Match Report - Kilbarry Rangers 2-1 Kilmacthomas

It was a beautiful warm day for our league opener vs Kilmacthomas. And nothing compliments the sunshine better than an RSC pitch that was freshly lined out and looking like a carpet.

With a few tweaks in our lineup and shape to compensate for the amount of key players missing we started well. There was an early chance for Ben Hogan after some brilliant play but it was met with a good save by the Kilmacthomas keeper.

The lead came shortly later for us, a great corner by Danny Mihalache evaded everyone and was met on the volley perfectly by Ethan Halloran who ghosted in at the back post to give us a crucial lead. 1-0 Kilbarry.

Kilmacthomas had a really good spell just before half time and we were happy to regroup at half time. However this spell lasted into the start of the second half and they were awarded a penalty not long after which was converted for 1-1. We were personally disappointed with the decision but we had to get on with it and push on.

We started to get a grip on the game again and get back on top and we retook the lead after some good play down the left saw Ben Hogan get into the box and apply a good finish to see us go 2-1 in front.

It should have been 3-1 in the closing minutes as substitute Adam Walsh hit the post and Ethan Hallorans effort for a second goal was also denied by a great save.

However we calmly kept the ball in the corner after that and ensured we got the three points on the board which was massive for us.

It was a great effort by all who started as-well as those who came on, all substitutes played a key role in helping us gain the upper hand in the last spell of the game to bring home the points, there was a great work rate in very intense heat and whilst we still have work to do getting 3 points on the opening day is a great result especially against a Kilmacthomas side who have greatly improved since last year which they deserve huge credit for. We’d also like to wish a speedy recovery to the Kilmacthomas player who suffered a bad injury and we hope he’s back playing sooner rather than later. Next up for us is St Saviours away on August 3rd.