Rearcross 'B' bow out of Second Division Shield in Killasmeestia

Rearcross made the long trip to new Club Grange Utd in the shield semi-final. Grange Utd were favourites to win this game and had the ball in the Rearcross net in the first 2 mins but was ruled offside. Grange were applying all the pressure, while Rearcross looked nervous and unsettled. Grange won a corner but was headed over. The home side took the lead on the 10th minute when they counter attacked with Jason McCormack running on to a long pass, rounding the oncoming keeper to finish to the net. They added to this two minutes later when a Grange corner wasn't fully dealt with by the Rearcross defence resulting in the ball being crossed back into the Rearcross danger area and headed to the net by Jason McCormack to make it two nil to the hosts. Rearcross started to get into the game after this with Tommy Lyons almost finding Gary Ryan in the Grange Utd box but the pass was just over hit. Minutes later Paddy Dawson did find Gary who rounded the keeper but for his shot to be put out for a corner by the defender. The resulting corner fell to Gary Ryan again on the second play but he didn't get the contact he hoped for and his effort failed to reach the net. Rearcross now coming more into the game and a well struck free by Anthony Ryan found the incoming Gavin Denihan whose effort was tipped over the bar. The away side's pressure paid off when they were awarded a penalty for hand ball which Oisin Kelly scored to make it 2-1. Grange went on the counter attack, but Anthony Ryan was on hand with a well-timed tackle to clear the danger. Gary Ryan did well in the opposition area and set up Dave Brennan who finished well to make it 2 all. Gary Ryan had another of his efforts saved while at the other end Brian Hammersley produced a fine save to keep it at 2 apiece. Grange did score again just before the break through Jamie Dooley with a well taken goal to go in to the break ahead.
The second half started with the Rearcross keeper making another fine save. Rearcross were trying hard to get the equaliser with Dave Brennan finding Paddy Dawson whose shot went over. Grange added a fourth when a free on the right was headed to the net by Stephen Finan. Rearcross still battled on to try and get back into the game with efforts from Paddy Dawson, Dave Brennan and Oisin Kelly. Brian Hammersley in the Rearcross goal pulling off some fine saves but Grange added a fifth in the 80th minute through Vinnie Cleere as it finished 5-2 to the home side. Despite the scoreline Rearcross gave a good account of themselves against a really good side but have still work to do.

Grange United: M Moore, T Abbott, N Quinlan, B Rowe, J Quinlan, S Finan, J McCormack, G Gaughan, E Jones, J Dooley, D Carey.
Subs: E Quinlan, V Cleere, B Kealy, P Tynan, D Brennan, B Quinlan, D Power, E Carey, D Brophy, L O’Gorman, C O’Donnell

Rearcross ‘B’: Brian Hammersley, Eamonn Devitt, Anthony Ryan, Eamonn Wade, Tommy Lyons, Patrick Dawson, Gavin Denihan, Robert Harrington, David Brennan, Gary Ryan, Oisin Kelly
Subs: William Horrigan, Liam Kelly, Ger Nolan, Colm Carey, Felim Deegan, Nigel Ryan

Referee: Gordon Harding

Report by Thomas Kennedy