On Saturday the match fell through because of lack of referee and general disorganisation by the home side , EID. Whereas organisationally they are poor, the team consists entirely of Brazilian players in Dublin who are learning English, and in the ensuing friendly, which they won 4-0, the expected Brazilian mix of skill and muscle met little resistance from the Spartak team, particularly in the first half.
Spartak lost Martin Costello to injury early on, and Cathal Clancy, fresh off the plane from Spain, gave an energetic and robust performance and was our best player on the day. Neill Bolger’s control let him down when a rare half chance was created following a good move, and overall in the first half the home team dominated and built a 3-0 lead. The first goal was conceded from a unmarked header following a free . Spartak defended deeper in the second period and looked more compact as a result. A soft fourth goal was conceded when two block tackles were missed. David Agnew struck the bar when well placed and Mick Greene’s cross had the home team in all sorts of trouble.
Mick Costello – one good save on a one on one, no chance for other goals except maybe the first, where reaction to header seemed slow.
Niall Hanratty – given a torrid time in the first half , stuck well to his task but fitness is an issue.
Rob Deering – composed on the ball, but positionally weak in terms of linking with rest of back four, and exposed the defence for the third goal by keeping the opposition onside.
Martin Costello – injured early on, a big blow as Martin has been in good form.
Cathal Clancy – solid performance and showed plenty of pace and fight.
Mark Bolger – settled down after a ropy start where he dived in and got caught a few times.
Colm O’Sullivan – needs match fitness , never got to the pace of the game. Plenty of effort but little reward,
Chris Hogan – after a good game last week, concentration levels were well down. Marking and tackling not at same level as previous week.
Shane McInerney – battled hard, kept good shape in second half, but passing astray particularly first half.
Tom O’Driscoll – Not in the game till moved to centre, where he showed composure in passing.
Neill Bolger – usual bustling mix of aggressive play, but searching for form on the ball.
Steve Browne – frustrated by lack of supply, and sometimes tried to go on his own. Always looking for ball over the top, he needs to work deeper and build moves.
Mick Greene – a good moment when moving forward, but fitness and sharpness are behind schedule at this stage of the season after return from injury.
Alan Cummins – plenty of chasing around but too often static when receiving the ball, and too easily dispossessed
David Agnew – touch and control letting him down. A good moment when getting forward to hit the bar, and an emergency stint at right back.
Hafid Mouhad – tried to get passing going but made little impression going forward and neglected defensive duties.
