Noreside Celtic 1 - Rearcross 'B' 1
(Noreside Celtic win 4 - 3 on penalties)
Rearcross B began their 2009/2010 season on a disappointing note after falling at the first hurdle in the 2nd Division shield last Sunday afternoon. Noreside Celtic were the visitors to the Rearcross grounds and they were on the back foot for most of the opening half as the home side enjoyed the lions share of the possession. However, the hosts struggled to break down a stubborn defence and clear cut chances were few and far between. Their best chance came after a half hour when PJ McLoughlin did well to find Danny O’Brien on the right wing. He in turn flashed the ball across the penalty area however, the cross was out of reach for the inrushing Kieran Devitt at the back post. The sides finished the half as they began it while neither keeper was tested beyond his comfort.
Rearcross took the lead on the hour mark when Paul Hogan was played in behind the Latteragh defence and the striker kept his cool to slot the ball past the advancing keeper and into the bottom corner. To their credit, Latteragh were not fazed by the setback and in truth, dominated the ball for the remainder of the game. Stand in keeper Joey Nolan was called on more than once to make a vital save. He could only take the pace off a 70th minute shot after the Latteragh striker got in behind the defence however, Myles Devitt was on hand to clear the ball off the line as it looped towards the net. However, this effort was undone as Latteragh deservedly equalised 5 minutes later as they were awarded a penalty after their winger was upended inside the penalty area. The resulting penalty was despatched without ado leaving Joey Nolan no chance. Chances were few after this as both sides lack of match fitness showed on what was a very humid day and each team seemed content to take their chances in a penalty shootout.
And indeed both sides finished all square and it was left to the shootout to divide the teams. It was the visitors who emerged victorious and who advanced to the shield semi final. Successful for Rearcross from the spot were Joey Nolan, Kieran Devitt and Greg Kennedy.
Rearcross B: Joey Nolan, Tommy Kennedy, Derek Kennedy, Myles Devitt, Tommy Ryan (Luke), Danny O’Brien, David Ryan (Luke), PJ McLoughlin, John Ryan (Luke), Paul Hogan, Kieran Devitt
Referee:Alec McCormack
Report Compiled by Tommy Ryan Luke