Rearcross 'A' come from behind to win 3-1

Rearcross welcomed Sallypark for the Premier Division league encounter. Both teams started sluggish and neither team were able to gain the upper hand in the game with passes going astray. Sallypark had the best chance of the opening quarter when Sean Ryan collected the ball on the left and rode the 1st tackle, he then beat the defender and hit a shot from outside the box which Cathal Kennedy done well to push the ball around the post for a corner as it just bounced in front of him making it a tricky save. From here Rearcross had the better of the exchanges of the half as their high press was starting to pay dividends. Paddy Deegan was starting to influence the game with his mazy runs and it was Paddy who created the best chance of the half when he collected the ball and beat a couple of defenders, his cross from the right found Paddy Dawson in the box, his 1st touch set him up to fire in a volley which went inches past the post. With 5 minutes remaining Rea were dealt a big blow when Paddy Deegan had to come off injured after hurting his shoulder. This resulted in a lengthy stoppage and big thanks to Chris Ryan who provided First Aid treatment to Paddy on the field. Thanks also to Matt Carr for his assistance and to Colm Nolan who drove Paddy to the hospital.
The 2nd half exploded into to life after 5 minutes of the restart. Sallypark were 1st to strike following a corner from the right, Rea only half cleared the ball and it fell to Dan Keogh on the edge of the box and he made no mistake with his strike finding the corner of the net. Rea struck bad immediately from the kick off when James Deegan's through ball found Cillian Kennedy one on one with the keeper and he kept his composure to lob the him, a lovely finish. 15 minutes later saw Rearcross take the lead with a well worked team goal. James Deegan who was now playing in a deeper role again providing the assist with another great through ball to Michael O Gorman who made no mistake with a low finish past the onrushing keeper. Sallypark however were not done and came close on numerous occasions with Cathal Kennedy pulling off 2 good saves from headers. Also, Brian Nolan ensured the game remained 2-1 when he deflected a goalbound effort out for a corner. Rea made the game safe in injury time when James Deegan played the ball through to Cillian Kennedy who spun his marker and his low finish to the net caught the keeper out. It was Cillian Kennedy who nearly got his hat trick a few moments later when James Rochford laid the ball off to him on the edge of the box but his strike was tipped over the bar by the keeper. A good win for Rearcross on the day and we wish a speedy recovery to Paddy Deegan.

Rearcross ‘A’: Cathal Kennedy, Stephen Rochford, Philip Deegan, Brian Nolan, Greg Kennedy, Darragh Carr, Patrick Deegan, Conor Nolan, Patrick Dawson, Michael O’Gorman (Capt), James Deegan
Subs: Cillian Kennedy, Robert Harrington, James Rochford, Callum Wallace, Kieran Devitt

Sallypark Odhráns ‘A’: D Kinnane, B Rohan, D Keogh, K Ryan, T McCutcheon, R Ducie Hogan, J Sanders (Capt), C Ryan, A Healy, D O’Donoghue, S Ryan
Subs: R Gillick D Young, T McLoughlin, P Ronan, B McGahey

Referee: Jim McGrath

Report by Robert Harrington