RFC & CRFC Youths advance to Cup semi-final

Rearcross FC & Clodiagh Rangers Youths combo progressed to the semi-final stages of the Ann Gilmore Youths Cup with a convincing 3-0 win over Knigh United at a cold Rearcross FC Grounds on Saturday afternoon. The hosts were dominant early on and limited Knigh to a couple of breakaway opportunities which were well marshalled by Jack Brett in goal in addition to good defensive play by Max Carroll, Leo Ryan, Luke Carroll and captain Conor Brett. The combo midfield of Rian Tracy and Larry Collins were providing good attacking options with both Liam Challen and Taylor Light raiding on the wings to support Cathal Ryan and Hugh Purcell up front. The home team were creating more than their fair share of chances as the half wore on, however some sterling defensive work by Knigh’s M Kennedy kept his side in the game. Cathal Ryan and Larry Collins were combining well as their side continued the press, but the opener didn’t come until late in the half and was worth the wait, after great work by Hugh Purcell and Cathal Ryan saw the ball break to Larry Collins who skipped past a number of players before unleashing a 35-yard effort which whizzed to the top corner, giving the visiting custodian no chance.
RFC & CRFC were on top again at the start of the 2nd half with Hugh Purcell continuing his dual with M Kennedy with no quarter given in a physical battle throughout. Paddy Ryan and Sean Griffin were introduced to the fray adding a fresh impetus which led to a second goal when Paddy Ryan found Hugh Purcell at the back post who beat his marker before finishing with aplomb. It was 3 nil to the Slieve Felim side after a back pass was chased down before Hugh Purcell notched his second of the outing. The home side brought on Michael Quinlan on his return from injury in addition to Aaron Quinlan and Timmy Costello with the latter unlucky to fire just wide of the post following a well-worked move involving Sean Griffin, Paddy Ryan and Rian Treacy. A youthful Knigh side played attractive football on the day and gave it their all against a strong showing from the combo outfit for which Hugh Purcell, Rian Treacy, Larry Collins and Cathal Ryan were very good on the day. Thanks to referee Robbie Nevin who turned in a strong refereeing performance.

Clodiagh Rangers / Rearcross FC Youths : Jack Brett, Conor Brett (Capt), Max Carroll, Leo Ryan, Luke Carroll, Taylor Light, Liam Challen, Rian Tracey, Larry Collins, Hugh Purcell, Cathal Ryan
Subs: Patrick Ryan, Sean Griffin, Timmy Costello, Aaron Quinlan, Michael Quinlan

Knigh United: D White, B Kelly O’Flynn, C Hannon, M Kennedy, D Rojczyk, S Cleary, M Ducie Maher, Z Ryan, T McGrath (Capt), C Kelly, S Percy
Subs: J Fogarty, S Garland, C Kinsella

Referee: Robbie Nevin

Report by Paul Carey