Away loss for Rearcross U-14 Boys in Drombane

Rearcross U-14 Boys travelled to Drombane to take on League leaders Clodiagh Rangers who only needed a point from their last two matches to clinch the U-14 Major League. The hosts took the lead in the 5th minute after being awarded a penalty which was converted by Pablo Barquin. This lead was a confidence boost to Clodiagh Rangers and some excellent defending from Conor McInerney, Ciaran McLoughlin and Cathal Hickey, thwarted numerous attacks to keep the score line at 1 nil. Rearcross got to the pace of the game with good passages of play as Darragh Reynolds came closest when his goalbound shot was pushed around the butt of the post by Clodiagh custodian Tadhg Corcoran. The Rea boys continued to press with Conor Nolan and Adam Butler to the fore in midfield. Ciaran McLoughlin’s free kick deliveries were putting pressure on the Clodiagh defence and then a penalty claim was waved on following a challenge on Darragh Reynolds. The visitors were dealt a blow just before half time when Paul Brett cut in from the left wing to score against the run of play to leave the Drombane side 2 up at the break. Clodiagh were fastest out of the traps in the second half as Pablo Barquin netted his second of the outing with a nice finish. Rearcross dusted themselves down and a Darragh Reynolds effort forced a fine save out of the Clodiagh shot stopper and then moments later Conor Nolan’s corner kick found Darragh Reynolds, but the headed effort flew over the bar. The visitor’s dominance paid off when a flowing moving involving Adam Butler and Patrick Hanly saw the latter release Darragh Reynolds who pegged a goal back. Rea kept the pressure on and nearly reduced the deficit to the minimum when Adam Butler and Darragh Reynolds combined, but Johnny Whelan averted the danger for the league winners elect. The home team rubber stamped their league win when Paul Brett hit the target for a second time with a well worked finish.

NTSFL Chairman Thomas Dwan presented the League Cup to Clodiagh Rangers captain Oisin Cooke after the game, with Rearcross FC Management & Players in attendance to congratulate Clodiagh Rangers on their League victory.

Rearcross U-14 Boys: Leon Wallace, Conor McInerney, Colm Hickey, Ciaran McLoughlin, Paudie Clifford, Adam Butler, Sean Guidera, Conor Nolan (Capt), Darragh Reynolds, Patrick Hanly, Cathal Moloney
Subs: Andrew Hanly, Noah Brett

Clodiagh Rangers: T Corcoran, C Ryan, P Kennedy, J Mockler, J Whelan, P Brett, J Ryan, Oisin Cooke (Capt), N Hackett, P Barquin, L Harrington
Subs: J Ryan, M Ryan, O Corbett

Referee: Michael Barry

Report by Shane Reynolds