18.8.11
Spartak 4, St Vincents 2
Spartak survived a nightmare start, going two down, to finish strongly and with better finishing in the second half could have run up a big score.
There was more than a suspicion of offside about the first Vincents goal, although the home side were caught in possession and slow to try to get back. Failure to play to the whistle costs precious seconds in reaction time. Martin Costello was then dispossessed trying to carry the ball out and the Sky Blues were two down. When Kevin O Toole and Dave Browne were outpaced, Vincents hit the bar.
Spartak were slipshod in possession and slow in thought and movement, and generally listless throughout the first half.
Martin Costello redeemed his earlier error by reducing arrears with a left footed snap shot just before the break.
The introduction of Niall Hanratty and Neill Bolger added energy to the Spartak cause and the tide then turned rapidly in favour of the home side.
Two goals by Ger Byrne edged Spartak in front and Dave O Kellys effort was deflected in to make it four.
Good approach play created a litany of chances against a tiring Vincents outfit. Glen Burke hit the post from close range, Martin Costello missed a great chance from point blank range when set up by Niall Lennon, who himself missed a one on one. Neill Bolger blazed over when Stuart Love headed down and Anto Doyle’s shot was straight at the keeper. Stuart Love had a “goal” disallowed when Ger Byrne was adjudged to be active. Ger found the golf course with a shot from close in from Stuart Love’s cross. A great Hanratty cross could not be converted by the inrushing Byrne and Bolger.
The Sky Blues finished the game far better than they started it.
Form Report
Peter O’Toole 6 Glen Burke 5 Dave Browne 6 Martin Costello 6 Kevin O’Toole 6 Keith Kelly 6 Niall Lennon 5 Anto Doyle 5 Stuart Love 7 Thom O Driscoll 5 Ger Byrne 7 Neill Bolger 8 Niall Hanratty 8 Dave O Kelly 7 Steve Walsh 6
