Rearcross ‘A’ through to the Ricky Fogarty Premier Division Cup semi-final

The Portroe based men arrived in good numbers with high spirits after having collected the League Trophy the weekend earlier. A helter-skelter opening few minutes saw Rearcross FC go ahead after a wide free kick swung goalward by Conor Nolan caused problems in the Arra Rovers six yard box. Philip Deegan was on hand to convert for Rea after Kieran Devitt pressured the Arra defensive line. Arra Rovers showed why they have been one of the top dogs in North Tipp this year by bombarding the Rearcross defense all evening. Cathal Kennedy proved his worth throughout the fixture with accurate kick outs. Apart from this attribute, Cathal was called into action and with a flying save in the first half kept the tie at 1-0. Darragh Kennedy up front, flanked by Stephen Rochford caused endless problems for the visiting defense. Rearcross FC, missing their recognized front two partnership, explored other avenues of attack.
Early in the second half Rearcross FC took a two goal lead when Stephen Rochford shimmied his way across the 18 yard box and into a shooting position. Stephen hit an outside of the boot effort towards the bottom corner which was parried by the Arra goalkeeper. Brian Nolan was on hand to gather the rebound and with a deft touch created an angle for himself to roll the ball across the goals and into the net. Rearcross FC had a number of wide free kicks thanks to the unselfish running of Conor Nolan, Paul Nolan and Kieran Devitt who seemed to mop up every loose ball and drive forward before being hauled down. Rearcross FC got a third when Darragh Kennedy was brought down en route to goal. Gréagóir Ó Cinnéide struck the resulting free kick across the six yard box. This was parried out of danger but the onrushing Phillip Deegan sorted his feet out quickly and volleyed home Rea's third. Arra Rovers made a handful of changes and tried to force proceedings in the final 10 minutes. Eamonn Wade and Robert Harrington dealt with any ball that came their way. Rearcross FC defended deep with Arra Rovers well able to move the ball but without any real joy up front. Five minutes from time Rearcross FC won a free kick on the edge of the centre circle after Conor Nolan jinked his way through the midfield before being brought to ground. With only a handful of minutes Greg Kennedy gambled and struck an effort from all of 40 yards. This off the cuff effort arrowed into the top corner gathering plaudits from both sets of players.
Best on the day were Eamonn Wade, who was a rock in defense keeping one of the top goal scorers of North Tipp at bay, the trio of Nolans in Midfield who not only broke up play but powered forward into the attacking third, and Darragh Kennedy and Stephen Rochford up front who battled, harassed and pressured the Arra Rovers defense all game. MOTM goes to Conor Nolan who unselfishly went about his business. Hard to pick this evening with each member of the panel picking up their fair share. James Rochford steadied the game with a number of defence splitting passes, with Colm Nolan pressing when needed in the final stages. Credit to Arra Rovers who never let up throughout.
Congratulations to Arra Rovers on your recent Premier League Winning achievement.

Rearcross ‘A’: Cathal Kennedy, Brian Nolan, Robert Harrington, Eamonn Wade, Greg Kennedy, Philip Deegan, Kieran Devitt, Paul Nolan, Conor Nolan, Darragh Kennedy, Stephen Rochford
Subs: James Rochford, Colm Nolan, Paul Carey, Nigel Ryan

Arra Rovers: Luke Connelly, Jack Moloney, Diarmuid Boyle, Robert Bryne, Cathal Connelly, Stephen Kennedy, Eoin Moloney, Cathal O’Brien, Kevin O’Halloran, Callan Cottrell, Rudhran Mulrooney
Subs: Brendan Muldowney, Brian McEvoy, Anthony Collins, Kyle Creamer, Kiefer O’Brien, Brian Keating, Aidan O’Dwyer,

Referee: Derek Kirwan

Report by Greg Kennedy