18.4.15
Peamount 5, Spartak 3
Let’s get the better news out of the way first; Conor Callis won two penalties which were converted by Jeff Gamble, who also tapped in, at the second attempt, Ciaran Keane’s cross in the dying moments.
That’s about all the positive things that can be said about this performance at Greenogue’s astro pitch on a perfect Saturday evening for football.
Showing just three changes from Monday’s wonderful display, including the return from suspension of captain Niall Lennon, Spartak sunk to the depths with an abysmal outing, when expectations had clearly soared after the win over Portmarnock.
In the first half, Spartak had at least 20 attacks, but a combination of slow passing, wrong options taken and just plain poor finishing meant that there was only one goal, from the spot, to show for it, while Peamount, who only raided sporadically, had taken the lead.
After Peamount restored their lead early in the second half, there was only going to be one winner as the pattern continued. Spartak built up laboriously, with poor and slow passing, failed to harry or press their opponents, and all the while gave the impression that any defensive duties were beneath them.
Peamount duly punished Spartak’s laxity, with four second half goals, well taken by them, but all of a depressing similarity to those of a Sky Blue persuasion.
Spartak had plenty of attacks, but little in the way of penetration, preferring long range efforts, or checking back instead of going forward.
A miserable journey home from Greenogue for the Sky Blues
Form Report
Shane McInerney 6 Barry Maguire 4 Chris Hogan 4 Conor Keegan 6 Joe McCarthy 5 Ciaran Keane 4 Conor Canavan 4 Jeff Gamble 5 Niall Lennon 4 Steve Browne 5 Conor Callis 5
Subs: Mick Greene 4
