Stalemate for Rearcross ‘A’ in Ballinree

Rearcross FC A journeyed North to take on Ballymackey FC A in Ballinree in the North Tipp and District League Premier Division. In terrible playing conditions Rearcross left with a point, but will feel they deserved all three. The opening half an hour saw very little in the way of goalmouth action with both midfields battling for the upper hand. Rearcross had one half chances when Patrick Dawson swung in a corner which was spilled by the Ballymackey Goalkeeper. Greg Kennedy got a touch on the loose ball but the Ballymackey goalkeeper gathered on the second attempt. Rearcross came into their own in the final few minutes of the half. Patrick Dawson saw himself bearing down on goal but a vital intervention from a retreating Ballymackey defender saw the chance fade away. Ballymackey did have one attack which Cathal Kennedy did well to narrow the angle and make a block from a tame effort. Phillip Deegan was off target with a back post header when his brother James whipped in a cross from wide on the left.
The second half saw Rearcross miss a handful of opportunities. James Deegan hit the side netting late on in what was one of Rearcross FC’s best chances. A few notable saves from the Ballymackey goalkeeper and a number of near misses from the Rea men meant the spoils were shared on this occasion.
A very solid defensive performance with Brian Nolan and Stephen Rochford anchoring the team in the full back positions. Tommy Lyons, Eoin Sheldon and Cillian Kennedy all came on and added energy to the Rearcross outfit. Cillian Kennedy got on a few balls in the attacking third and on a different day the attacking men of Rea would have bagged a handful of goals.

Ballymackey ‘A’: B Hayes, D Moloney, C Delaney, B O’Dwyer, C Maher, M McDonnell, S Cantwell, A Carey, A Steed, D Haverty, W Kenneally
Subs: C Spillane, M McAuliffe, D Spillane, J Kenneally, D Bergin

Rearcross ‘A’: Cathal Kennedy, Brian Nolan, Stephen Rochford, Paul Nolan, Greg Kennedy, Kieran Devitt, Colm Nolan, Philly Deegan, Paddy Dawson, James Deegan, Michael O’Gorman
Subs: Cillian Kennedy, Tommy Lyons, Colm Nolan, Eoin Sheldon

Referee: Robbie Nevin

Report by Greg Kennedy