Rathkeale AFC 4 – 1 St. Ita’s AFC
St. Ita’s travelled to Rathkeale on Sunday morning aiming to maintain their unbeaten run since the turn of the year, while the home side were equally determined to preserve their undefeated league record. The fixture had all the ingredients for a competitive encounter.
Both teams began brightly, creating half chances without seriously testing either goalkeeper. St. Ita’s took the lead in the 20th minute following a well-executed set piece. Aaron Kelly delivered a perfectly floated free kick from 25 yards, which was expertly side-footed home by Darragh Lane, who made a well-timed run in from the wing, leaving Rathkeale goalkeeper Brendan Carmody with no chance.
The visitors were unlucky not to extend their lead shortly afterwards. A quick counterattack led by TJ Kelly resulted in a pass across the box to Ciarán Dore. However, just as he prepared to shoot, Rathkeale centre-back Alan O’Shea made a crucial interception. Minutes later, Dore again threatened on another break, but Carmody reacted well to close him down and push his effort behind for a corner.
As the first half progressed, Rathkeale began to dominate possession and pushed strongly for an equaliser. St. Ita’s were forced to withstand sustained pressure, including several corners, but defended resolutely to take a 1–0 lead into the break.
Half-Time: Rathkeale AFC 0 – 1 St. Ita’s AFC
Rathkeale carried their momentum into the second half and turned the game around with two goals in quick succession. The equaliser arrived in the 47th minute when Jack Hennessy reacted quickest to a loose ball on the edge of the area and finished calmly from close range. Hennessy struck again just two minutes later, heading home to give the hosts the lead.
Rathkeale extended their advantage just before the hour mark. Jack Keogh found the net from the edge of the box after receiving a pass from Aidan McNulty, who had intercepted a clearance. Keogh later turned provider, delivering a cross that was clinically finished by Andrew White to complete the scoring in the 70th minute.
St. Ita’s were unfortunate not to register a late consolation goal when a quickly taken free kick found Tony McCarthy in space. However, Carmody, who had little to do for much of the second half, reacted sharply to produce a fine save.
Full-Time: Rathkeale AFC 4 – 1 St. Ita’s AFC
A positive note for St. Ita’s was the return of Callum Donoghue, who made his comeback as a half-time substitute following a lengthy absence due to a serious injury sustained last year.
St. Ita’s travelled to Rathkeale on Sunday morning aiming to maintain their unbeaten run since the turn of the year, while the home side were equally determined to preserve their undefeated league record. The fixture had all the ingredients for a competitive encounter.
Both teams began brightly, creating half chances without seriously testing either goalkeeper. St. Ita’s took the lead in the 20th minute following a well-executed set piece. Aaron Kelly delivered a perfectly floated free kick from 25 yards, which was expertly side-footed home by Darragh Lane, who made a well-timed run in from the wing, leaving Rathkeale goalkeeper Brendan Carmody with no chance.
The visitors were unlucky not to extend their lead shortly afterwards. A quick counterattack led by TJ Kelly resulted in a pass across the box to Ciarán Dore. However, just as he prepared to shoot, Rathkeale centre-back Alan O’Shea made a crucial interception. Minutes later, Dore again threatened on another break, but Carmody reacted well to close him down and push his effort behind for a corner.
As the first half progressed, Rathkeale began to dominate possession and pushed strongly for an equaliser. St. Ita’s were forced to withstand sustained pressure, including several corners, but defended resolutely to take a 1–0 lead into the break.
Half-Time: Rathkeale AFC 0 – 1 St. Ita’s AFC
Rathkeale carried their momentum into the second half and turned the game around with two goals in quick succession. The equaliser arrived in the 47th minute when Jack Hennessy reacted quickest to a loose ball on the edge of the area and finished calmly from close range. Hennessy struck again just two minutes later, heading home to give the hosts the lead.
Rathkeale extended their advantage just before the hour mark. Jack Keogh found the net from the edge of the box after receiving a pass from Aidan McNulty, who had intercepted a clearance. Keogh later turned provider, delivering a cross that was clinically finished by Andrew White to complete the scoring in the 70th minute.
St. Ita’s were unfortunate not to register a late consolation goal when a quickly taken free kick found Tony McCarthy in space. However, Carmody, who had little to do for much of the second half, reacted sharply to produce a fine save.
Full-Time: Rathkeale AFC 4 – 1 St. Ita’s AFC
A positive note for St. Ita’s was the return of Callum Donoghue, who made his comeback as a half-time substitute following a lengthy absence due to a serious injury sustained last year.
