Rearcross 'A' take share of spoils against League leaders Killavilla United

In a game that really ebbed and flowed both Rearcross FC and Killavilla left feeling like there was points left behind. Killavilla started the brighter and showed why they are considered top dogs by many in North Tipp. Rearcross defended well and limited the Killavilla attacks. Chances in front of goal in the first half were hard to come by but Killavilla found a breakthrough after a blocked shot broke to an on rushing Killavilla attacker who blasted home from 10 yards out. Rearcross FC had a few chances in the first half, but Killavilla did maintain a lot of possession.
The second half saw a complete turnaround in proceedings. Killavilla failed to make any headway against a determined Rearcross FC. The Rea men had a number of chances to score. James Deegan struck an effort from 20+ yards out and forced a diving save from the Killavilla goalie. In was all Rearcross FC between the 55th and the 70th minute. Phillip Deegan came close with a header as he snuck in at the back post following a Rea corner. Phillip Deegan, Kieran Devitt and Darragh Kennedy were in the engine room for Rearcross this evening. The trio drove Rearcross FC on with relentlessness and determination. Killavilla continued to cause problems at times for Rearcross FC. Rearcross FC forced a Killavilla midfielder away from goal but the Killavilla player rattled the crossbar with an off balanced effort. Rearcross pulled level when Brian Nolan controlled a loose ball in the middle of the field before bouncing through the Killavilla defenders. Brian stroked the ball into the far corner of the net. An equal measure of balance and composure ensured that Brian added to his goal tally for the year. Rearcross pushed forward for the remainder of the tie and did have the ball in the back of the Killavilla net, but this was rightly brought back as the ball had left the playing area prior to the Rearcross goal. Michael O Gorman had a header that looped over the crossbar. Darragh Kennedy had an effort on goal. One that perhaps he almost struck too well as the power outweighed the accuracy. Killavilla made use of their advantage of having a large panel by making the maximum of 5 substitutions to try and force the game in their favour. James Rochford and Cillian Kennedy came on for Rearcross FC. Cillian Kennedy had a chance in the dying embers of the tie when he gathered the ball on the edge of the box and rifled a low effort towards the bottom corner. A strike which would have won the fixture only for excellent goal tending from the Killavilla goalie who got down well to save. Rearcross had one final effort when James Deegan whipped a cross towards the six-yard box. A loose ball was toe poked away before a Green and White jersey could get a sniff. Rearcross FC certainly had a better second half, but Killavilla were always a threat and had to be marshalled well by the Rearcross defenders.
Best for Rearcross were the Midfield men of Phillip Deegan, Kieran Devitt and Darragh Kennedy who covered every blade of grass, while providing cover in the back line when needed. Although Brian Nolan also deserves a mention, with a composed finish to score a pivotal goal and a number of tackles in the defensive third of the pitch to make crucial interventions the young wing back deserves the plaudits today.

Best of Luck to Killavilla for the rest of the season!

Post-match interview with Rearcross 'A' Manager Eamonn Devitt

Rearcross ‘A’: Cathal Kennedy, Stephen Rochford, Paul Carey, Robert Harrington, Greg Kennedy, Brian Nolan, Kieran Devitt, Darragh Kennedy, Philip Deegan, Michael O’Gorman, James Deegan
Subs: James Rochford, Eamonn Wade, Nigel Ryan, Colm Nolan, Cillian Kennedy, Gary O’Brien

Killavilla United: Bob Rog, Eddie Simmons, Stephen Delaney, Ian Tracey, John Cordial, Brian Barcoz, Niall O’Lone, Gavin Clarke, Paul Kirwan, Brian Moloney
Subs: Ruairi Murphy, Sean Delaney, Fionn Ryan, Dylan Carroll, Tom Ahern, Padraic Phelan

Referee: John Hayes

Report by Greg Kennedy

Well done to Killavilla's Brody Lee who played for Ireland U-15's against Cyrus in Croatia earlier this week. The Roscrea player came off the bench at half time to win the penalty for Ireland's first goal and then netted the winner to give Ireland a 2-1 victory.