Newport AFC 'B' 5 - Rearcross 'B' 2
A young experimental Rearcross B team travelled to Newport to play what proved to be a worthwhile friendly against our nearest neighbours on Thursday night. Missing several first team players.Rearcross fell behind early with Newport seizing their opportunities well. Newport went ahead after 5 minutes with a well taken goal by Danny Healy. The score was doubled 10 minutes later when Danny Healy scored from the penalty spot despite debut keeper Gearoid Collins getting a hand to Danny's well taken penalty. Despite Newport's 2 goal advantage Rearcross got in to the game and should have scored with opportunities from Liam Ryan, Shane Lenihan and Kieran Devitt. 5 mins before half time and somewhat against the run of play.Newport went 3-0 up after Christy O Connor found the back of the Rearcoss net with a great finish from 25 yards. On the resumption of the second half Reacross quickly got into their stride and clawed back a goal with a fine individual finish from Liam Ryan after a great run from Kieran Devitt. With the momentum in their favour Rea should have clawed back a second goal after Shane lenihan hit the crossbar with a rasping free from 20 yards. Rearcross were now beginning to dominate the game and had good chances from Liam Ryan, Brian Collins and a young Darragh Kennedy who was very influential when entering the fray. With 15 mins left Rea fell further behind when a long range shot from Danny Healy was deflected to the Rearcross net giving Gearoid Collins no chance in the Rearcross goal. Danny Healy then completed his hat trick with a well taken penalty with minutes remaining. With the scoreline now 5-1, substitute Dave Carroll scored his first goal for Rearcross B with a well taken shot from just inside the Newport box. Despite the final score being 5-2, the game proved to be a useful workout for a very young Rearcross team who were up against a full strength Newport outfit.
Rearcross 'B': Gearoid Collins, Derek Kennedy (c), Mathew Ryan (L), Eamonn Wade, Colm Nolan, Eoin Armshaw, Davy Ryan (L), Kieran Devitt,Robbie Harrington, Liam Ryan (R), Shane Lenihan. Subs: Brian Collins,Dave Carroll,Micheal Murphy,Darragh Kennedy.
Report Compiled by Paudie Devitt