Spartak Dynamo FC

Liffey Valley Rangers 1 Spartak 2

Some standout performances got the baby blues through to the Tom Cullen cup semi final, not least from Peter O’Toole who capped a fine performance by producing  a really top class save in injury time from an intended back pass by Anto Doyle.  Anto, not a renowned header of the ball, placed the firm header low to Peter’s left and the keeper’s reactions were sharp – Anto must owe him a few pints! 

 Alex Kenny starred at the back as the second half onslaught was repelled time and again; and Neil McGowan provided the coolness and accuracy to score and assist for the goals. All around the pitch there was evidence of a determination and resolve which ultimately won this particular battle.  

Two players who have not always been first choices did extremely well and gave evidence of the depth of the squad. Kevin O’Toole was given the task of marking the best opposition player and stuck to his task.  Dave Browne won his numerous aerial battles.

Spartak made the breakthrough on 16 minutes when a Liffey clearance was returned first time into the box by Alex Kenny. Neil McGowan showed coolness in beating the offside trap, controlling and slotting past the home keeper. Two minutes later Neil had a header saved and a good move ended when Graham Breen’s header from Ger Byrne’s cross was saved. Spartak survived a couple of hairy moments when Dave Browne let the centre forward turn and on another occasion a mix up was finally calmed by Peter O’Toole.

Spartak got their second on 47 minutes, when an attack by Graham McEnroe was half cleared.  Neil McGowan fastened on to the lose ball and crossed for Graham Breen to head his 20th of the season. Neil had to go off with cartilage   trouble just minutes later, and will be out of action for a while.

Spartak had some good opportunities in the second half, with good approach work by Graham McEnroe, Breen and Byrne. Substitute James Finn had two efforts  saved.

But mostly the second half was a case of defending diligently and the back four of Rob Mahon, Glen Burke , Browne and Kenny were on top form – they had to be given the pressure.

Behind them Peter had to deal with some horrible bouncy efforts on a hard and bumpy pitch and took off a couple of fine saves as Spartak struggled to hold possession as distribution from the back was ofen of the urgent variety. Dave Browne headed clear at the back post to clear danger and finally Liffey got a breakthrough on 68 minutes when Ger Byrne lost possession and the ball was switched to the back post where the winger got the better of Glen Burke to touch past Peter O’Toole.

The Spartak defence held out much to the delight of the travelling support (Shane , Mick, Chopper and Peter’s father in law)

 

Form Report

Peter O’Toole 9 Glen Burke 8 Rob Mahon 8 Dave Browne 8 Alex Kenny 9 Graham McEnroe 8 Neil McGowan 9 Anto Doyle 7 Ger Byrne 7 Graham Breen 7 Kevin O’Toole 7.

Subs James Finn 7 Fintan Grace, Stuart Love, Niall Hanratty.

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