Top of the table clash as RBL lose to Rathcoole

Ali Young smashes a shot in on goal under pressure from Rathcoole. Picture by Daron Patterson

Cookstown RBL entertained league leaders Rathcoole at the Fairhill  last Saturday in a top of the table  clash.

With the two heavy weights of the league meeting for the first time it had all the hall marks to be a great game.

Rathcoole started well with a chance in the first five minutes when keeper Forrest made an accrobatic save from a shot that looked destined for the top corner.

This was a full blooded game with some meaty tackles going in and the referee giving yellow cards to several players on both sides. Chances were limited in the first half as both midfields were holding up and giving little away.

Both teams picked up where they left off in the second period with chances so limited it was going to take something special to break the deadlock.

With both teams cancelling each other out it seemed the match would end 0-0 but Rathcoole wanted to  take the three points and it was some slick passing movement that they finally broke the deadlock. Great passing down the right wing found one of their forwards in space and he blasted a ball into the net giving Forrest no chance.

With only minutes left the RBL  threw everything at Rathcoole to  get an equaliser. Unfortunately, Rathcoole held well in midfield and were awarded a free kick 40 yards out from the RBL goal. A square ball was laid off to a Rathcoole player who unleashed a bullet of a shot from 35 yards out which screamed into the RBL net much to the delight of the tavelling supporters.

The final whistle blew with the final score 2-0 to Rathcoole.

This week Cookstown RBL travel to Encore in Belfast in the league.