Rearcross 4 - Thurles Celitc 2
(Please scroll to end of report for photos)
'Character is like a tree and reputation like a shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing' - Abraham Lincoln
Rearcross FC played host to Thurles Celtic in their first competitive outing of the season this Sunday last and emerged worthy winners on a scoreline of four goals to two after an exciting 90 minutes of football. With Diarmuid Sheehy delivering low, menacing crosses across goalmouth on a number of occasions in the opening exchanges it looked like Rearcross were sure to open the game's scoring, however it was Thurles who came closest on the half hour mark with Rearcross 'keeper Jim Caplis having to get down to save at his near post. With their tails up and a good pre season under their belts, Rearcross pushed on after this and took the lead soon after courtesy of an own goal following good pressure by Liam O' Toole, The lead was short lived however as Alan Considine equalised for Thurles Celtic seconds later with a volleyed effort. One all, and game on. In what was becoming an all out attacking frenzy, Rearcross came straight back up the other end and almost doubled their scoring with Liam O' Toole drilling a shot inches wide of the upright. Kieran Devitt was next to try his luck for the home side three minutes later, and with considerable success too, as his rasper found its way inside the far post after a good lay off from Robert Harrington. Rearcross, now back in front for the second time in the game, then found themselves in the doldrums once more with three minutes remaining in the half when David Butler's long range free kick was headed into the home side's net by a luckless Diarmuid Sheehy, a goal which would surely result in the teams going into the break level on a two all scoreline. However, sensing that nothing is set in stone (and even so, stone can be broken) up stepped Derek O' Toole who, after taking a lenghty gallop out on the left wing, found himself eluding a number of Thurles Celtic challenges before finishing to the net from six yards. Even the great Jimmy Magee would be lost for words at the turn of events by this stage. The second half did not disappoint either, Eamon Wade heading off the line to deny the visitors in the 48th minute before Jim Caplis kept the score line intact with a fine reflex save moments later. Simon Kennedy then provided Derek O' Toole with a glorious opportunity to further extend the home side's lead in the 56th minute; O' Toole failing to reach the net on this occasion. Showing trademark character, O' Toole picked himself up and bagged the only goal of the second half seconds later after finding space on the right to shoot to the back of the net from close range. Rearcross pushed on after this with substitute Greg Kennedy, fresh from his pre season tour of Chicago, sending a looping effort in on goal which was well caught by Thurles custodian Barry Forrestal. The remainder of the game saw Thurles on the attack and it took a good save from Jim Caplis, who was having yet another terrific game, to keep David Considine from scoring for the visitors. Kevin Quinn then came close in the 83rd minute with a piledriver which flew over the bar from close range. With five minutes remaining Thurles Celtic had claims for a penalty turned down, all but sealing the victory for Rearcross FC who now march on to the semi final of the First Division Shield.
Rearcross FC: Jim Caplis, Liam Ryan ®, Eamonn Devitt, Eamon Wade, Diarmuid Sheehy, Simon Kennedy, Liam O' Toole, Matthew Ryan (L), Robert Harrington, Derek O' Toole, Kieran Devitt.
Subs: Greg Kennedy for Robert Harrington (62nd minute), Tommy Ryan Luke for Diarmuid Sheehy(74th minute), Paul Hogan for Matthew Ryan Luke? (79th minute)
Subs Not Used: James Deegan, Darren Quigley, Brendan Shanahan
Thurles Celtic: Barry Forrestal, Tom Grodski, David Butler, Kevin Quinn, Darragh Quinlan, Alan Considine, Paul Connors, Kevin Croke, David Considine, Mark Quinlan, Colm Breen
Subs: John Leahy for Paul Connors (65th minute), Damien Ryan for Mark Quinlan(68th minute),
Subs Not Used: Jamie Barry, Gary Harkin, David Keeshan
Referee: Naoise Lawlor
Report compiled by Simon Kennedy
Changing Weather Conditions and Changing Jerseys in the same game!!
First half action with Thurles Celtic wearing Congo Bar jerseys
Incessant rain at start of the second half
More of the same!
Second half sunshine action with Thurles Celtic back in their sky blue kit
Second half action with Derek O'Toole on the ball
Diarmuid Sheehy paces forward to avoid the concession of a throw ball