2.11.13
Liffey Vally 5, Spartak over 35s 6
25 goals in two games for the Spartak senior men – that should bring back the crowds! Defences were definitely not on top on this wet and blustery day in west Dublin.
A hat trick for Paddy Hughes, and a fine Brian Farrelly goal, were bookended by Kevin O’Connell’s opening and closing efforts. The winning goal came in the 88th minute, with Kevin coolly finishing after Brian Burgess’ lung bursting run and pass.
The game opened as if Spartak were going to run riot; Kevin O’Connell’s opener, however was cancelled out by the home side, and when Gavin Johnson’s free was forced home by Paddy Hughes after Shea McClafferty’s run was halted by a foul, the Sky Blues looked in control again, but lax defending allowed Liffey to equalise.
The second period saw a defensive error by Paul McGrath, back after injury, punished and Spartak were 2-3 down. But in a sustained burst Paddy Hughes added a solo effort before adding number four after a Kevin O Connell pass.
Matt Grimes started a neat move which saw Brian Farrelly force home number 5.
But Liffey, league leaders, mounted a determined comeback and the woodwork, and some goal line clearances, saved Spartak on several occasions. Bernard McGuinness in goal made several good saves, and if a little unorthodox was no less effective. Liffey persisted, however, as the Sky Blues lost their rythm, and a close range header and then a deflected shot brought the home side level on 75 minutes.
Spartak then set themselves to the task in hand, with Brian Burgess, Paddy Hughes and Graham Johnston prominent, and finally got that all important goal with two minutes of normal time left.
Form Report
Bernard McGuinness 7 Shea McClafferty 6 Gavin Johnson 6 Richie Grey 6 Paul McGrath 6 Graham Johnston 7 Brian Burgess 7 Ken Byrne 6 Fintan Grace 6 Kevin O’Connell 8 Paddy Hughes 9 Brian Farrelly 7 Matt Grimes 7 Steve Caffery 6 Tom Maher 6
