Nenagh AFC 'B' 6 - Rearcross 3
Rearcross FC got brought back down to earth with a bang at Islandbawn on Sunday last as last year’s Division 1 champions Nenagh Town B comprehensively beat the green and whites on a six goals to three scoreline. Rearcross did themselves no favours as the scoreline read three nil after thirty minutes even though the home side were not dominating in terms of possession – Alan Kelly instrumental in all three goals, including the one he scored himself. Derek O’ Toole’s effort from the right in the 33rd minutes gave some hope to the men from Rea’ however when it squirmed over the line whilst Simon Kennedy blocked the goalkeeper’s line of vision. O’ Toole then came close to reducing the deficit further two minutes later when his looping shot from in front of goal looked destined for the net but dipped over the cross bar at the last second. Jim Caplis then pulled off two fantastic reflex saves with two minutes remaining at the other end to keep Rearcross in contention. Rearcross FC came out all guns blazing in the second half and Eamon Wade was dreadfully unlucky to see his headed effort skid inches wide of the upright after a good delivery by Mark Hogan with four minutes gone. The game turned once more in the 51st minute when Paul Kelly’s free kick in to the danger area was met by Alan Kelly who finished to the net at the back post to once more extend Nenagh’s lead to three goals. Rearcross fought back once more however and after an over the top tackle on Simon Kennedy inside the penalty box Derek O’ Toole stepped forward and converted from the spot with confidence. Nenagh then replied with two goals of their own through Willie Darcy in the 69th minute and Alan Kelly, who rounded off an impressive hat trick, in the 75th minute. Rearcross to their credit never gave up and it was fitting to see Derek O’ Toole complete a hat trick of his own with ten minutes remaining after a wonderful left legged shot from outside the box; a welcome achievement on a day of disappointment for all involved with Rearcross FC.
Rearcross FC: Jim Caplis, Liam Ryan (R), Eamon Wade, Eamonn Devitt, Tommy Ryan (L), Declan O’ Toole, Simon Kennedy, Matthew Ryan (L), Greg Kennedy, Derek O’ Toole, Kieran Devitt
Subs: Liam O’ Toole for Greg Kennedy (45), Mark Hogan for Liam Ryan (45), Robert Harrington for Eamonn Devitt (60)
Nenagh AFC ‘B’: William Collins, Paul Kelly, Mike O’Brien, Gary Kevin, Alan Kelly, Luke Kennedy, Lee McMahon, Eddie Spillane, Ger O’Brien, JoJo Dillon, Danny Butler
Subs: Trevor Kenneally, Willie Darcy, Damien Carey, Kenneth Holland, Emmet Butler
Referee: Toddy Sweeney
Report compiled by Simon Kennedy