6.2.22
Ayrfield 2, Spartak 3
Conditions in Donaghmede were difficult, with the wind in particular, blowing powerfully across the pitch, playing havoc with the flight of the ball.
The Sky Blues began the brighter side, creating a couple of half chances and generally looking the likelier to score; however it was the home side who took the lead following some soft defending after free kick. Cian Stenson and Jason Gahan missed opportunities before the break as Spartak strove for an equaliser.
Owen Marron levelled early in the second half, when his cross was fumbled by the home keeper at his near post. Cian Stenson fired wide from a good position as Spartak began to push on. The Sky Blues then edged into the lead when Jason Gahan shot a loose ball to an empty net as the home keeper and defender collided.
The home side were somewhat harshly reduced to ten men, but managed to remain strongly in the contest and there was an air of inevitability when they scrambled in a equaliser, following a poor kick out, with just minutes left on the clock.
Spartak had the final say when a Jason Gahan free was headed back across goal and in by a jubilant Cian Stenson, who had endured a torrid time at the hands of the local defence up to that point.
A very welcome victory.
Form Report
Craig Howard 6 Owen Marron 7 Dave Browne 7 Ian Harmon 8 Kevin Cunningham 7 Stuart Love 7 Neil McGowan 7 Jason Gahan 7 Niall Lennon 7 Steve Grier 6 Cian Stenson 6 Mick Leslie 6 Ciaran Brady 6
