Depleted RFC & CRFC Youths side lose away in Cloughjordan

Rearcross / Clodiagh Rangers Youths missing a number of regulars trekked to Cloughjordan last Saturday for this Premier League fixture and came out on the wrong end of a 2-1 scoreline. The blustery conditions were a factor on the day however it was the visiting side that made the better start and looked dangerous up front with Taylor Light and Cathal Ryan raiding on the wings. Cloughjordan soaked up the pressure with J Loughnane pulling of some really good saves to keep the scoreline intact. The hosts took a fortuitous lead when a clearance against the wind saw a resulting shot rebound off a combo defender before William Jones let fly from five yards out giving Jack Brett no chance between the posts. The Slieve Felim side counter attacked and will feel aggrieved not to have levelled matters, but were thwarted by some solid defending combined with some lacklustre finishing. Liam Collins was to the fore with some delightful dribbling and ball passing to keep his side in the hunt and the equaliser finally came five minutes before the break when some great defending by Paddy Kennedy at left full saw his first time pass find Paddy Ryan whose shot was blocked, however the ball fell to Cathal Ryan who finished to the bottom corner to leave it all square at the half time whistle.
The Clodiagh Rangers / Rearcross outfit were on the front foot after the resumption with Liam Collins again pulling the strings as Paddy Ryan and Hugh Purcell drove at the opposing defence. It took a huge save by the Clough custodian on 50 minutes who got a strong hand to a Hugh Purcell rocket. The visitors were denied again minutes later when a deflected shot was goalbound but a full flight save from J Loughnane kept the ball out. Cloughjordan very much assisted by the elements in the second half, sent long balls deep over the top and made it 2-1 after the visiting defence deflected the danger twice, before Jack Carroll got a third bite at the cherry to beat keeper Jack Brett. Full credit to the combo outfit for their persistent attacking against the odds for the remainder of the game, however it wasn’t to be on this occasion. The home side turned in a strong defensive performance against a Rearcross / Clodiagh Rangers team that certainly weren’t found wanting for effort. Max Carroll, Hugh Purcell and Liam Collins turned in outstanding displays on the day.

Rearcross / Clodiagh Rangers Youths: Jack Brett, Conor Brett, Leo Ryan, Max Carroll, Luke Carroll, Larry Collins, Paddy Ryan, Hugh Purcell, Patrick Kennedy, Cathal Ryan, Taylor Light
Subs: Colm Hickey, Oisín Reynolds

Cloughjordan FC Youths: J Loughnane, C Haverty, F Aherne Woods, J Quinlisk, M Henely, F Doheny, D Delaney, J Carroll, S O’Brien, A Wahid, W Jones.
Subs: A Ryan, D O’Meara, M Bryne Ryan

Referee: David Butler

Report by Paul Carey