Spartak 3 Pegasus 4
Spartak once again conceded four goals. In a game where the visitors, a solid outfit, had only a half dozen atacks they nonetheless were able to capitalise on virtually every opportunity. Indeed Peter O’Toole hardly had a save to make apart from the goals.
The goals Pegasus scored are worth examining. On 8 minutes a long ball into the Spartak box was missed by Paul Kinsella, and the no.10 was able to evade Steve Grier and drive past Peter O’Toole.
The second, an equaliser at 2-2, was the result of a half cleared corner returned to te the taker; he drilled it from close to the bye line no more than a few yards from goal, and the ball evaded Paul Kinsella and Peter O’Toole, wth the rest of the defence gone awol, to allow a simple tap in at the back stick.
The third arrived with five minutes to go, when Spartak, in search of a winning goal, over committed for a throw in (again!) with both Dave Browne and Steve Grier of the back four out of position, and a cross to the far post and a close range header. The fourth , in injury time, resulted from Dave Browne being caught in possession.
Spartak , for their part, could and should have scored a hatful. However it should not be necessary to score 5 to win a game.
Ger Byrne scuffed against the post from close range, Glen Burke headed against the bar from a couple of yards, the keeper made a double save from Glen when he broke through, Niall Tilly could not force the ball past the keeper from close in , and earlier Niall had checked his run when he had a clear path to goal. Seamus McCahill dragged his shot wide after a good move.
Having gone one down, Spartak had their best spell and scored twice, through Tom O’Driscoll after a good move involving Keith Kelly Ger Byrne and Neil McGowan, and Steve Grier headed in Glen’s corner for number two.
Although well on top, Spartak became complacent and lost their rythm . Pegasus equalised, and Spartak found it hard to find the passes in the second period.
A late cameo appearnce by Graham Breen, on his return from injury, yielded at least four good chances, the last of which was taken by Glen, but that was scant consolation, as it was in the last minute, to make it 3-4.
Its all in contrast to last season, when Spartak were able to defend for long periods and get goals on the break as in the wins over Everton and Knocklyon.
With Colmcilles losing to Pats, Spartak missed a great opportunity to close the gap at the top of the table, instead opting to slide towards mid table.
Form Report
Peter O’Toole 5 Dave Browne 5 Rob Mahon 5 Steve Grier 5 Paul Kinsella 5 Keith Kelly 6 Neil McGowan 6 Seamus McCahill 5 Tom O’Driscoll 7 Glen Burke 5 Ger Byrne 5
Subs Niall Tilly 5 Stuart Love 5 Graham Breen 7
