Away defeat for Rearcross U-16 Boys in Cloughjordan

Rearcross travelled to Cloughjordan last Saturday in the second round of the competition. It was the home side who started brightly and Leo Armstrong was called into action first to deny a Jack Hurley effort and then made a full stretch save to deny Lukah Williams. Rearcross had the next attack and good work by Jonathan Dawson and James Costello in midfield saw the latter pass the ball to get Darragh Reynolds clear on the right flank. Darragh’s dangerous cross was nearly met by a on rushing Paudie Clifford into the box. Cloughjordan got on the score sheet when a thunderous free kick from Lukah Williams flew straight past the Rearcross custodian. Cloughjordan were dominant now and 2 more goals were to follow in quick succession; both been scored by Lukah Williams who completed his hattrick. Lukah second goal was a powerful solo run which he got passed 3 Rearcross players and deny unleashed pasted Leo Armstrong in goals. Lukah’s third goal was more down to poor defending as Rearcross had 3 chances to clear their lines before the ball fell at the Cloughjordan’s forwards feet and he met no mistake from close range. Rearcross began to get a better hold in midfield and Darragh Reynolds was unlucky not to make a better connection from a Jonathan Dawson cross. A Jonathan Dawson corner caused mayhem in the Cloughjordan box and Paudie Clifford was unlucky to see his goal ward bound effort cleared off the line. Eanna O'Shea made a fine save next from a Jonathan Dawson free kick. Leo Armstrong was called into action again to deny Lukah. Cloughjordan scored a 4th when Daniel O'Leary scored a fine header from a corner kick.
A stern half time talk saw a different Rearcross team take to the field in the second half. Patrick Carr and Darragh Reynolds linked well to see the latter have a shot at goals. A Jonathan Dawson long range free kick was saved well by the Cloughjordan keeper. Jonathan next sees an effort cleared off the line after been put through by Patrick Carr. Jonathan sees another effort well saved by Eanna O'Shea after being put through by Darragh Reynolds. Lukah Williams who had been to the fore in the first half but found a stronger opponent in the second half saw an effort hit the bottom of the Rearcross post and collected by Leo Armstrong. A Jonathan Dawson corner kick was met by James Costello at the back post but he couldn't keep his header below the cross bar. Darragh Reynolds saw an effort saved by the Cloughjordan keeper. Great foot work by Matthew Ryan sees him play in Jonathan whose first touch lets him down and the ball is collected by the Cloughjordan keeper. The game ended 4-0 to the home side but Rearcross second half performance showed that it was a closer match than the score line shows.

Cloughjordan FC: E O’Shea, M Hutchinson, C Greene, S O’Leary, L Dollery, J Ryan, L Flannery, D Hussey Sheahan (Capt), D O’Leary, L Williams, J Hurley
Subs: S Courtney, L Mhlanga, R Harte

Rearcross U-16 Boys: Leo Armstrong, Jack Hickey, Matthew Ryan, Micheal Collins, Conor McInerney, James Costello(Capt), Leon Wallace, Jonathan Dawson, Darragh Reynolds, Paudie Clifford, Liam O'Dwyer
Subs: Sean Guidera, Patrick Carr

Referee: Michael Grace

Report by Shane Reynolds