Arra Rovers 3 - Rearcross 2
"The greatest test of courage on earth is to bear defeat without losing heart" Robert Green Ingersoll
Rearcross visited Portroe on Sunday last and came away with only their second defeat of the season after going three behind in a sluggish first half. The first goal of the game came in only the 2nd minute when Stephen O’Flaherty put Arra Rovers ahead with a fine strike from just inside the box. Mike Ryan then made it two nil to the home side in the 29th minute when his speculative free kick from out on the right finished in the net. Rearcross, looking for a way back in to the game, came close in the 39th minute when Derek O’Toole broke on the right wing and fired on target, however the Arra custodian made the block - an attack which was followed seconds later with a well struck effort from Mark Hogan which flew over. Rearcross were left with an almost impossible uphill battle two minutes before half time when John Sheedy was on hand to knock the ball home after a fine save by Rearcross keeper Eamon O’ Toole from the lively Stephen Flynn to give Arra Rovers a three nil advantage. Rearcross, who have played so impressively all season, failed to show up in the first half and left themselves with too much ground to make up in the second although try valiantly they did. With seven minutes gone in the second half Simon Kennedy linked up with Kieran Devitt who sent a low effort to the back of the net and suddenly all was not lost for the boys in green and white. Rearcross continued to pile on the pressure shortly after this with Liam O’Toole combining with Derek O’Toole with the resulting effort clipping the base of the upright, followed in the 57th minute by a left legged effort from Derek O’Toole which skewed wide of the post. Down at the other end John Barry blazed wide of the Rearcross goal on the hour mark, followed a minute later by Dermot O’Halloran’s long range drive which was tipped on to the crossbar by Eamon O’Toole. Arra’s lead was then cut to the minimum with 25 minutes left on the clock when a Derek O’Toole pass broke to Kieran Devitt who kept his composure to finish with a fine strike. Tommy Ryan Luke then fired across the goalmouth from outside the box in the 75th minute following good play by Diarmuid Sheehy and Derek O’ Toole, and the game was still up for grabs. Rearcross then applied heavy pressure for the next ten minutes but could not find a way past the home side’s resolute defence while Eamon O’ Toole was being kept busy in the other goals making a point blank save from John Barry in front of goal with five minute left on the clock. With a minute remaining Liam Ryan (R) got behind the Arra Rovers rearguard to slot the ball inside the far post, however the effort was disallowed for an offside infringement to cap off what was a disappointing day out for the boys from Rea’ who now must dust themselves down and pick themselves up for the remaining three league fixtures.
Arra Rovers: Kevin O'Halloran, Paddy Flynn, Mick Ryan, Leonard Ryan, John Sheehy, James Ryan, Dermot O'Halloran, Stephen Flaherty, Liam Moylan, Stephen Flynn, John Barry
Subs: Greg O'Brien, Sean Nightengale (both used).
Rearcross FC: Eamon O’ Toole, Robert Harrington, Eamon Wade, Mark Hogan, Greg Kennedy, Declan O’ Toole, Simon Kennedy, Diarmuid Sheehy, Liam O’ Toole, Derek O’ Toole, Kieran Devitt.
Subs Used: Tommy Ryan (L) for Liam O’ Toole (63 mins), Liam Ryan (R) for Declan O’ Toole (73 mins)
Subs not used: Darren Quigley, James Deegan
Referee: Alec McCormack
Report compiled by Simon Kennedy