Rearcross 'A' progress in the Tipperary Cup

Rearcross hosted Ballymackey B in the opening round of the Tipperary Cup. Despite all the bad weather the pitch was in good condition and holding up well underfoot. The home side were quick out of the blocks and created numerous chances to take an early lead. Michael O Gorman with the opening chance but his strike went over the bar. Eoin Sheldon playing a new role in midfield had the next opportunity when Michael O Gorman played him through but his strike went the wrong side of the post. Conor Nolan thought he had given the home side the lead but his pile driver from 20 yards out rattled the crossbar. To their credit Ballymackey were frustrating the hosts and nearly took a shock lead but Cathal Kennedy pulled off a good save. Rea broke the deadlock just after the half hour mark when Conor Nolan picked up the ball in midfield and his speculative effort seemed to deceive the keeper and the ball found its way to the net. Soon after it was 2 nil to the home side when the ball broke to Eoin Sheldon in the box and he made no mistake finishing low to the corner of the net. 2 nil at the break.
The 2nd half took a similar pattern to the 1st half with Rea dominating possession but still finding hard to break down a stubborn Ballymackey defence. Rea added youth to the panel for the game with 4 of the Youth’s team called up and all 4 would make a big impact off the bench. Rea added a 3rd goal on the 60th minute with a great team goal, the ball started at the back with Cathal Kennedy and was moved through the lines where Eoin Sheldon provided a great cross for Cathal Ryan who finished to the net. With time nearly up Rea added a 4th goal and it was another substitute who got his name on the scoresheet. More good work from Eoin Sheldon saw him lay the ball off to Jack Nolan in the box who unleashed an unstoppable shot which flew into the back of the net. Best on the night for Rea was Eoin Sheldon who finished the game with a goal and 2 assists.

Rearcross ‘A’: Cathal Kennedy (Capt), Stephen Rochford, Brian Nolan, Robert Harrington, Greg Kennedy, Eoin Sheldon, Conor Nolan, Patrick Dawson, Paul Nolan, Michael O’Gorman, Darragh Carr
Subs: Oisín Reynolds, Jack Nolan, Cathal Ryan, Patrick Ryan, Cillian Kennedy

Ballymackey ‘B’: J Dunne, C Hassett, S Gibbons (Capt), T Hogan, J McGee, C Bergin, P Bergin, C Dervan, M McCarthy, C O’Meara, T McCarthy
Subs: P Duffy, K Gudgeon

Referee: Cormac Sullivan

Report by Robert Harrington

Conor Nolan gives Rearcross the lead when his speculative effort deceived the Ballymackey keeper

Eoin Sheldon extends the lead with a first time finish inside the far post

Three nil to Rea after Cathal Ryan makes no mistake with a fine finish from an Eoin Sheldon cross

Jack Nolan copper fastened the win with an unstoppable finish to the back of the net