Depleted Rearcross 'A' exit Premier Shield in sudden death shootout

Rearcross FC travelled to Drombane to play neighbours Clodiagh Rangers in this knock out shield fixture. Credit to North Tipperary League, Referee David Butler and Clodiagh Rangers for facilitating an earlier than scheduled kick off. The game was played in sweltering conditions. There is never much between the two teams on any occasion and this was the case today as it finished 1-1. Eoghan Sheldon had the best chance of the first half when he raced through on goal, only to shoot over from inside the box. Clodiagh Rangers got the first goal of the game when they broke down the left flank before an onrushing forward thumped the ball home. Jim Caplis in the Rearcross goals made a number of collections in his own box and made one superb save when a shot was rifled across goal. Quick reflexes and a strong hand kept the ball out of the Rearcross goal. Mark Hogan made a darting run through the middle and let fly with a long ranged effort that ended up sailing a few yards wide. Paul Carey, Conor Nolan and Kieran Devitt put in a great shift cutting out a number of attacks before they gained any momentum. Cillian Kennedy had a number of chances in the second half, most notably when he whacked the crossbar from outside of the box. On a different day this would have nestled into the net but on this occasion it bounced down onto the line and out rather than in, to the despair of the Rearcross faithful. James Rochford had an effort from our wide which when over. Rearcross FC got their deserved equaliser when James Rochford's corner was met by Greg Kennedy at the front post. Cillian Kennedy gathered the loose ball and hung it up to the back post where Michael O Gorman was ready to pounce. With a swivel he stroked the ball into the back of the Clodagh net with the last kick of the game. Penalties loomed and Clodiagh Rangers ended up going through after sudden death. Greg Kennedy, Kieran Devitt, Michael O Gorman were on target for Rearcross FC with Jim Caplis making two great saves.

Rearcross 'A': Jim Caplis, Kieran Devitt, Paul Carey, Greg Kennedy, Conor Nolan, Colm Nolan (sub 45 - Mark Hogan) , Eoin Sheldon, James Rochford, Stephen Rochford, Cillian Kennedy, Michael O Gorman
Subs used: Mark Hogan

Greg Kennedy converts for Rea in penalty shootout