Rearcross Youths 3 - Clodiagh Rangers Youths 3
Rearcross Youths and Clodiagh Rangers Youths clashed in this league tie played at Rearcross FC Grounds on Saturday evening with the visitors recovering from a two goal deficit in the final eleven minutes to earn a share of the spoils. A well contested game throughout saw Rearcross coming close inside the opening three minutes when Gary O'Brien's corner kick fell invitingly in the goalmouth before being cleared to safety, the counter attack saw David Stapleton doing well at the back to tidy up. Ben O'Dea had a fine outing for the hosts and raided down the left before squaring to Darragh Kennedy whose effort from distance was on target, however the visiting custodian pushed the ball out for a corner kick. Clodiagh Rangers were also having their moments and Paul Kennedy drilled inches wide on eight minutes. The home side took the lead when a move involving Darragh Kennedy and Gary O'Brien set up Tommy Lyons who did exceptionally well to blast to the back of the net. Former Rearcross player Sean Ryan was influential in the middle of the field for the visitors and a well struck free kick effort was blocked down on the 18th minute mark. Rearcross doubled their tally midway through the half when Tommy Lyons battled to retain possession before the ball broke to Aidan Moloney on the edge of the box who made no mistake as the Rearcross number 10 crashed his tenth of the season to the corner of the net. Rearcross were flying at this stage and were unlucky not to extend their lead when Aidan Moloney linked up with Brian Carey who burst through the centre before firing on target, however Gavin grappled to gather the ball under the crossbar. The First Division outfit were back in fray eighteen minutes before the break when Brendan Larkin raced on to Gary Donnelly's free kick before slipping the ball between the posts. Rearcross made a strong enough finish to the half and a Gary O'Brien corner kick again caused consternation for the visitors, however a forest of legs prevented the ball from being booted to the net with a possible penalty claim going unheard and then Aidan Moloney combined with Brian Carey before visiting netminder saved on the line. Rearcross were let off the hook four minutes in to the second half when Tipperary minor All Ireland medallist Sean Ryan shot from distance, however the effort crashed off the cross bar and back in to play to Toby Clancy whose first time effort was inches outside the upright. The Drombane side continued to press and Darragh Ryan Lule advanced off his line on the hour mark to make a crucial interception. Rearcross restored their advantage in the 66th minute when Brian Cary laid off to Aidan Moloney who steadied before rifling to the bottom corner of the net. Aidan Moloney broke on the right four minutes, however the effort flew across the face of the goalmouth. The woodwork denied Rearcross in rapid succession fourteen minutes from time when Aidan Moloney was again the danger man after getting behind the visitors defence before unleashing on target, however the effort came off the base of the upright and then the follow up effort again from Aidan Moloney struck the same post in the same spot, a fourth goal at that stage might have put the game beyond the visitors. Clodiagh Rangers didn't give up though
Thanks to Clodiagh Rangers for accommodating the earlier kick off.
Rearcross Youths: Darragh Ryan Luke, David Stapleton(Capt.), Martin Nolan, Kevin Mulcahy, William Mackey, Gary O'Brien, Darragh Kennedy, Brian Carey, Ben O'Dea, Aidan Moloney, Tommy Lyons
Subs: Dylan Ryan for Tommy Lyons (69th minute), Luke McKenna for Ben O'Dea (87th minute),
Subs Not Used:
Jamie Russell, Gary McMahon
Clodiagh Rangers Youths: Gavin Ryan, Gerry Donnelly, Jack Buthler, Nathen Delaney, Peter Hefernan, Stephen Quinn, Sean Ryan, Robbie Lowry, Toby Clancy, Brendan Larkin, Paul Kennedy.
Subs:
Loughlin Ryan, Dylan Sheridan
Referee: Liam Kelly
Rearcross Youths
Back Row (L to R): Aidan Moloney, Ben O'Dea, Darragh Ryan Luke, William Mackey, Kevin Mulcahy,
Gary O'Brien, Dylan Ryan, Luke McKenna
Front Row (L to R): Jamie Russell, David Stapleton, Tommy Lyons, Darragh Kennedy, Brian Carey,
Martin Nolan, Gary McMahon
Clodiagh Rangers Youths
Rearcross FC's Ben O'Dea on the ball
Clodiagh Rangers Sean Ryan runs in to space with Brian Carey and Gary O'Brien closing in
David Stapleton and Kevin Mulcahy look to shut out the danger for the home side.
Rearcross FC's Brian Carey advances from midfield