Borrisoleigh edge 11-goal thriller as drama unfolds across NT&DL leagues

PREMIER DIVISION

Rearcross started like a house on fire on Friday night when Portumna Town made the 70-minute drive to the Slieve Felim mountains.

The home side were a goal to the good after just three minutes when young Patrick Ryan received the ball from James Deegan before showing good strength and trickery down the right to find the net with a cross-cum-shot.

The young winger almost made it two on the quarter-hour mark with a fine strike from the edge of the box, only to be denied by the woodwork.

Central midfielder Eoin Sheldon shone brightest for Rearcross in the first half, but despite dominating possession, the home side went in level after being caught on the counter by the Galway men. Conor Moore levelled for the visitors after some fine work by fellow midfielder Padraig Kennedy.

Rea’ continued to turn the screw in the second half and were rewarded just seven minutes after the restart when Cillian Kennedy headed in an inviting cross from Paddy Dawson.

From here, they had multiple chances to extend their lead, but a mixture of some poor finishing and a Player of the Match display from Portumna keeper Johnny O’Meara ensured that Rea’s lead was kept to the minimum.

Portumna’s forays into Rea’ territory were few and far between in the second half, but despite that, they managed to draw level from a scrappy corner with a quarter of an hour left to play. Callum Moore completed his brace to continue his fine run of scoring form in the early part of the season.

Clear-cut chances came and went for Rea’, with Cillian Kennedy, James Deegan and Kayden Amodeo all being denied by a mixture of fantastic saves by Johnny O’Meara and some last-ditch tackling from Ethan Dagg.

Rearcross are very close to things clicking into place. In truth, they could and should have scored four or five goals in this game, and as the season progresses, you would expect the finishing touch to come for the strike partnership of James Deegan and Cillian Kennedy. Indeed, it would be far worse if they weren’t even getting into scoring positions in the first place.

MUNSTER JUNIOR CUP

On Sunday morning, Ballymackey kept BT Harps scoreless for the second time in 28 days. For context, Harps have only drawn a blank in seven of their last 42 games in all competitions: twice against Moneygall, twice now against Ballymackey, and once each against Coachford, Villa FC and Pike Rovers.

Aidan White, Cian Galvin and Johno Lawlor all netted for the visitors, while Adam Steed and Eamonn White impressed the most.

FIRST DIVISION

Borrisoleigh continued their winning start to the league campaign with a 6-5 home win over Moneygall ‘B’ on Sunday morning.

It was a tough contest between two previously unbeaten teams, but Borris had the perfect start when captain Sean Shanahan broke free of marker Gary Culbert at a corner to open the scoring after just four minutes.

Corey Moloney showed great determination shortly after to respond for Moneygall, but Borris began to take control as the half wore on, and it showed on the scoreboard, with a Tom Ryan header and a deflected goal from Jack Fitzgerald leaving the hosts 3-1 up at the break.

Ben Quinlan’s side pulled a goal back through Anto Devroux in the 69th minute, but Borris resumed their two-goal lead thanks to a Sean Shanahan strike after a square ball by Fitzgerald.

Moneygall refused to give up and pulled one back, firstly through Gary Culbert, before Moloney netted from a set-piece for his second of the day to make it 4-4.

A sensational volley from Kevin Maher had Borris back in front at 5-4, but Moneygall responded directly from the restart when Culbert was brought down for a penalty and Borris were reduced to ten.

A lengthy stoppage for Culbert’s injury ensued, meaning Johnny Powell had to have ice in his veins to convert the penalty, which he did to level the tie at 5-5 with mere minutes remaining.

The final few moments brought long-ball deliveries into both boxes, but it was the home team who found the net through an own goal for a remarkable win in a game that will live long in the memory, maybe not for a great display of technical football, but certainly for drama!

Sallypark put Arra Rovers to the sword with seven unanswered goals to record their first points of the season. Sean Ryan hit a brace, while Aaron Reid, Daniel Keogh, Brian Rohan, Colm Ryan and Robbie Leamy all helped themselves to a goal apiece in the rout.

SECOND DIVISION

In the top-of-the-table clash in Drombane, Clodiagh Rangers continued their sensational start to the season with a hard-fought 3-1 win over title rivals Nenagh Celtic. John Ryan Casey, Jack Lillis and Conor Fahy all scored for the home side, while James McGrath netted the visitors’ only reply.

Tom Purcell and Jack Lillis impressed in the middle of the park for Adrian Cooke’s side, whilst Mattie Stakelum was the standout player in defence.

DIVISION 2A

Templetuohy thrashed Shinrone ‘B’ 8-1 thanks to a brace each for Sean Gleeson, Adam Butler and Eoin Stakelum, and one goal each from Mikey Lanty and Kyle O’Donnell.

Aside from the goalscorers, Sam Cooney and Luke Ryan impressed in defence for Richie Fogarty’s side, while Joe McCarthy netted Shinrone’s sole reply.