Rearcross Youths 3 - Lough Derg 2
Rearcross Youths produced a sterling performance against Lough Derg to take maximum points on a 3-2 score line at Rearcross FC Grounds on Saturday afternoon. The home side signalled intent early with a John Shanahan effort in the 2nd minute which was blocked down, Lough Derg worked their way in to the game and it took good play from Gary O'Brien on the fifteen minute mark when the Rearcross defender tidied up to avert the danger. Rearcross keeper Darragh Ryan Luke came to rescue for the green & whites with a full stretch fingertip save from a Jamie Stewart long range effort. Rearcross were enjoying their fair share of chances and a low effort from Darragh Kennedy was on target, however John Morgan got down to block. The home went ahead on 31 minutes when Luke McKenna raided down the left before setting up Darragh Kennedy who let fly with a right footed shot which nestled in the far corner. Lough Derg exhibited strong battling qualities throughout and it took a vital interception from Martin Nolan to keep the score line intact when Jamie Stewart was straight through on goal, however the Rearcross number 3 got across to put in a fine tackle at the expense of a corner kick. Ben O'Dea showed good footwork throughout and did well on the left before swinging in the cross which was knocked out for a corner kick. Lough Derg were back in the game five minutes before the break when Rearcross failed to deal with a corner kick as Darragh Kennedy was luckless to see his headed touch drift past the Rearcross custodian. Rearcross finished the half on a high when Ben O'Dea set up Luke McKenna who rifled to the back of the net from in front of goal. The Ballina side showed strongly after the resumption and were back in the frame on 52 minutes when Jamie Stewart's corner kick was met by substitute Nathan Wood who powered a headed effort to the back of the net. Rearcross restored their advantage in the 64th minute when a move involving Darragh Kennedy and Brian Carey saw the latter send a menacing ball across the danger area, Tommy Lyons had it all to do and did exceptionally well to get in at the back post to bundle the ball over the line. The visitor's weren't finished and Darragh Ryan Luke had to be sharp to save fourteen minutes from time. Indeed, Lough Derg pressed in the remaining minutes and it took gallant defending from Rearcross including heroic play to survive a goalmouth scramble in the final minute to hold out for their first league win of the campaign.
Rearcross Youths: Darragh Ryan Luke, David Stapleton, Martin Nolan, Gary O'Brien, William Mackey, Darragh Kennedy, Brian Carey, Tommy Lyons, Ben O'Dea, John Shanahan, Luke McKenna,
Subs: Dylan Ryan for Darragh Kennedy (66th minute), Jamie Russell for Ben O'Dea (76th minute), Shane Quigley for Tommy Lyons (86th minute)
Lough Derg Youths: John Morgan, Barra O'Dhughbhail, Lowel Ryan, Conor Lonergan, Emmet Hanley, Robbie Power, Jamie Stewart, Thomas Conway, Seamus Monaghan, Conor Lynch, Marco Federico
Sub: Nathan Wood for Robbier Power(45th minute)
Referee: Jim McGrath