Rearcross 'B' 1 - Holycross 'B' 3
Rearcross 'B' hosted high flying Holycross 'B' at Rearcross FC Grounds on Friday evening in this end of season league encounter with the home side putting up a strong challenge before eventually conceding the points on a 3-1 score line. The opening quarter was a tame affair with both sides failing to create any real chances although Séan Harte was a threat for the home side with good support play from Kieran Devitt. The home side came close on twenty five minutes when a well struck effort from Raymond Williams wasn't far away. Rearcross continued to penetrate, Matthew Ryan Luke crossed to Sean Hárte whose headed effort was on target, however visiting custodian Robert Quinlan was well positioned to save. The Tipperary Cup trail blazers hit the front four minutes before the break when a defensive mix up allowed David English chip the ball to back of the home side's net. Rearcross showed promise after the re-start winning successive corners in the process before Darren Quigley's corner kick on the hour mark was headed by Kieran Devitt and then Matthew Ryan Luke was unlucky with the follow up effort. Holycross stretched their lead midway through the second half when Paudie Donnelly prodded the ball home from close range with a headed effort. The visitors went on to enjoy a spell of dominance and Brendan Shanahan was forced to make a fine block on 74 minutes. Rearcrosss didn't throw in the towel and were back in the game two minutes later when PJ McLoughlin sent a low cross from the right to Michéal Murphy who kept his composure before sending a low effort whizzing to the corner of the net in what was a fine finish. The home side took the game to Holycross after this, however the Glenbane side defended stubbornly with Mike Carr to the fore for the visitors. The result was put beyond doubt seven minutes from time when Paudie Donnelly's speculative delivery from the right went all the way to the net. The last action of the game saw Brendan Shanahan get down well to make a good save from JoJo O'Meara. Rearcross turned in a pleasing performance on the night and were somewhat unlucky not to take something from the tie.
Rearcross 'B': Brendan Shanahan, Darragh Ryan Luke, Darren Quigley, Liam Nolan(B), Matthew Ryan Luke, Shane Fahy, PJ McLoughlin, Sean Hickey, Raymond Williams, Kieran Devitt, Séan Harte
Subs: Brian Van Damme for Raymond Williams, Michéall Murphy
for Sean Harte
Holycross 'B': Robert Quinlan, John Fogarty, Mark Fogarty, Edward Moore, Thomas Fitzpatrick, Justin Shelly, David Joyce, Paudie Doran, Pearce Stakelum, Eamon Flanagan
Subs: Mike Carr, Paudie Donnelly, Liam Dwan
Referee: Tony Canning