BT Harps 'B' 1 - Rearcross 3
‘You don’t win games by doing just enough, by saving your energy for later in the game. You win games by giving all that you can, for as long as you can. That’s how you win'.
- Derek O’ Toole rallies the troops with an inspirational half time team talk
Rearcross FC came away from Templemore with all three points in a game played in heavy conditions on Sunday morning last. The home side, languishing rather undeservedly near the foot of the table, signalled their intention from the off and early pressure required an Eamonn Devitt block in front of goal to keep the scoreline intact. Rearcross gathered themselves soon after however and a Simon Kennedy shot after a good layoff from Derek O’ Toole almost found the net in the 8th minute, BT having Noel Leahy in the goals to thank on this occasion. Alan Gibson was proving a threat for the home side and forced another corner from Eamon Devitt with ten minutes gone, with Rearcross clearing their lines from the resulting kick. Derek O’ Toole then crossed for Liam O’ Toole who dragged the ball left of the upright in the 16th minute before the two brothers linked up once more, this time resulting in a goal. It began with a beautifully floated cross from the aforementioned Derek which was helped on its way by Eamon Wade’s deft touch before Captain fantastic Liam headed home at the back post. Rearcross almost doubled their lead in the 28th minute when Simon Kennedy got on the end of Greg Kennedy’s corner kick with the headed effort not far away before Jim Caplis, who had a rather quiet outing in the Rearcross goals, made a one handed save to deaden the ball before gathering at the near post. BT Harps upped the ante towards half time as Jerome Ryan booted over with a good effort from outside the box. After a stirring half time team talk the boys from Rea’ came flying out of the traps and no less than five minutes later doubled their advantage with a goal of the most outstanding quality. It’s not often Eamon Wade, commander-in-chief of the Rearcross FC defence and all round nice guy, makes the headlines for his striking prowess but today was going to be different – a cracking thirty five yard effort caught on the half volley finding the net with a goal that all the superlatives in the Oxford English Dictionary could not do justice to. With just over half an hour to go BT Harps pulled a goal back with Cathal Leahy’s cross finding Paul Tuohy who prodded home from just inside the box. Five minutes later Simon Kennedy almost stretched the Rearcross lead further when he blasted over with a good effort, while shortly afterwards Noel Leahy, who had a fine outing for the home side, made a fantastic one handed save from a Derek O’Toole rasper. In the 71st minute Rearcross came close once more when Derek O’Toole fired on target with a low effort which was parried by the BT Harps custodian; Kieran Devitt unlucky with the follow through on this occasion. Four minutes later Simon Kennedy’s powerful header from a Derek O’Toole corner kick was saved superbly by Noel Leahy and the away team were beginning to wonder what more they needed to do to get another goal. The recurring theme of the game continued in the 78th minute when BT Harps custodian Noel Leahy produced a double save to firstly deny Liam O’Toole and made a body block to keep the second attempt out. The Templemore side didn’t give up however and Keith Nolan’s well struck free kick was barely over with ten minutes remaining. After a Liam O’ Toole effort drifted just wide with five minutes remaining it was up to Rearcross FC co-manager Eamonn Devitt to save the day at the other end when he chested down before clearing to safety. Rearcross then secured the victory with two minutes remaining on the clock when a counter attack set up by Liam O’ Toole and Kieran Devitt resulted in Derek O’ Toole ending up thorugh on goal and tapping home from close range after rounding the onrushing Leahy. Rearcross FC now enter the Christmas break in a healthy league position and are eagerly awaiting the upcoming players’ Christmas Tournament next Saturday and the festivities which will follow.
Rearcross FC: Jim Caplis, Robert Harrington, Eamon Wade, Eamon Devitt, Greg Kennedy, Declan O’Toole, Simon Kennedy, Matthew Ryan Luke, Liam O’Toole, Derek O’Toole, Kieran Devitt
Subs: Mark Hogan for Robert Harrington (65th minute), Liam Ryan for Matthew Ryan Luke, Tommy Ryan Luke for Derek O’Toole (88thminute)
Subs Not Used: James Deegan, Darren Quigley
BT Harps ‘B’: Noel Leahy, Pat Murphy, Owen O’Neill, Keith Nolan, John Martin, Alan Gibson, Jack Moore, Mark Stakelum, Cathal Leahy, Billy Prout, Jerome Ryan
Subs: Paddy Murphy for Paul Tuohy (56th minute), Trevor Quinn for Billy Prout (60th minute),
Subs Not Used: James Quinn, Kevin O’Connell, David Troy
Referee: Tommy Lynch
Report compiled by Simon Kennedy