Clodiagh Rangers 'A' 2 - Rearcross 7
"If you can imagine it, you can achieve it"
- William Arthur Ward
Rearcross travelled to nearby Drombane for their first league outing of the 2012/2013 season and came away with all three points after putting seven goals past their local rivals Clodiagh Rangers. The home side, armed with a good mix of youth and experience, came at Rearcross from the off and could have been a goal up in the first ten minutes if not for resolute defending by the away side’s well drilled defence. The game took a complete turn in the 15th minute however when Clodiagh Rangers were reduced to ten men for a deliberate handball with Derek O’ Toole’s shot destined for the net. Although the resulting penalty by Kieran Devitt was saved by the excellent Adrian Cooke, Rearcross were getting on top by this stage and using their fitness to good effect although it did take them until the 35th minute to break the deadlock. Once again, it was Derek O’ Toole who played the role of instigator as his through run on goal saw Adrian Cooke produce another top class save to deny the Rearcross talisman. The resulting corner by Robert Harrington, however, eluded Cooke as the ball trickled into the net after deflecting off a Clodiagh defender. Subsequently, less than three minutes later, Simon Kennedy was fouled outside the box and up stepped the aforementioned Derek O’ Toole who rifled to the back of the net with a fine effort, leaving the visitors two nil up at the break. Seven minutes into the restart and Kieran Devitt stretched the lead to three nil after putting the ball between the posts from close range. Three goals to the good against ten men and cruising, Rearcross took their foot off the gas and a quick throw from the sideline on the right caught the Rearcross rearguard napping and saw John Ryan finish with aplomb from outside the box. Clodiagh then pulled another goal back with just over half an hour left when Paul Doyle, who impressed throughout, took a snap shot from outside the box which squirmed over the line despite the best efforts of Jim Caplis. Alarmed by their decline in fortunes Rearcross stepped it up after this and Simon Kennedy made it 4-2 in the 67th minute after prodding home in front of goal after good play from Declan O’ Toole on the right. Kennedy then went on to produce another goal five minutes later when his smashing left footed drive from just inside the box whizzed into the top corner of the net leaving Clodiagh custodian Cooke with no chance. Super sub Greg Kennedy then got on the scoreline with ten minutes to go after a good move involving Darren Quigley and Derek O’ Toole to all but seal the deal. Derek O’ Toole then finished off the day’s proceedings with five minutes to go with a chipped effort to cap what was a magnificent performance by the in-form striker. Rearcross can be happy with their win knowing they have a lot to work on if they are to progress this season. All players and subs played their part including James Deegan who was making his first appearance of the 2012/2013 season and put in a good shift.
Rearcross F.C.: Jim Caplis, Liam Ryan (R), Eamon Wade, Eamonn Devitt, Tommy Ryan (L), Declan O’ Toole, Simon Kennedy, Diarmuid Sheehy, Robert Harrington, Derek O’ Toole, Kieran Devitt.
Subs: Greg Kennedy for Diarmuid Sheehy (65th), Darren Quigley for Kieran Devitt (72nd minute), James Deegan for Robert Harrington (72nd minute)
Subs not used: Mark Hogan, Paul Hogan
Clodiagh Rangers 'A': Adrian Cooke, Barry O’ Loughlin, Greg Fewer, Matt Ryan, James Murray, Shane O’ Dwyer, Denis McCullagh, John Ryan, Tommy Stevens, Joe Cullagh, Paul Doyle.
Subs: Colm Stapleton for Shane O’ Dwyer (60th minute)
Referee: Liam Kelly
Report compiled by Simon Kennedy