Mourne Celtic 1 Spartak 4
Spartak displayed superior finishing ability with Graham Breen instrumental in all 4 goals.
With no game since mid November, some of the Spartak players seemed to have emerged blinking into the sunlight for the first time in a while. Cobwebs were clearly in evidence in a few cases and there was a lot of huffing and puffing as Mourne exerted their second half superiority.
Initially all went to plan when, after a foul on Stuart Love, Keith Kelly’s free kick was headed powerfully home by Graham Breen after just 4 minutes. However five minutes later that lead was cancelled when Steve Grier’s schoolboy error handed Mourne an equaliser.
Spartak, with the wind, pressed hard but could not find the finishing touch. Ger Byrne, Tom Flanagan and Seamus McCahill all had opportunities but could not convert.
Spartak’s second goal originated from a disputed throw in; Grier’s throw was flicked on by Breen for McCahill to nod in on 35 minutes. Peter O’Toole was called into action just before half time with a good save.
Stuart Love had what looked like a trademark goal from 2 yards chalked off; the keeper had dropped the ball and Stu forced home, but the ref gave a free out.
The clincher for Spartak was the third goal, just 2 minutes into the second half, when Seamus McCahill placed a textbook cross along the six yard line; before Breener could tap in, their number 2 saved him the trouble by blasting to his own net.
Mourne, with wind advantage, pressed hard and controlled the midfield for the second period; Spartak’s goals were of the breakaway variety, and Mourne wasted a succession of free kicks. Peter O’Toole dealt with all the on target efforts and made one excellent stop from a driven free. Keith Kelly was always resourceful at the back and Grier gradually came into the game, winning important aerial ball, but also being carded for a rash challenge.
The fourth goal was an excellent finish by Breen to McCahill’s cross, when he volleyed the ball back into the far corner.
A satisfactory start to the new year, but fast improvement is vital. Next up is Seaford, conquerors of Colmcilles 4-3 in their last game. A stiffer challenge awaits.
Form Report:
Peter O’Toole 7 Dave Browne 6 Fintan Grace 6 Steve Grier 5 Keith Kelly 7 Tom Flanagan 6 Stuart Love 6 Seamus McCahill 7 Will O Connell 6 Graham Breen 7 Ger Byrne 6.
Subs Paul Kinsella 6 Niall Tilley 6 Niall Hanratty no show.
