11.2.12
Moorfield United 2, Spartak 1
A palpable sense of injustice simmered as Spartak exited their long run in the Junior Shield at the quarter final stage in controversial circumstances in the Phoenix Park.
In bumpy conditions, close control and passing were made difficult, and in truth, it was not a great spectacle.
A game of few chances was effectively decided by the referee.
A blatant handball in the penalty area by the home no.3 as early as the 10th minute went unpunished, despite being under the nose of the linesman. Similarly when Conor Maguire was fouled both inside and outside the box a free was awarded outside. This was to prove a harbinger of what was to come.
Both defences were well on top, with Cathal Clancy a collossus for the Sky Blues, fearsome in the tackle and battling as if his life depended on it.
The deadlock was broken on 70 minutes when Stephen Harris was penalised under the 6 second rule. Stephen’s voluble approach to goalkeeping had attracted the attention of ref and linesman and may have played a part in the award. The indirect free was awarded inside the box. A Moorfield player touched the top of the ball lightly and a second player drilled it to the net. The ball, per rule, is supposed to move, but did not. Spartak lost their concentration after a concerted protest, and a minute later Moorfield took full advantage, scoring again.
Spartak fought back, and when a penalty for handball on the line was awarded,along with a red card, Conor Maguire coolly converted despite provocation on 82 minutes.
When Neil McGowan’s shot was blocked by the no.4’s hands with minutes left, the ref, who clearly was not going to award another penalty against a team like Moorfield, ignored the offence and then he chose discretion by playing a mere 30 seconds injury time as the Sky Blues pressed for an equaliser.
A Spartak squad depleted by injury, suspension and defections suffered further blows after the warm up when Mick Greene and Martin Costello could not start due to injury. Early bookings for Chris Hogan after two rash tackles and, somehat harshly, Fintan Grace were matched by a few for the Moorfield players, of whom the no.8 should have walked for many offences and in particular, use of the elbow.
Spartak, after a bright enough start, played a little too deep and may have accorded their opponents a little too much respect. The home side gradually won the battle for midfield but failed to create clear cut chances. Similarly the Sky Blue attackers were too often left isolated with little support.
The home goalkeeper was known to be suspect, but regretably , despite many frees and corners, the accuracy of set piece delivery was not good enough. The first time a good corner came in Spartak won the penalty.
It was a shame that a run to the 6th round should end in such a manner, but it was pretty obvious from early on that Spartak were not getting the rub of the green on any decisions.
Form Report
Stephen Harris 7 Chris Hogan 5 Paul Kinsella 7 Keith Kelly 7 Cathal Clancy 9 Shane McInerney 6 Niall Lennon 5 Fintan Grace 6 Steve Walsh 6 Conor Maguire 7 Neil McGowan 6.
Subs: Martin Costello 6 Niall Hanratty 6 Mick Greene Derek McGoldrick
