Narrow defeat for Rearcross 'B' in Puckane

Rearcross ‘B’ travelled to Knigh United last Sunday morning in what was both sides first game back after the Christmas break. Unfavourable weather conditions made the game a very scrappy one with both struggling to create any clear-cut chances, this was also due to a solid Rearcross defensive performance with the experienced Eamonn Devitt keeping things very tight at the back. It was 0-0 at the break with both sides struggling to get a foothold in the game.
Rea were playing into the wind in the second half making it very difficult for them create chances from kick outs and long balls. Knigh on the other hand were able to use this wind to their advantage, posing a constant threat with balls in behind the Rearcross defence. The home side were duly rewarded in the 53rd minute when Neil Cahalan was able to touch the ball past Brian Hammersley from a pinpoint cross. Rea threw everything at the game after this but again struggled to create any major opportunities. Substitute Oisín Reynolds came closest for the away side in the 85th minute when his half-volleyed effort skewed just wide of the post. The game would go on to end 1-0 to Knigh in what was a disappointing result but a positive performance for Rea against arguably the strongest side in the division.

Knigh United: K. Kelly, K. Ryan, E. Sharkey, J. O’Meara, J. Quigley, A. Calugarita, R. Ducie Hogan, D. Moran (Capt), N. Cahalan, J. Sanders, B. McGahey.
Subs: L. Raleigh, B. Kirwan, T. Dalton, P. Gallagher, C. O’Brien.

Rearcross ‘B’: Brian Hammersley, Paul Ryan, Gary O’Brien, Eamonn Devitt (Capt), Max Carroll, Matthew Feehan, Donnacha O’Brien, Tom O’Dwyer, Gavin Denihan, Michael Feehan.
Subs: Brendan O’Dwyer, Oisín Reynolds, Félim Deegan, Colm Nolan, William Horrigan.

Referee: Robert Mandrila

Report by Brian Hammersley