane Fahy was introduced to the fray and made an impact with some slick passing and a good move involving Kieran Devitt on 70 minutes might have proved dividends, however the Celtic rearguard moved in to snuff out the danger. Chances fell to both sides in the remaining minutes of the tie with Jim Caplis making another good save while the home side also had claims for a penalty turned down.
Nenagh Celtic might have stole the win in stoppage time when a headed effort was barely outside the upright, however a draw was deemed a fair result on the evening and both sides will relish another chance to make it through to the decider.

Nenagh Celtic 'B': John Norton, Brian Duffy, Robbie Carr, Darren McGrath, Tommy Fogarty, Mike Hynes, Mike Ryan, Johnny Carmody, Cliff Moloney, John Paul O'Brien, Shane White.
Subs: Keith Langton, Johnny Donnellan, Matt Tuttlebee, Alan Kevin, Pearse O'Brien

Rearcross 'B': Jim Caplis, Mark Hogan, Eamon Wade, Liam Nolan(B), Matthew Ryan Luke, Sean Kennedy, Sean Hickey, Shane Lenihan, Kieran Devitt, Thomas Kennedy, Joey Nolan
Subs: Shane Fahy, Colm Nolan, Davy Ryan Luke, Anthony Ryan, Derek Kennedy,

Referee: Jimmy McCarthy

Report Compiled by Ger Kennedy