Share of the spoils for Rearcross ‘A’ against Ardcroney

Rearcross FC hosted Ardcroney FC under lights on Friday evening. In a game that in truth saw both teams have their own purple patches throughout. Rearcross will feel that it was two points lost as an outstanding performance from the visiting netminder ensured that the points were shared. Ardcroney took the lead somewhat against the run of play when Rearcross FC were caught napping from a throw in. A toe poked effort saw its way through a medley of bodies before nestling into the Rearcross net. Rearcross came out in the second half and played much more football and attempted to take the game to Ardcroney. Rearcross FC were rewarded when Paul Nolan climbed highest in the box to drive home the equaliser for Rearcross. The ever-willing running of James Deegan was causing problems also. James also had a number of efforts blocked at the last second. Greg Kennedy swivelled an effort goalward after onrushing Rearcross attackers had forced a corner kick goalward. This effort was blocked off the line to safety. Callum Wallace made his debut at Junior Level for Rearcross FC and tested the Ardcroney defence in the last quarter with a number attacking plays. Patrick Dawson got his head on the end of a whipped ball to see his goalbound effort saved by the outstretched arm of the Ardcroney Goalie. Cillian Kennedy had a number of chances and caused problems for the Ardcroney rearguard. Cillian went closest when a curled effort saw the outstretched hand of the Ardcroney Goalie parry wide. Philly Deegan had another whipped effort on goal just before the full-time whistle. Ardcroney never died and had two great opportunities during the second half to seal all three points only for great saves by Paul Carey who was between the posts for Rearcross. Ardcroney had an effort which hit the crossbar in the dying embers of the game. All in all, both teams had chances which they feel they should have converted. In a game that was always going to be tight Rearcross were denied on a half dozen occasions by the reflexes of the Ardcroney Netminder, MOTM. With Paul Nolan, Conor Nolan and James Deegan best on the day for RFC, with a mention to Paul Carey who stood firm in the Rearcross goals when called upon.

Rearcross ‘A’: Paul Carey, Tommy Lyons, Stephen Rochford, Paul Nolan, Greg Kennedy, Philly Deegan, Conor Nolan, Patrick Dawson, James Rochford, Cillian Kennedy, James Deegan
Subs: Brian Hammersley, Colm Nolan, Robert Harrington, Eamonn Wade, Calum Wallace, Brian Nolan

Ardcroney: T Duffy, R Hughes, D Armstrong, L Dervan, S Doran, A Darcy, K Spain, L Doran, J Ryan, J Daly, S A De Mesquita
Subs: A Hayes, P Hayes, D Moran, L O’Regan, T Murphy, J Heffernan, L Heffernan

Referee: David Butler

Report by Greg Kennedy