Rearcross U-16's came from two nil down to earn a share of the spoils against Arra Rovers to keep their league title aspirations alive at Rearcross FC Grounds on Saturday afternoon. The woodwork denied the visitors inside the first minute when Darragh Ryan Luke reacted superbly to deflect the ball on to the butt to the upright. Rearcross went on to enjoy a period of dominance after this, Patrick Deegan’s free kick was wide was wide of the target on fourteen minutes and then Patrick Carey followed up a minute later with a good effort that wasn't far away. Arra Rovers attacked down the left on 23 minutes and it took a brave block down by Matthew Feehan to keep the score line intact. The Portroe side kept the pressure on and hit the front a minute later when Andrew Dunne finished the ball over the line from a corner kick. It was end to end and Paul Carroll came to the rescue for the visitors with a smart save from a Gary O'Brien free kick. Arra Rovers counter attacked and Darragh Kennedy tracked back to put in a vital tackle. Rearcross showing strongly after the restart with Patrick Deegan coming close three minutes in and then a Tommy Lyons effort from outside the box was on the mark; however the Arra custodian parried over. Rearcross were left with an uphill battle on 51 minutes when Andrew Dunne’s well struck free kick from just outside the box whizzed to the back of the net. Credit to a home side that dug deep after this set back and could have had two goals back inside a minute, this first chance coming when the ball broke across the danger area with Tommy Lyons in a good position, however Gary McMahon's momentum carried the ball over the line and then seconds later Dylan Ryan kept his composure to roll the ball across the goalmouth with Gary McMahon dreadfully unlucky not to prod home. Rearcross were back in the fray midway through the second half when Darragh Kennedy's in swinging corner kick was deflected to the net by a luckless Arra Rovers defender. The green & whites were not going to relinquish without a battle and surged forward in search of the vital equalizer. Patrick Deegan was taken down eleven minutes from time outside the box; Gary O'Brien's free kick was well struck however the visiting custodian did enough to push the ball over the bar. Rearcross kept on the offensive and drew level nine minutes from time when good play through the centre saw Darragh Kennedy well positioned to rifle a low effort the corner of the net. Rearcross might have stole all three points after this and came closest with a Tommy Lyons strike that finished in the side netting, however the home side will be happy to have recovered a two goal deficit to remain in the hunt for the league title.

Rearcross: Darragh Ryan Luke, Matthew Feehan, Patrick Deegan, Gary O'Brien, Martin Nolan, Brian Carey, Tommy Lyons, Dylan Ryan, Darragh Kennedy, Gary McMahon, Patrick Carey
Subs: Shane Quigley, John Nolan, Christy O'Grady, Micháel Fahy, Jack O'Toole

 

Arra Rovers : Paul Carroll, Dylan Flude, Aaron Quigley, Cormac Keating, Conor Gill, Rudhran Mulrooney, Daniel Nevin, David Lumbrose, Jack Mulomphy, Andrew Dunne, Jamies Maxwell

Subs: Brian Tuite, Carey Mulrooney, Ciaran O'Donnell

Referee: Tony Canning