Rearcross U-14’s made it through to the semi-final stages of the NTSFL U14 Cup with an epic 4-2 extra time win over rivals Birdhill FC after recovering a two goal deficit at Rearcross FC Grounds on Saturday morning. A sluggish first half performance from the home team saw few efforts on target, although a Cillian Kennedy shot from outside the box wasn’t far away five minutes in. A marginal offside call against Oran Connors saw play pulled back eight minutes later. Rearcross keeper Cathal Kennedy had to be sharp off his line to thwart Jack Ryan minutes later. The visitors were getting the upper hand as Gavin Mcllirick fired wide. Stephen Rochford’s well struck free kick drifted away from the target eleven minutes before the break. It was all Birdhill at this stage as Cathal Kennedy reacted well to deaden the ball on the line before the ball was cleared to safety. Rearcross were defending well at this juncture with Eoin Sheldon, Sean Malone and Cathal Ryan to the fore. Rearcross counter attacked and threatened through efforts from Patrick Dawson and Stephen Rochford. Birdhill might have been awarded a penalty on the stroke of half time, however the reprieve was short lived as Birdhill took a one nil lead to the break after Niall Duffy’s long range effort sailed to the top corner of the net. Worse was to follow three minutes after the resumption when the ball was rolled across the face of the goal where Colm O’Malley was on hand to tap home from close range. The Rea boys were now on the back foot but showed great fighting spirit to work their way back in to the game as a Stephen Rochford shot from out on the left finished in the side netting following good play from Paul Nolan in the middle of the field. Patrick Dawson’s strike was on target but Birdhill keeper Phelim O’Reilly was equal to the effort. The Slieve Felim side were back in the game on the 50 minute mark after Brian Nolan broke on the right before being bundled off the ball inside the box, Patrick Dawson stepped up to rifle the spot kick to the back of the net. Rearcross had their tails up at this stage and had drawn level within three minutes when Oran Connors kept his composure before turning and blasting to the roof of the net from in front of goal and which was equalled with an impressive celebratory summersault. Birdhill didn’t throw in the towel as expected and Cathal Kennedy did well with a near post save at the expense of a corner kick. Aidan Bryan added impetus to the attack when introduced to the fray and nearly snatched a dramatic winner with seven minutes remaining on the clock following a fine solo run before shooting inches wide of the upright. A Stephen Rochford headed effort from a corner kick glanced just wide and then on the stroke of full time Niall Duffy lobbed over Cathal Kennedy’s crossbar. Rearcross dictated affairs in extra time as the woodwork denied the Niall Ryan Joinery sponsored side in the 4th minute when a darting run by Stephen Rochford on the right saw the ball break to Brian Nolan who was luckless to see his effort rebound off the upright. Rearcross hit the front on 77 minutes when Patrick Dawson’s corner kick fell to Stephen Rochford who finished a low drive inside the post to bring his tally to 22 for the season. The hosts were on top again in the second period of extra time with Oran O’Connor not far away with a well worked effort. It was game, set and match when a good touch by Andy Kinane culminated in Aidan Bryan copper fastening the win two minutes from time after breaking through the centre to finish a low effort under an advancing Birdhill keeper to secure passage to the last four.

Rearcross U-14's: Cathal Kennedy, Eoin Sheldon, Sean Malone, Cathal Ryan, Cian O’Toole, Cillian Kennedy, Paul Nolan(Capt), Stephen Rochford, Oran O’Connor, Patrick Dawson, Brian Nolan, Andy Kinnane, Colm Lenihan, Aidan Bryan

Birdhill FC: Phelim O’Reilly, Michael Nolan, Elliot Roche Ryan, Colin Seymour, Cian Merrigan, Callum Merrigan, Niall Duffy, Jack Ryan, Colm O’Malley, Gavin Mcllirick, Conor McHugo

Referee: Tony Canning

Rearcross U-14's
NTSFL First Division League Winners 2015 / 2016

Back Row (L to R): Joey Nolan, Eoin Sheldon, Oran Connors, Stephen Rochford, Cathal Kennedy, Colm Lenihan,
Patrick Dawson, Andy Kinane, Emmet Steed
Front Row (L to R): Cian O'Toole, Cillian Kennedy, Brian Nolan, Paul Nolan(Capt), Cathal Ryan, Sean Malone, Aidan Bryan
Missing from Photo: Dylan Ryan, Danny Poyzer

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Rearcross U-14's
NTSFL First Division League Winners 2015 / 2016
Team photo taken following Cup win over Birdhill on 23rd April '16

Back Row (L to R): Joey Nolan, Eoin Sheldon, Oran Connors, Stephen Rochford, Cathal Kennedy, Colm Lenihan, Patrick Dawson, Andy Kinane, Emmet Steed
Front Row (L to R): Cian O'Toole, Cillian Kennedy, Brian Nolan, Paul Nolan(Capt), Cathal Ryan, Sean Malone, Aidan Bryan
Missing from Team Photo: Dylan Ryan, Danny Poyzer