At Ballyoulster, Celbridge
Dunboyne 1, Spartak 3
A comprehensive win and a great performance to match finished the season in style for the Baby Blues, who were worthy winners of an excellent final.
Will O’Connell, who broke his collar bone in training on Sunday, was unable to even attend the final due to his injury. The lads played their hearts out to ensure he got a winner’s medal.
In the absence of Neil McGowan (injured/honeymoon) Anto Doyle captained the side to victory and gave an assured performance in the process. Also missing were Gintaras Cibirka (injured) and Dan O’Connell (exams) while that well known delinquent Niall Hanratty was barred from proceedings after a passionate debate with a certain referee.
Showing no sign of stage fright before the biggest crowd of the season Spartak began fluently and took the lead after just two minutes. Glen Burke’s flighted free kick was nodded down by Graham Breen and Graham McEnroe supplied the finishing touch. Spartak were rampant at this point and Ger Byrne had a couple of chances to add to the lead. A fine move by Rob Mahon and Byrne set up Breen for a shot which was charged down.
Spartak then sat back and duly paid the price. First a loose pass by Tom Flanagan set Dunboyne on the break. Then the equaliser arrived on 27 minutes via a penalty conceded by Steve Grier while Spartak were down to ten for a few minutes as Breen was tended for a clash of heads before returning bloodied and turbanned. Minutes later Peter O’Toole pushed a shot from close range onto the crossbar in another game turning moment in a great season for Peter. Dunboyne’s midfield were getting on top and their set piece deliveries were always dangerous; Glen Burke had to flick away danger at the expense of a corner after a foul by James Finn. James won the ball on numerous occasions with timely tackles.
On 35 minutes Spartak regained the lead following a throw by Grier
which was flicked on by Breen for Burke to swivel and plant the ball in the corner of the net.
Straight after the interval Burke struck again. Byrne, covering miles of ground in a lung bursting performance, was fouled. Tom Flanagan’s free was again won by Breen, for his third assist, and Burke did the rest. 3-1 on 46 minutes.
Dunboyne’s frees continued to cause trouble and Alex Kenny made one great header to clear danger at the back post. A couple of last ditch tackles by Grier and Kenny, towers of strength and composure at the back, kept danger at bay and Kenny was booked for a late challenge. Doyle and Mahon were able defensive lieutenants and found time to deliver some good passes forward.
Adam Doran came on for Tom Flanagan and promptly missed a great chance to put the game beyond Dunboyne when he shot wide. Indeed Adam made a few good runs after some elegant interplay with McEnroe to stretch the oppposition as they tried to push on but was unfortunately unable to finish and when he crossed for Byrne the keeper did just enough to put him off.
Breen’s header from Burke’s corner was cleared off the line and Kevin O’Toole’s superb cross was headed just wide by Doran. Stuart Love was in the wars shortly after his introduction and suffered a badly torn lip. He resumed after a change of jersey and some mopping up.
Glen Burke captured the LSL man of the match award with a two goal performance and has recaptured his goalscoring touch at the crucial time of the season. Glen deserved his award and there were several other candidates who must have run him close in a very pleasing triumph.
On reflection the final lacked the late drama of earlier rounds against St Pats (holders) Liffey Valley and the tempestuous semi final against Meath Rangers but this was a cool and assured performance in which every player did his job.
All that remained was for Anto to brandish the trophy to the loyal support of Spartak players and relatives.
Form Report
Peter O’Toole 8 Glen Burke 9 Rob Mahon 8 Steve Grier 9 Alex Kenny 9 Tom Flanagan 8 Graham McEnroe 8 Anto Doyle 8 Ger Byrne 8 Graham Breen 9 James Finn 8
Subs Adam Doran 7 Stuart Love 7 Kevin O’Toole 7 Dave Browne Fintan Grace Brian Massey.
