Rearcross 'B' claim first win of the season with thrilling result over Ballymackey 'B'

Rearcross 'B' played host to Ballymackey 'B' on their first home game of the season. The game started at a slow pace with Ballymackey getting in the first real effort on goal but for the shot to go wide. Rearcross responded with a couple of decent efforts from Gavin Denihan and Eoin Sheldon but again neither effort found the net. Rearcross did find the net in the 15th minute but Colm Carey's goal was ruled out for offside. Ballymackey had a good long range effort but again it went over the crossbar. On the 30th minute Rearcross won a corner which was swung by Colm Carey and after a frantic effort by Ballymackey to clear it Rearcross striker Liam Kelly was quickest to react and finish to the net to put the home side one up. Ballymackey upped the tempo after this and Brian Hammersley in the Rea goal was called upon to make a good save ,while just before half time Declan O'Toole did well to get back and make a goal line clearance to keep it at 1 nil to Rearcross at half time.
The second half started with Ballymackey really piling on the pressure and again Declan O'Toole was on hand to make the clearance required. Liam Kelly and Eoin Sheldon got in shots on goal from good play from Gavin Denihan and Colm Carey but failed to extend the lead. Ballymackey did get the equaliser on the 63rd minute when a looping shot some deceived the Rearcross keeper and it found it's way to the net to make the sides level. Rearcross manager Paul Carey had introduced 3 subs at this stage hoping to get the winner but Ballymackey were awarded a penalty in the 76 minute only for Rearcross keeper Brian Hammersley diving full stretch to his left to make a brilliant save and keep the sides level. Willie Horrigan came on upfront for Rearcross and nutmegged the defence to send in an inviting cross for the incoming Paul Ryan but it was just a fraction too high and Paul didn't make the contact he was hoping for. However in the last couple of minutes Gary Ryan managed to round the defence and find space in the box to calmly finish to the net to give the home side the lead. Rearcross B held on to the lead and the Congo Bar sponsored outfit recorded their first win of the season. Another great effort from the team with Brian Hammersley, Declan O'Toole, Eoin Sheldon and Gary Ryan putting in great displays. Thanks to A panel players Eamonn Devitt, Kieran Devitt and Cathal Kennedy for making themselves available on the night.

Rearcross 'B': Brian Hammersley Eamonn Devitt, Mike O'Grady, Mark Hogan, Declan O'Toole,  Eoin Sheldon, Gary Ryan, Kieran Devitt, Colm Carey, Gavin Denihan, Liam Kelly.
Subs: Mike O'Connell, William Horrigan, Paul Ryan, Anthony Ryan, Catha Kennedy, Thomas Kennedy

Ballymackey 'B': Johnny Kenneally, Sean Kenny, Tommy Hogan(C), Ben O'Dwyer, Tony Delaney, Thomas Hogan, Josh Ryan, Adam Stead, Kieran Boyle, Dean Moloney, Shane Gibbons
Subs: Cillian Bergin, Ciaran Grace, Jayden McGee, Kai Gudgeon, Michael Grace

Referee: John Hayes

Match Report by Thomas Kennedy