27.3.2011
Portlaoise 6, Spartak 3
Spartak were a defensive shambles in what could have been an even worse humbling, Although conceding six goals was a humbling enough experience for one day. At the back Anto Doyle and Dave Browne had games they will not wish to recall, and when Glen Burke, who had been inneffective on the right, dropped back to replace the injured Keith Kelly, he was also implicated in a series of blunders which led to concession of goals. Although very much the junior partner in the back four, it was Keith who had shored up the defence when his mre experienced colleagues abdicated responsibility, and his loss with a groin strain was a blow.
Spartak always posed an attacking threat, and missed a couple of good chances in the first half. Going three down early in the second period, Spartak took advantage of some laxity in the home team and got back to 3-4 at one stage. But the leaking colander at the rear could not be plugged.
The big pitch and speedy home forwards befuddled the Spartak rearguard, with Browne guilty of both diving in and being slow to recover. Doyle simply did not possess the fitness to compete, while in central midfield, Seamus McCahill and Tom Flanagan were low on work rate and inept defensively.
Peter O’Toole kept the game alive, and either Graham Breen or Tom Flanagan could have given Spartak the lead against the run of play.
The opening goal was farcical, with Browne, running back towards O’Toole, attempting a clearance when the keeper had called. The ball ricocheted into the net
Early in the second half, Portloaise made it two from a good free, and three when Keith Kelly was isolated.
Tom Flanagan, set free by a good ball from Steve Walsh, crossed for Ger Byrne to reduce arrears, and Graham Breen added two more after good work by McCahill and Flanagan.
New signing Stephen Walsh, although clearly short of fitness, showed some good touches.
Form Report
Peter O’Toole 6 Anto Doyle 4 Fintan Grace 5 Keith Kelly 6 Dave Browne 4 Tom Flanagan 5 Seamus McCahill 5 Glen Burke 4 Stuart Love 5 Graham Breen 7 Ger Byrne 7
Sub: Stephen Walsh 6 Kevin O’Toole no show. Thom O’Driscoll sick note.
March 28th, 2011 at 3:51 pm
I think a 5 was at least warranted given the effort made to get there after a very heavy night…. it wasn’t a lack of fitness more a lack of willpower to say no to Guinness. wont be doing that again in a hurry!
March 28th, 2011 at 7:05 pm
Ok. 6 for getting there. 4 for the playing performance. Which Guinness did you not say no to?
March 29th, 2011 at 8:44 am
i’ll settle for a 5… I think it was the one you bought me that out me over the edge!