29.4.14
Knockmitten 4, Spartak 2
Missed chances, bizarre refereeing decisions and late gambles were a feature of this match. A draw would send both teams down, with only the winner surviving at Dundrum’s expense. So with the game at 2-2 on 87 minutes it was the home side who converted a free rashly conceded by Paul Kinsella as Spartak threw men forward.
After just three minutes the ref blew for an offside against the home team , but then waved play on and allowed the score to stand.
Spartak were not long in replying with Steve Walsh getting his first goal in seven games after Dave Browne’s long throw had caused confusion.
Spartak played with fluency then and when Walsh was taken down in the box, Stephen Barr converted the penalty.
It was at this point that Spartak had the chance to put the game beyond recall, creating many chances; Stuart Love clipped the bar after a good move. Then Jeff Gamble had a good run but shot weakly. Stephen Barr fired a low cross over from close range, and, in possibly the best chance of all, Stuart Love was through on goal but shot too close to the keeper.
Just before half time Jeff Gamble was penalised in the area, but Jason Northey pulled off a fine save from the spot kick.
In the second half the home side came back into it but it was not till the 78th minute that a fine snap shot found the net for the equaliser. At the other end Stephen Barr was having no luck with three chances , striking the post , then the bar, and finally heading home but seeing the score disallowed.
Wit the stakes high, both sides pushed forward, but it was the home side who won the gamble. The fourth goal , with the last kick, was of academic interest.
Form Report
Jason Northey 7 Dave Browne 6 Aodhan McCahill 7 Sean Doyle 7 Paul Kinsella 6 Fergus Burke 6 Stuart Love 6 Jeff Gamble 6 Derek Ruxton 6 Stephen Barr 6 Stephen Walsh 6
Subs: Mick Leslie 5 Graham Breen 5
