Rearcross U-15’s fell to their first league defeat in Newtown on Wednesday evening as Arra Rovers prevailed on a 5-1 score line. In truth, Arra Rovers were by far the stronger team and would have won by more but for the heroics of Cathal Kennedy in the Rearcross goals. The Slieve Felim side made a jittery start to the encounter and were let off the hook inside the first minute following a goalmouth skirmish. The Arra Rovers custodian made a fine save from Stephen Rochford two minutes later and then Stephen Rochford came close again with a good effort. The hosts got on top after this and it took a trio of superb saves from Cathal Kennedy to keep the scoreline intact. Arra Rovers got the breakthrough after the referee pointed to the spot following a handball infringement, the resultant penalty was converted with aplomb. Cathal Kennedy was to the fore again in the closing moments of the half with some fine goalkeeping and then the crossbar came to the rescue for Rea when a thunderbolt shot rebounded back in to play.
An unlikely half time score line saw Rearcross make a great start to the second half as the referee awarded a penalty for a high boot offence on Stephen Rochford two minutes in before Patrick Dawson stepped up to rifle a low effort to the back. Oran Connors linked up with Patrick Dawson moments later with the effort not far away, indeed a second goal for the Neil Ryan Joinery sponsored outfit at that stage might have put a different complexion on the final outcome, but it was the home team that pushed on to secure the win with their second goal coming on 49 minutes with the ball clipped the upright before finishing in the net. It was 3-1 two minutes later after Arra Rovers got in for a close range finish. Rearcross didn’t give up though as a Stephen Rochford effort was held by the keeper, but a strong Arra Rovers side tacked on two late goals to run out comfortable winners on the evening. Rearcross will need to re-group for their next league game on Saturday morning at Rearcross FC Grounds where Knigh United will provide the opposition.

Rearcross U-15’s: Cathal Kennedy, Eoin Sheldon, Danny Poyzer, Paul Nolan, Cillian Kennedy, Stephen Rochford(Capt), Oran Connors, Brian Nolan, Cian O’Toole, Dylan Ryan, Patrick Dawson, Ryan Moser, Andy Kinnane

Referee: Tommy Lynch