Rearcross Youths 5 - Lough Derg Youths 2
Rearcross Youths turned in a fine performance last Saturday evening to record a 5-2 win over Lough Derg in this floodlit league tie played at Rearcross FC Grounds to increase their lead at the top of table to five points with second placed Arra Rovers still in a threatening position with three games in hand. The score line was somewhat complimentary to the home side as Lough Derg were well in this game for long spells and it took some heroic goal keeping from Man of the Match Darragh Ryan Luke to send Rearcross in at half time with a 2-1 advantage against the odds. Aidan Moloney made the first incision six minutes in to the tie after sprinting from inside his own half in the sixth minute, however Lough Derg defender Seamus Monaghan eventually cut out the danger. Darragh Ryan Luke's first involvement came seconds later after advancing off his line to boot to safety following a one on one with Marco Federico. The Ballina side enjoyed a spell of dominance before Jamie Stuart forced a parried save out of the Rearcross netminder at the expense of a corner kick. John Shanahan threaded through to Aidan Moloney on 13 minutes, however effort dragged right of the post. Martin Nolan did well to clear following a goalmouth scramble on the fifteen minute mark. The league leaders took the lead with a real gem when the ball broke to John Shanahan on the edge of the eighteen yard box who let fly with a splendid effort which flew to the top corner. Shane Moloney was a threat for the Lakers throughout and Darragh Ryan Luke reflexed to make a point blank save on 22 minutes and followed up with another good block two minutes later. Chances were far and few between at the other side, however the Premier Piping sponsored side were clinical in their usage of chances created and stretched their lead to two in the 25th minute when good approach play involving John Shanahan and Aidan Moloney saw Brian Carey finish from an acute angle at the back post. The response from the visitors was swift as Shane Moloney brought it back to the minimum two minutes later with a converted penalty. The Garavane maestro thwarted an equalizing opportunity with a one handed sace in the 39th minute and then reacted to save with the boot three minutes before the break to leave the home side with an unlikely 2-1 lead at the half time whistle.
Lough Derg showed the early prowess in the second half and pegged it back level when Shane Moloney tucked the ball inside the upright four minutes after the restart, the Lough Derg number 9 came close again on 56 minutes with a free kick effort which wasn't far away. The hosts found another gear after this and an Aidan Moloney snap shot was saved by John Morgan under the cross bar. Rearcross took the lead again in the 59th minute when Gary O'Brien's inswinging corner kick was deflected over the line. Rearcross went on to enjoy long spells of dominance as Aidan Moloney crossed to Darragh Kennedy who headed over with a good effort. Shane Moloney brought the best out of Darragh Ryan Luke minutes later and then Darrage Kennedy send a low effort across the face of the Lough Derg goal. The home side's lead was stretched to 4-2 with 24 minute remaining when a Tommy Lyons delivery was inch perfect to the say the least for Gary O'Brien to finish from in front of goal. The Rea boys stayed on the attack and put the game beyond the Ballina / Killaloe side with a flowing move when Tommy Lyons combined with Brian Carey who set up Aidan Moloney to drive his fifteenth of the season between the posts. The game was over as a contest after this, however both sides will be disappointed to have finished with ten men when the Lough Derg complement was reduced for a straight red card offence and then the table toppers faced a similar fate for a second bookable offence minutes later.The visitors didn't give up though and continued to test Darragh Ryan Luke who capped off a fine individual display to copper fasten the win for the home side.
Rearcross Youths: Darragh Ryan Luke, David Stapleton, Martin Nolan, Kevin Mulcahy, William Mackey, Gary O'Brien, Brian Carey, Darragh Kennedy, Tommy Lyons, John Shanahan, Aidan Moloney,
Sub: Ben O'Dea for Aidan Moloney(78th minute)
Lough Derg Youths: John Morgan, Lowel Ryan, Conor Lonergan, Emmet Healy, Seamus Monaghan, Nathan Wood, Jamie Stuart, Thomas Conway, Shane Moloney, Marco Federico, Barra O'Dhuabhaill
Subs: Ross Buckley for Conor Lonergan(65th minute), Daniel McDaid for Seamus Monaghan (70th minute), Robbie Power for Barra O'Dhuabhaill (85th minute)
Referee: Liam Kelly