A big three points for Rearcross 'A' heading into the Christmas break

A depleted Rearcross squad made the journey to Ardcroney for their 5th league game of the campaign. With 9 first team squad members missing due to other commitments, it was going to be an uphill task and it was Rea who got off to the worst possible start when a cross from the right saw Rob Harrington's header loop in over Cathal Kennedy who could do nothing to prevent it from finding the net. Ardcroney aided by a strong breeze dominated the opening 20 minutes but could not add to their 1 goal lead. From here Rea grew into the game. Michael O’Gorman broke through the middle and found himself one-on-one with the keeper who was quick off his line to save the strike. Rearcross found themselves level on 30 minutes when a freekick from the right was swung into the box and Rob Harrington got above is marker to head into the net. Ardcroney started the brighter of the two teams in the 2nd half and went close on a few occasions with Cathal Kennedy pulling off a great save from point blank range. Ardcroney did manage to take the lead in the 65th minute. A long throw into the box was flicked on by Darren Moran and Stephen Daly headed into the net. It didn't take long for Rea to get back on level terms when a long clearance by Cathal Kennedy saw James Deegan nip in ahead of the keeper and he took the ball around him and from an acute angle he finished to the net. Ardcroney had the next chance of the game when the ball broke to Jamie Ryan in the box but his strike rattled the crossbar and Rea were able to clear the ball. On the 75th minute Rea managed to take the lead when Paddy Dawson fed the ball to James Deegan on the right side who drove into the box and his low strike across the keeper finished in the corner of the net. Ardcroney threw everything at Rea for the last 15 minutes but were unable to breach the defence with Paul Ryan, Gavin Denihan and Conor Nolan making crucial clearances at vital times. Rea had a couple of opportunities to seal the win on the counter with Paddy Dawson coming closest only for the keeper to deny him. A big 3 points for Rea heading into the Christmas break.

Ardcroney ‘A’: P Reddin, K Spain, L Doran, S Daly, S Doran, A Darcy, R Austin, D Moran, J Ryan, J Daly, A Hayes
Subs: G Dooley, C Culhane, G Culbert, R Clifford, M Moyles, D Galera

Rearcross ‘A’: Cathal Kennedy, Paul Ryan, Gavin Denihan, Greg Kennedy, Robert Harrington, Paul Nolan, Conor Nolan, Kieran Devitt, Patrick Dawson, Michael O’Gorman, James Deegan
Subs: Eamonn Devitt, Anthony Ryan

Referee: Robbie Nevin

Report by Robert Harrington