Rearcross 'B' bow out of Second Division Shield

Rearcross FC B got their season underway with an away trip to Ardcroney. A twelve-man panel made the trek north for this Shield competition. Rearcross bowed out on a 3-1 scoreline but could have progressed on a different occasion. Ardcroney struck first when they capitalised on a loose ball in the Rearcross penalty area after an Ardcroney attacker stumbled over in the box. Ardcroney’s second came from the penalty spot. Rearcross expected a free out but the decision went against the travelling outfit. Rearcross FC got to grips with the game for large spells and good build up play led to a number of opportunities. Patrick Ryan, who was making his junior soccer debut, got on the end of a Robert Harrington free kick and finished neatly across the Ardcroney goalkeeper with a delightful flick. Ardcroney got their third when a throw in from their own half saw space open up in front of the Rearcross defense. Ardcroney men flooded forward and a powerful finish saw Ardcroney regain their two-goal advantage. Rearcross FC had a number of chances in the final quarter with Eamonn Wade shooting over, Patrick Ryan forcing a save and Eamonn Devitt’s acrobatic effort arrowed just wide. Rearcross FC suffered a few injuries throughout and a cameo role for goalkeeper Brian Hammersley in a central midfield position was needed. Paul Ryan, Robert Harrington and the ever-willing Thomas Kennedy were the best on the day for Rearcross.

Ardcroney ‘B’: T Duffy (Capt), E Courtney, K Boyle, D Slattery, P Hayes, S Hayes, B Dwyer, S De Mesquita, R Hughes, K Dervan, C Hayes
Subs: A Austin, E Maher, P Molloy, T Murphy, D Buckley.

Rearcross ‘B’: Brian Hammersley, Paul Ryan, Eamonn Wade, Anthony Ryan, Ger Nolan, Eamonn Devitt, Robert Harrington (Capt), Colm Carey, David Brennan, Patrick Ryan, Thomas Kennedy
Subs: Felim Deegan

Referee: Cormac Sullivan

Rearcross FC 'B'

Report by Greg Kennedy