Dramatic finish leaves Rearcross U-13 Boys all square at the full-time whistle

Rearcross U-13 Boys were at home to Ballymackey ‘B’ on Wednesday evening in this league fixture played under lights and shared the spoils on a 2-2 scoreline. The opening exchanges were evenly contested but it was the Rea boys who took the lead when good play by Ryan Quigley on the left saw Conor Nolan race through on goal only to be fouled inside the box by the visiting keeper. Jonathon Dawson converted the resulting penalty. The home side were unlucky not to double their tally when Matthew Ryan linked up with Andrew Hanley who set Jonathon Dawson through on goal who came close with a fine effort which wasn’t far over. The visitors were also having their moments and a well worked attack saw James Costello get back to make a fine tackle to keep the Rearcross lead intact at the halftime whistle.
It was end to end in the 2nd half with chances falling to both sides as opposing custodians earned their stripes between the post. Firstly, Darragh Reynolds raced off his line to make a great save and then at the other end, a superb solo run saw Conor Nolan find space in front of goal only for Tadgh Murphy to make a marvellous reflex save. The Ballinree side pegged it back level when the ball broke to Evan Grace who sent a curling effort to the far corner of the net. The Martin O’Toole sponsored side rallied after this and hit the front for the second time with four minutes remaining following good work by Cathal Hickey on the left which forced the concession of a handball inside the box. Jonathon Dawson stepped up to rifle the resulting spot-kick to the corner of the net with aplomb. It looked as if Rearcross had done enough to secure maximum points, however Ballymackey had other ideas and counter attacked in the remaining minutes and snatched a dramatic equalizer when Evan Grace's free kick from just outside the box finished in the net at the near post. Rearcross pushed forward in search of the winner, but it wasn't to be on this occasion. Both keepers stole the show on the evening with Rearcross custodian Darragh Reynolds and Ballymackey’s Tadgh Murphy making outstanding saves especially in the second half. Well done to both teams for turning in a very entertaining spectacle.

Rearcross U-13 Boys: Darragh Reynolds, Matthew Ryan, Jack Hickey, James Costello, Michéal Collins, Patrick Carr, Ciaran McLoughlin, Ryan Quigley, Conor Nolan, Conor McInerney, Jonathon Dawson, Sean Ryan, Andrew Hanley, Paudie Clifford, Noan Brett, Cathal Hickey

Ballymackey 'B': Tadgh Murphy, Donnacha Kelly, Evan Grace, Joe Fahy, Myles Kelly, Liam Kennedy, Ryan Kennedy, Paul Williams, Craig Kennedy, Charlie Cummins, Jack Gilmartin, Ben Ryan, Sean McCarthy.

Referee: Michael Barry