St. Fergals - o35s 2 vs 3 Rathcoole FC - over 35s

Rathcoole FC over 35s travelled to Ballywaltrim Sports And Recreational Centre on 10 April 2026 for a league away fixture against St. Fergals o35s, kicking off at 7:30pm. The match ended in a thrilling 3-2 victory for Rathcoole after a pulsating 90 minutes of football plus added time.

Rathcoole lined up in a 4-5-1 formation, deploying Karl Skelly in goal to marshal the defence. The back four consisted of Tom Buchanan at right back, Gary Ryan and Luke Keegan as central defenders, and Noel Brennan covering the left flank. The midfield five featured Johnny Paun on the right wing, Tiago Faria, Mark Kemple, and Colly O’Neil occupying central midfield roles, with Phil Leddy operating on the left. Mick Hynes led the line as the lone striker, tasked with holding up play and finishing chances. No substitutes were named for this fixture.

The game burst into life with Rathcoole taking the lead in the 22nd minute. Mick Hynes provided a precise assist to Johnny Paun, who expertly finished to put the visitors ahead. St. Fergals responded before half-time, levelling the score in the 40th minute to set up a tense finale to the first half. The teams went into the break locked at 1-1.

Early in the second half, St. Fergals struck again in the 52nd minute, taking a 2-1 lead and putting Rathcoole under pressure. However, Rathcoole’s midfield began to assert control as the match progressed. Phil Leddy restored parity in the 68th minute with a well-taken goal from the left midfield position, energising his side.

Just two minutes later, Tiago Faria put Rathcoole ahead for the first time since the opening goal, firing home to make it 3-2. The visitors then relied heavily on their goalkeeper Karl Skelly, who produced a crucial tip over the bar save in the 71st minute to deny St. Fergals an equaliser. Skelly’s heroics continued when he saved a penalty in the 80th minute, preserving Rathcoole’s slender lead and ultimately securing the win.

Rathcoole’s disciplined defensive shape and midfield resilience proved decisive in a tightly contested encounter. The 4-5-1 formation allowed the team to control the midfield battleground and support their lone striker effectively. Johnny Paun’s early goal set the tone, while Phil Leddy and Tiago Faria’s second-half strikes turned the game in Rathcoole’s favour. Karl Skelly’s goalkeeping was instrumental in maintaining the advantage during the closing stages.

This victory on the road at Ballywaltrim Sports And Recreational Centre will be a significant boost for Rathcoole FC over 35s as they continue their league campaign.