Match Results & Reports

Arra Rovers 2 - Rearcross Youths 2

Portroe was the venue on Friday evening for the clash of Arra Rovers Youths and Rearcross Youths in this end of season league game with a two draw the final outcome from a highly competetive encounter. Arra were first to fire on target through Stephen Flynn, however Dave Carroll was equal to the effort and made the block on four minutes. Rearcross hit the front in the 12th minute when James Deegan's corner fell to Greg Kennedy who bundled the ball over the line from close range. The visitors might have stretched their lead four minutes later when Greg Kennedy's menancing delivery from the right rolled agonisingly across the danger area. Sean Reynolds who turned in a strong performance throughout for the green and whites let fly on the twenty minute mark, however the effort pulled left of the target. Rearcross produced the move the game nine minutes later when Shane Lenihan did well on the left before switching the ball across to Pat Stapleton, the Glengar man dribbled past two Arra players before crossing to Greg Kennedy who made contact with a firm header, however the home side's custodian Brian Sherlock was well positioned to make the save. Rearcross had their moments towards the end of the half and came close after good work by Michéal Murphy. The final play of the first period saw the home side coming within inches of an equaliser which was a let off for the visiting side. Rearcross made the perfect start to the second half and raced in to a two nil lead inside the second minute when full back Darragh Kennedy advanced on the right, William Mackey laid back to Pat Stapleton who pressed forward only to be taken down just inside the box. Shane Lenihan rifled the resulting penalty to the back of the net. A third goal at this stage would have killed of the game, however credit to a determined Arra Rovers side who were back in the game six minutes later when Nigel Flood sent a low drive to the left of Dave Carroll from the edge of the box. Rearcross were slow to settle after this setback, although James Deegan's long range delivery from a free kick saw Pat Stapleton luckless not to get a late touch at the back post. Rearcross might have wrapped up the points nine minutes from time when Shane Lenihan won the ball and broke on a counter attack, however the left footed effort flew over the crossbar. Arra Rovers upped their game after this and Dave Carroll had to be sharp to save under the post in the 84th minute. The Portroe side followed up a minute later with a superb equaliser when Kevin O'Halloran's long range effort from twenty five yards clipped the underside of the crossbar before nestling in the back of the net. Rearcross pushed hard for the winner in the remaining minutes but it wasn't to be on this occasion for a visiting side that were content with a share of the spoils in their final league outing of the campaign.

 

Arra Rover Youths: Brian Sherlock, Paddy Flynn, James Ryan, Kieran Ryan, Kevin O'Halloran, Liam Moylan, Stephen Kennedy, Danny Ryan, Stephen Flynn, Cathal O'Brien, Greg O'Brien
Subs: Ian O'Donnell, Nigel Flood, Andy McCluskey, Brian Molumpy

 

Rearcross Youths: Dave Carroll, Darragh Kennedy, Shane Fahy, Sean Hickey, James Deegan, Pat Stapleton, Shane Lenihan, Greg Kennedy, Sean Reynolds, William Mackey, Michéal Murphy
Sub: Shane Kennedy for Michéal Murphy

 

Referee: Johnny Mitchell