Honours even for Rearcross ‘A’ in Portroe on 1-1 scoreline

Rearcross FC travelled to Portroe this morning to take on Arra Rovers. Both teams were deadlocked on points in the League Table before kick-off. This would remain the case at the full-time whistle. Rearcross FC managed to secure a point despite being without a half dozen of notable names. Arra Rovers had the Rearcross FC defense under pressure in the opening stages without creating any real opportunities. This would be the story of the game as space in front of goal came at a premium. Rearcross FC gained a corner following attacking play from James Deegan. This corner broke to Greg Kennedy. The resulting effort inches from making it one nil to Rearcross FC. Ever willing runs from James Deegan and Michael O Gorman saw them get joy from the long balls provided by Nigel Ryan in the Rearcross goal. Paul Nolan in the middle of midfield made vital tackles at pivotal moments. James Rochford and Robert Harrington also kept the show on the road for Rearcross FC. James Deegan had a long range effort veer wide of the posts. Robert Harrington set up Greg Kennedy for another effort on goal. With the attacker back pedalling the effort did not trouble the Arra Rovers Goalkeeper.
Stalemate at half time. 0-0 was the score line on the previous two meetings of these sides.  The second half began and saw both teams battle hard to make any head way. Rearcross FC had the ball in the back of the Arra Rovers net after 20 minutes of play when a ball in behind the defence saw James Deegan round the keeper before rolling the ball home. Play was brought back for an offside infringement and a free out was awarded. With 30 minutes gone Arra Rovers, admittedly against the run of play at the time, took the lead following a strike from the edge of the area. Rearcross FC rallied well and pushed the Arra Rovers men back in the final ten minutes. Stephen Rochford began to take the game to Arra Rovers by beating defenders at pace. Rearcross FC had a number of chances fizzle out after good build up play. Rearcross FC had one final bite of the cherry when following great play in midfield, Brian Nolan was hauled down in front of goal. Michael O Gorman, who had been deployed in a more defense role, struck the free kick into the bottom corner of the net. A well deserved goal for a man who put in a hard shift especially in the second half.
Both teams will feel they have left points behind them but with Rearcross FC travelling with just above the bare minimum and with the nature of the late equalizer it may be deemed that Rearcross would be happier with the points being shared.

Rearcross 'A': Nigel Ryan, Paul Carey, Greg Kennedy, Eamonn Wade, Stephen Rochford, Paul Nolan, Robert Harrington, James Rochford, Brian Nolan, James Deegan, Michael O Gorman
Sub: Colm Nolan for Paul Nolan (45 mins)

Report by Greg Kennedy