Gurtagarry 2 - Rearcross 'B' 3
Rearcross B made a winning start to their 2008/2009 league campaign with a hard earned away victory over Gurtagarry last Sunday morning. The visitors took the lead after 10 minutes when John Ryan (Luke) headed a kickout into the path of Emmet Steed and he did well to touch the ball past the advancing keeper and into the empty net. This lead was short lived however as the home side drew level after 20 minutes. The Rearcross defence was caught offguard by a quick counterattack down the right wing and a shot from 12 yards found the found the back of the Rearcross net. Rearcross responded well after this setback and went in front once more when good build up play saw Tommy Ryan (S) put Liam Ryan in the clear and he made no mistake from the edge of the penalty area. Gurtagarry were thrown another lifeline 5 minutes before the break as Rearcross were adjudged to have handled the ball inside the penalty box. The resulting spot kick was dispatched without hesitation to leave the sides all square at the break.
Rearcross had the better of the chances in an open 2nd half. Emmet Steed came close to grabbing his second on the hour mark when his well struck rattled the crossbar before being cleared to safety. Rearcross scored their third 10 minutes later when a long throw into the box was flicked on by Tommy Ryan (S) and James Gough was in the right place at the right time to put Rearcross back in front. Rearcross had their fair share of chances to close the game out after this however they struggled to add the required finishing touches. These close calls spurred on the home side as they went in search of an equaliser and a share of the points. Jim Caplis had to remain sharp as he made a fine save late in the game to ensure that Rearcross left with all 3 points.
Rearcross 'B': Jim Caplis, Eamonn Devitt, Larry McLoughlin, Adrian Hurley, Tommy Ryan (L), Liam Ryan, John Ryan (L), Matthew Ryan (L), Michael O'Gorman, Tommy Ryan (S), Emmet Steed
Subs: James Gough for Michael O'Gorman, Eamonn Wade for Larry McLoughlin
Subs Not Used: Liam Lynch, Davy Ryan (L), Greg Kennedy
Report Compiled by Tommy Ryan Luke