10.4.2011
Pegasus 2 , Spartak 2
A brilliant goal line clearance by Glen Burke, recovering from his own mistake, saved a point for Spartak with the last kick of an end to end tussle on a very tight pitch at Terenure.
Spartak started the game like the proverbial house on fire, and could have had three before Ger Byrne turned in Seamus McCahill’s cross in the third minute. Keith Kelly hit the bar and then later Byrne had a weak effort when Graham Breen put him though.
At the other end Pegasus gradually found their feet and Burke and Browne were under some pressure, the latter getting booked for a rash challenge. Neil McGowan’s poor marking allowed the No. 9 a free header which he missed from close range. Seamus McCahill was not providing a suitable amount of cover on the right and Pegagus took full advantage. Neither McCahill nor Love could provide any attacking impetus or composed play along the flanks, and with midfield struggling, Spartak were over reliant on long balls and set pieces. Keith Kelly, often in the wars, and Neil McGowan could not gain purchase in central midfield.
A super volleyed attempt by Seamus McCahill at the start of the second half struck the post, but gradually Pegasus began to dominate.
A series of errors began to creep in; Burke headed weakly clear when he could have volleyed, and in the resulting sequence McGowan fouled at the edge of the box. Pegasus struck the post with Peter O’Toole beaten.
The home side equalised when Steve Grier was caught in possession, and then Browne headed the crossfield pass out for a throw. Both centre backs were out of position as a quick throw allowed the No10 to easily turn Burke and cross for a close range tap in.
Pegasus, on the surge, then had a goal disallowed, before Thom O’Driscoll’s corner was touched by Will O’Connell into Breen’s path to give Spartak a 2-1 lead.
All too soon Pegasus were level when Grace was outpaced and the cross turned in despite the close attention of Stuart Love.
The points dropped by both sides will act as a boon to Colmcilles, and both now lose ground in the chase for promotion.
Pegasus, much the more experienced side, have now scored 6 against the Sky Blues in the two games to date and will feel unlucky not to add a second victory, and must now be strong favourites for the Tom Cullen Cup.
From Report: Peter O’Toole 6 Glen Burke 5 Fintan Grace 5 Steve Grier 5 Dave Browne 5 Keith Kelly 5 Neil McGowan 5 Seamus McCahill 5 Stuart Love 5 Graham Breen 6 Ger Byrne 5
Subs: Kevin O’Toole 5 Will O’Connell 5 Thom O’Driscoll 6 Niall Tilley Paul Kinsella
