Narrow defeat for Rearcross in Ann Kennedy Tournament

Rearcross welcomed Pallas United for the opening game of the Ann Kennedy cup, in near perfect conditions. Credit must go to the groundsmen as the pitch was in tip top shape. This played its part in a very entertaining match. The opening 10 minutes was helter skelter as both teams looked to find the opening goal. James Deegan flashing a few efforts on target for Rea and at the other end Jim Caplis was called into action. Rea had the best chance of the half when they pressed high on a Donohill kick out. Stephen Rochford played in James Deegan one on one with the keeper, but his well struck effort was saved by the keeper. Darragh O’Siochrú making his debut for Rea was starting to have a big influence on the game from left back. A quick one two with Conor Nolan saw Darragh play James Deegan in on the left who shot over the bar. The final chance of the half broke to Donohill’s David Ryan who broke in from the left and unleashed a pile driver, which looked destined for the top corner. Jim Caplis managed to get his fingertips to it and turn it around the post for a corner.
The 2nd half started much as the same as the 1st half, with both teams keeping the tempo up despite the warm conditions. Pallas were fastest out of the blocks when they found themselves one on one with the keeper, but again, Jim Caplis was up to the task and saved again for another corner. This spurred Rea into life as they had the better of the next 10 mins. However, it was Donohill who broke the deadlock following a quick break from a Rea attack. Vinny Ryan flicked the ball past the onrushing keeper and finished to an empty net. Both sides made subs at this stage. It was Rea who had the last chance, though, when Darragh O’Siochrú pushed further forward. He took a high ball down with an excellent 1st touch and beat 2 defenders before hitting a shot from just outside the box, which hit the bar and bounced back out. Credit must go to both teams for an entertaining game. Best of luck to Pallas United in the next round.

Rearcross: Jim Caplis, Eamonn Devitt, Philip Deegan, Greg Kennedy, Darragh O’Siochrú, Robert Harrington, Conor Nolan, Stephan Rochford, James Deegan, Michael O’Gorman, James Rochford, Colm Carey, Michael O’Connell, Patrick Ryan, Colm Carey, Aidan Bryan, Gerard Nolan

Pallas United FC: Shane Pearse, Darragh Gammell, Diarmuid Greene, Brian O’Leary, Duanne O’Carroll, Michael Gammell, Joe O’Keefe, Zach Ryan, Scott Coleman, David Ryan, Vincent Ryan, Declan O’Connor, Alan Shanahan, Darragh O’Connor, Dwayne Hayes, Andrew Hartigan, Adam Keogh

Referee: Ray Ryan

Report by Robert Harrington