Tipperary Cup exit for depleted Rearcross ‘A’

Rearcross welcomed Ballymackey in the Tipperary Cup on Friday night. Once again, the hosts found themselves starting sluggish and found themselves 1 nil down after 15 mins when a short corner found Damien Bergin in the box who got a lucky break but then seemed to have all the time in the world to slot past Cathal Kennedy which was frustrating for Rea. For the remainder of the half Ballymackey looked the more likely to add to their lead on the counter attack. Rea struggled to get into to the game. Another stirring halftime team talk saw Rea start the 2nd half brightly. However, Ballymackey found themselves 2 nil up when a free kick found its way to back post and was kept alive by the Ballymackey attacker who slid it across the 6-yard box and it was a simple finish for the onrushing Alan Ryan. Another goal that will frustrate the management. Rearcross started to have some joy in attack though. James Rochford a fresh sub in for the injured Stephen Rochford almost had an immediate impact when he unleashed a pile driver from 25 yards out which had the keeper beaten but the struck the underside of the crossbar and bounced out. The onrushing Michael O Gorman finished to net, however he was adjudged to be offside which seemed a very tight call. From here Rea kept the pressure on and were rewarded when a James Deegan free kick on the edge of the box was whipped into the 6-yard box and Robbie Harrington got his head to the ball and his header found its way to the top corner with keeper rooted to the spot. Rea tails were up now and were denied a penalty call shortly after following some good wide play, the ball was put into the box. Brian Nolan seemed destined to finish to the net when he appeared to be have taken down from behind, however play was waved on despite protestations from the home team. With Rea pushing for the equalizer Ballymackey broke on the counter and their attacker found himself one on one in the box. Conor Nolan went to tackle him and following minimal contact, Ballymackey were awarded a penalty which was converted by Josh McCarthy who sent Cathal Kennedy the wrong way. Rearcross now chasing the game were again caught in the break again as Ballymackey sealed the win with their fourth goal through Craig Kenneally. A bad night at the office for the Rea boys. Best of luck to Ballymackey in the rest of the competition.

Rearcross ‘A’: Cathal Kennedy, Brian Nolan, Eamonn Wade, Robert Harrington, Eamonn Wade, Stephen Rochford, Philip Deegan, Paul Nolan, Stephen Rochford, Michael O’Gorman, James Deegan
Subs: James Rochford, Colm Nolan, Paul Carey (All used)

Ballymackey ‘A’: Brendan Hayes, Warren Kenneally, Thomas Sheppard, Darragh Spillane, Alan Ryan, Mark Carey, Damien Bergin, David Haverty, Josh McCarthy, Kevin McCarthy, Cathal Spillane
Subs: Timmy Fleming, Craig Kenneally, Paddy Mounsey, Conor Sheahan

Report by Robert Harrington