Cleary brothers have the final say as Ardcroney put a dent in Rearcross momentum

NT&DL - Premier Division

Rearcross (A) 1-2 Ardcroney

By Gary Culbert

One of the main frustrations for Rearcross over the last 5 years is how they struggle to follow-up on big results.

Rearcross consistently cause massive upsets in the NT&DL and regional cup competitions because, just like Ardcroney, they love to be the underdog; they thrive on being wrote-off.

Having advanced to the last 32 of the Munster Junior Cup by embarrassing Ballymackey the weekend prior, Rearcross were left in unfamiliar territory for the visit of struggling Ardcroney on Saturday night: they were now the favourites.

What ensued on the delightfully crisp cool night in the Slieve Felim mountains was a fantastic full-blooded game, wherein both these were playing with an intensity similar to if a league title was on the line.

New-look Ardcroney had a point to prove and roared into a deserved lead when an in-swinging free-kick from the wonderfully talented right boot of Matthew Moyles. Indeed, it was Moyles who ran the show for Ardcroney on the night, with an all-round perfect performance that will leave the Oscar Traynor management team curious of a late call-up for the visit of Limerick Desmond league to Templemore on November 18th.

Rearcross struggled to match the visitor’s intensity, but they were given a lifeline at the start of the second half when Kieran Spain fouled Conor Nolan just inside the area.

Ardcroney were not done yet though, with Rea’s equaliser essentially poking the bear. The NT&DL’s newest set of brothers combined well for the winning goal: Thomas Cleary and Willie Cleary of Kilruane getting the better of Cathal Kennedy.

Rearcross went on to utterly dominate possession for the final half-hour, but with Ardcroney camped on the edge of their own area, the home side had neither the raw pace or deft touch required to unlock the resolute low-block.

One player who may be answer for Rearcross in future games is Jake Slattery. The 19-year-old right-back is without doubt the signing of the season in the NT&DL.

He was a joy to watch on Saturday night, bombing up the wing and taking on his man with youthful raw pace.

The Bilbao native simply did not deserve to be on the losing team, it's very easy to see why he was called into the Oscar Traynor setup so quickly.

In games where Rea' are going to have more of the ball, they may have to start Slattery higher up the field where he can affect the game even more.

Ardcroney (4-3-3): Kevin Shinners; Lee Doran, Andy Hayes, John O'Meara, Kieren Spain; Matthew Moyles, Michael Egan, Ross Austin; Chris Fogarty, Thomas Cleary, Willie Cleary.

Rearcross (4-4-2): Cathal Kennedy; Brian Nolan, Greg Kennedy, Paul Nolan, Jake Slattery; Paddy Dawson, Conor Nolan, Eoin Sheldon, Philly Deegan; James Deegan, Cillian Kennedy.