Sallypark 'B' 2 - Rearcross 'B' 5
A reversal of venue saw this Third Division League tie switched to Rearcross on Sunday afternoon as Rearcross ‘B’ romped to a comfortable 5-2 win over Sallypark ‘B’. Stalwart Thomas Kennedy was the star of the show with the woodwork denying the Player Manager a hat-trick in the dying moments of the game. A tight opening half saw Rearcross open their account when Thomas Kennedy harried before the ball was bundled to the net. Sallypark got back on par when Eugene Foley was on hand to finish from close range after the ball was crossed from the right. The Rea boys took over after this and restored their advantage when a darting run from Leo Ryan through the centre forced the concession of a penalty, Gary Ryan then stepped up to drive the spot kick to the corner of the net for his eighth goal of the season. Thomas Kennedy was showing his prowess on the left and squared an inch perfect pass from the left to the back post where Joey Nolan rifled to the net to send Rearcross in with a 3-1 advantage at the midway stage. Sallypark ‘B’ were left with an uphill battle after the hosts further increased their tally four minutes in to the second half when John Ryan Luke excelled on the right before drilling across the danger area as the ball broke to Paul Ryan who rammed home from in front of goals. The Rearcross Quarries sponsored side continued on the offensive and made it 5-1 when Gary Ryan’s glancing header fell to Thomas Kennedy who made no mistake with a left footed rasper. Sallypark didn’t give up and pulled one back when Rob Fitzgerald converted from the spot. Rearcross got back on top after this and might have extended their tally but Daniel Meehan twice advanced off his line to avert the danger and then the last action of the game saw a left footed daisy cutter from the boot of Thomas Kennedy ricochet against the butt of the post. An all round strong performace from Rearcross ‘B’ on this occasion.
Rearcross ‘B’: Jim Caplis, Theo English, John Ryan Luke, Shane Reynolds, Matthew Ryan Luke, Gary Ryan, Leo Ryan, Sean Kennedy, Liam Nolan(B), Joey Nolan, Thomas Kennedy
Subs: Paul Ryan for Leo Ryan(injured)
Sallypark ‘B’: Daniel Meehen, Paul Kennedy, Paddy Shanahan, Des Ryan, Paudi Ryan, Sean Ryan, TJ Timmons, Jack Hogan, Ross Donna, Michael Carey, Paul O’Brien
Subs: Aaron Reid, Colm O’Brien, Donie Ryan, Pa O’Connell