Ballyoulster 1, Spartak 0
Spartak failed to perform in the first half in this match, and were lucky to be only one down at the interval.
Having created an early chance when Ger Byrne sent Derek McGoldrick away to force a save from the home keeper, Spartak resorted to hoofing the ball aimlessly towards the opponents end line. Build up play was poor, with full backs Hanratty and Greene failing to initiate moves and in midf ield Spartak did not control the ball.
On 21 minutes the home side took the lead from a suspiciously offside position, and the striker rounded Northey with ease to slot hme.
Jason Northey in goal made several good stops, but lack of goal kicking ability and some poor kicked clearances caused uncertainty.
Mark Bolger was an early substitute for the injured McGoldrick, and stamped some authority on a back four which had been hesitant.
In the second half the home side struck the post from a free kick, and Hanratty made a good block from one effort.
As Spartak began to find their passes, Shane McInerney was twice off target with snap shots from the edge of the box, while Tom O’Driscoll, having a quiet game, had a lob scrambled off the line.
Northey then had to save smartly twice when a home forward easily eluded in turn Martin Costello Mick Greene and Mark Bolger.
Spartak began to get in some good crosses from the right and Hanratty and Martin Costello’s efforts caused problems to the home side.
Dave O’Kelly was full of running from full back, but his distribution sometimes lacked precision.
Spartak’s clearest chance came when Shane McInerney made a fine interception and his pass put Ger Byrne free but he shot wildly over from the edge of the box.
Lack of confidence to pass the ball in the opening period proved costly.
Form Report
Jason Northey 7 Niall Hanratty 6 Mick Greene 6 Martin Costello 6 Dave O’Kelly 6 Shane McInerney 6 Ken Ward 6 Derek McGoldrick 5 Ger Byrne 5 Tom O’Driscoll 5 Mick Costello 5.
Subs Mark Bolger 7 Rob Deering 6 Ross Kelly 6 Chris Hogan Colm O’sullivan Dave Williams
