Rearcross U-13 Girls turn in spirited performance against Premier Division opposition

Rearcross welcomed Lough Derg ‘A’ U13 girls from NTSL Premier Division in the open Cup last Saturday. This was a really competitive encounter, with the young Rearcross side more than holding their own against premier division Lough Derg who currently lie second in their league. Lough Derg scored first, 15 minutes into first half, with a finish from the edge of the box over the head of goalie Ewa Kwiecinska by Grace O’Brien. Rearcross settled down after conceding and began holding possession of the ball with the whole team pressing Lough Derg from the front, with Kate Kennedy breaking through and very unlucky not to score. Rearcross defended excellently throughout the game and went in at half time at 1 nil down.
Rearcross started very strongly in the second half, hitting Lough Derg on the counter attack but unfortunately lost possession on 1 of these attacks and conceded a second when Amélia McMahon was on the mark. This however spurred on the Rearcross ladies and from this to the end of the game had Lough Derg on the back foot and pulled a goal back through Zofia Kwiecinska from a long-range effort. Rearcross were however in a battle with the clock at this stage and having won 3 consecutive corners, Zara Maher hit the side netting, this was Rearcross’s final chance and valiantly lost out on a 2-1 scoreline. A very competitive encounter and this performance against a well drilled premier division outfit, augurs well for this young Rearcross side for next season. Rearcross finished with a lineup that are all under 14 for next season, some girls are eligible for up to 3 years at this age level. A very entertaining game, and from a Rearcross point of view it's very encouraging to see our players been so competitive, particularly our younger ladies on the squad

Rearcross U-13 Girls: Ewa Kwiecinska, Zara Maher, Aoibheann Devitt, Ruth Johnson, Ellie O Gorman, Zofia Kwiecinska, Maria Collins, Chloe Quinlan, Kate Kennedy, Isabel Keogh, Anna Kennedy, Eve Richardson, Emma Nolan, Mary Hanly

Lough Derg FC: T Noonan, M Sheeran, B Gallagher, H Hammond (Capt), E Kenny, S Kol, L Neary, E Finn, K Moroney, G O’Brien, A Moroney

Referee: Robbie Nevin

Report by Myles Devitt