Rearcross 'B' 3 - Sallypark 'B' 3
Rearcross B played host to Sallypark B in this Winter Friday fixture. Rearcross were aiming to continue adding to their recent good results and Sallypark B arrived similarly hoping to continue with their good form, having gone unbeaten in their last 6 outings. Sallypark were the keener of the two teams from the off pressing hard upon the Rearcross defence and their pace up front paid dividends in the 4th minute when visitors broke through to score. Rearcross B found themselves in a characteristic position of being a goal down early in the game and true to form began their fight back. A free kick awarded on the edge of the Sallypark penalty box presented Joey Nolan with a chance too good not to avail of, and his sublime effort soared over the defensive wall on the way to the top corner of the Sallypark net. 15 minutes into the game it was 1-1 and the contest for points was on in earnest. Chances and efforts fell and were forged by both teams as the stakes were upped, but both teams failing to advance the score line at the half-time break. The second half commenced at the same eager pace and the physical battle for possession notably excelled the desire for a breakthrough. In the 50th minute a long and determined breakthrough by the Rearcross fullback Damien Nolan earned him a shot at goal that narrowly escaped the clutches of the Sallypark Keeper, putting the home team in the lead. The advantage lasted a mere 7 minutes when the Rearcross keeper was again back in action defending a penalty kick, which, despite his best efforts, he failed to keep out. Sallypark once more surged into the lead in the 74th minute when a low cross to the left was latched onto by the visiting side. The Rearcross B team once more dug deep into their energy reserves and pushed forward with Gary O’Brien’s effort coming close. Further good work by O’Brien; saw him crossing a ball into the Sallypark penalty box to find Kieran Devitt who calmly added another goal to his to his individual league tally. The last 10 minutes of the game were played with gritted determination by both teams as they doggedly fought to grab a winner. But it was not to be; as a draw was probably the most fitting result on the night. The game ended on this dry and cold winter night in Rearcross with a final scoreline of Rearcross B3, Sallypark B 3.
Rearcross 'B': Jim Caplis, Damien Nolan, Theo English, Pj McLoughlin, Andy Ryan, Kieran Devitt, Liam Nolan, Sean Kennedy, Darren Quigley, Joey Nolan, Sean Harte.
Subs: Darragh Ryan, Harry Williams, Gary O’Brien (70),
Referee: Tony Canning
Report compiled by Liam Nolan(C)