10/12/16
Corduff 3, Spartak 6
A very heavy and bumpy pitch did not make for the greatest spectacle, but both sides attempted to play a passing game; errors aplenty at the back on both sides resulted in a pre Christmas goal fest.
Sean Molloy opened the scoring with a neat effort after his pressing saw Spartak gain possession; Gary Bridges provided the pass and Sean did the rest. Chris Hogan was having a ropy start, uncertain in positioning, and while rescued initially by Greg Byrne’s save, his offside appeal fell on deaf ears as he allowed a forward a free run in to equalise.
Spartak now became sloppy after conceding and Liam Caffrey made a good saving tackle when Gary Bridges was caught in possession, while the home side also fired a decent chance wide. The Sky Blues took a half time lead when an alert Mick Leslie charged down the keeper’s kick. The ball ran to Sean Molloy on the edge of the box, and he coolly took a touch before firing home.
A rip roaring start to the second period saw Spartak race into a 4-1 lead. Owen Marron won a corner, and Mick Leslie’s flag kick was turned in by Darren Ritchie. A minute later, good work by Mick Leslie gave Owen Marron a chance, which he fired in from outside the box.
Corduff did not lie down, and soon reduced arrears, but Sean Molloy’s flick on put Mick Leslie in. 5-2.
Again the home side came back, but Darren Ritchie clinched the deal after approach work by Owen Marron and sub Dave Kernan.
Form Report
Greg Byrne 7 Chris Hogan 5 Cian Stenson 6 Liam Caffrey 6 Darragh Logue 6 Gary Bridges 6 Owen Marron 7 Sean Molloy 8 Leo Bradley 5 Darren Ritchie 7 Mick Leslie 8
Subs: Conor Callis 6 Dave Kernan 6
