Wellington FC 2 - Rearcross 1

Rearcross had an early rise for this morning kick off against a lively Wellington side in Firs Farm on Sunday morning, Rearcross were on the back foot early on and struggled to match the pace of their opponents in what was a debut fixture between the sides. Rearcross started to get in to the game as the half progressed and a John Ryan Luke shot wasn't far away midway through the half, Liam Ryan then had an effort that was off target minutes later, Rearcross were starting to strike form at this stage and a Thomas Kennedy strike veered wide of the upright a minute later. Wellington FC finished the half strongly and Rearcross breathed a sigh of relief a minute before half time when the ball whizzed over the crossbar. Rearcross will feel hard done by not to have taken something from this game in a second half that saw Rearcross dominate for long spells, the visitors had claims for a penalty turned down a minute after the restart, then John Ryan Luke's shot looked good two minutes later, however the ball pulled left and wide. Simon Kennedy had to be decisive with a well time tackle to break up a promising Wellington attack in the 5th minute. The London side went ahead midway through the half when a break on the right saw the ball drilled to the corner of the net. Rearcross had barely re-grouped when Wellington struck again, this time with a move on the left that saw ball lofted to the net after grazing the inside of the upright. Rearcross didn't give up the effort and Liam Ryan had a chance to pull one back on twenty minutes, however the ball didn't break too kindly and the chance went a begging. Davy Ryan Luke was unlucky to see his headed effort from a Liam Ryan delivery go over the bar minutes later. Rearcross were well on top and were denied with ten minutes remaining when Davy Ryan Luke did well to break through on goal only to be fouled by the Wellington custodian inside the box, the referee played the apparent advantage that didn't materialise as Liam Ryan's follow up was off target. Rearcross pulled a goal back four minutes later when Martin McLoughlin was well positioned to drive to the corner of the net from the edge of the eighteen yard box. Rearcross went all out for the equaliser in the remaining minutes and came closest with a Davy O'Toole shot that was inches wide of the upright, however it wasn't to be for a Rearcross side who gave their all on the day. Rearcross FC team members and supporters were guests of honour at a post match buffet held in The Springfield Tavern where players and supporters were treated to a most impressive spread of food. Presentations were made to Rearcross F.C. Capt. James Nolan and Wellington F.C. Capt. Phil Stapleton.

Rearcross native Tom Nolan who is sponsor to Wellington FC presented a valued perpetual Cup to Rearcross FC to mark the first meeting of the sides. Rearcross F.C. would like to express our sincere thanks to Tom Nolan, Wellington FC and the Management and Staff of the Springfield for the hospitality shown to Rearcross FC.

Wellington FC Panel: Ray McKay, Mick Corrigan, Jason Reid, Gary Reid, Peter McMurrow, Anton Jones, Phil Stapleton, Adam Stapleton, Steve Rafferty, Perry Pratchett, Garni Ali, Mo Hussein, Dave Ferguson, Mark Williams

Rearcross Panel: Sean Sheehy, Tommy Ryan Luke, Michael Carey, Martin McLoughlin, John Ryan Luke, Liam Ryan, Sean Mullins, Matthew Ryan Luke, James Nolan (Capt.), Davy O'Toole, Thomas Kennedy, Simon Kennedy, Davy Ryan Luke

Referee: Laurence Harvey