RFC & CRFC Youths claim home win over League leaders

Rearcross / Clodiagh Rangers Youths were at home to league leaders BT Harps in this league game played at Rearcross FC Grounds on Wednesday night and claimed maximum points on a 5-3 scoreline. The game was billed as a must win for the combo outfit who got off to a great start with the hard working Taylor Light winning the ball inside his own half and broke down the wing before sending a measured pass to James Butler who beat his man on the by-line and squared it back to the edge of the box to the onrushing Sean Griffin, who picked his spot and placed it to the bottom corner for a great team move and a good start for the home side. BT Harps started to work their way into the game but some solid man-marking by defensive quartet of Luke Carroll, Leo Ryan, Max Carroll and captain Conor Brett kept the fast-breaking BT Harps at bay. The Templemore side got the breakthrough with an opportunist goal from Ryan Loughnane. Both sides were playing some great passing football but it was the Slieve Felim side that pushed ahead after Taylor Light chased down his marker and won the ball before crossing superbly to Sean Griffin, the resulting delivery in to the six-yard box put pressure on the keeper as James Butler’s first touch forced the concession of a penalty. James Butler dusted himself down before converting from the spot with aplomb. The table toppers reacted immediately and applied incessant pressure but outstanding defending from Conor Brett, Luke Carroll, Max Carroll and Leo Ryan kept the scoreline intact coupled with three massive saves from Jack Brett in goals. Hugh Purcell was having a huge battle up front and almost edged the Clodiagh Rangers / Rearcross further ahead when he met a cross from Taylor Light which produced a super save from the visiting custodian. An intensely contested affair saw both sides not wanting to yield an inch, however BT Harps got back on level terms when a threatening attack saw TP Sullivan pointing to the spot as Ryan Loughnane stepped up and gave Jack Brett no chance with a great finish to leave it at all square at the halftime whistle.
It was more of the same in the second half as BT Harps started with a high press as the combo team played out through the lines from the back as Hugh Purcell was close again with another fine effort. Rían Treacy playing in the middle of the park was ever busy and set up Larry Collins who wasn’t far away. Rearcross / Clodiagh made it 3-2 when great work by Rían Treacy and Larry Collins saw Sean Griffin beat his marker before feeding James Butler who sent a splendid effort to the corner of the net. The game was still very much in the melting pot as the away team pushed for the equaliser but solid defensive work kept the hosts ahead. The Slieve Felim team brought on some fresh legs as all players were putting in a huge shift, Cathal Ryan, Paddy Ryan and Patrick Kennedy came on for Taylor Light, Hugh Purcell and Conor Brett as the trio had made a huge contribution. Patrick Kennedy didn’t waste any time getting involved in the action winning the ball every time and link up play with Paddy Ryan, Larry Collins and James Butler set Rían Treacy through on goal who was taken down inside the area. James Butler converted the resulting penalty to complete his hat-trick and give his side a 4-2 advantage. BT Harps didn’t throw in the towel though and dominated for the next 10 minutes but again great defending and goalkeeping averted the danger and came closest when a goal mouth scramble saw the ball cleared. BT Harps did however get back in to the game with a well taken effort from William Collier ten minutes from time to leave the minimum between the sides. More fresh legs were introduced for the hosts with David Griffin and Aaron Quinlan coming on for the hard-working Rían Treacy and Leo Ryan and both players introduced made worthy contributions. The visitors were throwing everything at this stage in search of an equaliser, however a counter attack saw a mazy run by Larry Collins through the centre finish with a wonderful strike to the back of the net. This was a gutsy performance from the hosts against the league leaders and keeps them in the hunt at the business end of the table. This was a strong all-round performance from Clodiagh Rangers / Rearcross squad with all players playing their part, both keepers Jack Brett and D Augustyniak had fine outings between the posts. This result puts the combo team in with a shouting chance for the remainder of the campaign. Finally, well done to referee TP Sullivan.

Rearcross / Clodiagh Rangers Youths: Jack Brett, Conor Brett, Leo Ryan, Luke Carroll, Max Carroll, Larry Collins, Sean Griffin, Hugh Purcell, James Butler, Taylor Light, Rían Treacy,
Subs: Paddy Ryan, Tomás Ryan, Cathal Ryan, Timmy Costello, David Griffin, Aaron Quinlan, Patrick Kennedy, Michael Quinlan, Toby Corbett, Liam Challen

BT Harps: D Augustyniak, J Sheridan, W Collins, M Conroy, K Quinlan, W Collier, J Duggan, C Broderick, S Monahan, R Loughnane, D Hogan
Subs: J Leahy, J Foy

Referee: TP Sullivan

Report by Paul Carey

James Butler puts his side 2-1 ahead from the spot.

James Butler scores with a fine finish from just inside the box

Rían Treacy is taken down inside the box for a penalty

James Butler converts the resulting penalty from the spot to complete his hat-trick

Larry Collins seals the win with a deft first time finish