Rearcross U-11's were on their travels to Nenagh for their opening game of the season against Nenagh Celtic and turned in a commendable performance before losing out on a 5-2 score line in the end. A lively opening half exhibited some stanch defending from the visitors with Paul Nolan setting the tone with a well time tackle inside the opening three minutes. Cillian Kennedy's corner kick clipped the woodwork in the 5th minute. The home side took the lead on fourteen minutes when a good delivery from the right was met first time by Roberto Ipsalat who finished clinically to the far corner. Cathal Kennedy was a threat for Rearcross and a well struck effort was deflected out for a corner kick minutes later. Rearcross were back level when Paul Nolan did all the work down the left before the ball broke to Patrick Dawson who sent a low effort whizzing to the back of the net from in front of goal with a minute to go in the half. Rearcross were dealt a succour blow seconds later when Roberto Ipsalat again did the damage with a well struck effort to the roof of the net.

Nenagh Celtic showing strongly after the resumption and it took a good block from Colm Lenihan to deny the home side. Rearcross kept plugging and Stephen Rochford wasn't far away after latching on to Paul Nolan's free kick delivery. Celtic opened up a 4-1 lead in the 31st minute when Adam Brennan O'Brien's long range free kick went all the way. The Nenagh Celtic lead was stretched further two minutes later when Adam Brennan O'Brien was on the mark again. Full credit to a Rearcross side that never gave up as Patrick Dawson prodded home his second of the day three minutes from time. Jamie Donnellan wrapped it up for Celtic with a well worked goal near the end. Colm Lenihan produced the save of the game in the dying seconds after reflexing superbly to turn the ball over the crossbar. Rearcross will regroup and look forward to their next league outing.

 

Nenagh Celtic: Justin Dimitre, Jackson Finn, Sergie Meracre, Callum Collins Cummins, Tauret Shaywenko, Adam O'Brien Brennan, Roberto Ipsalat, Seth Shaywenko, Jamie Donnellan, Jack Gainey, Dylan Ryan

 

Rearcross U-11's: Cathal Kennedy, Brian Nolan, Paul Nolan, Andy Kinnane, Colm Lenihan, Clodagh Kennedy (Capt), Cillian Kennedy, Sean Malone, Billy John Caplis, Stephen Rochford, Eoin Sheldon, Cian O'Toole, Patrick Dawson

Referee: Jim McGrath