Manortown 4 Spartak 4
A strange affair which Spartak should have won comfortably and could indeed have lost at the end – all going Spartak’s way until the weather changed to a furious rainstorm with thunder and lightning and Spartak found themselves battling the elements as well as the opposition.
In the first half the home side enjoyed the majority of possession but Spartak defended capably and were extremely effective on the break. Mike Hull might have scored with a header in the first minute but for a great save by the home keeper. Steve Browne always looked dangerous while Alan Cummins had his most effective half so far this season. A first ever goal from Chris Hogan, albeit aided by a deflection, was welcomed by all after good work by Cummins and Browne was followed by a firm header by Cummins from Hanratty’s corner and then Hanratty threaded a fine pass for Browne to round the keeper and slot number three; and Spartak held a slightly flattering half time lead.
Early in the second half a harshly awarded penalty (the foul by Martin Costello was 5 yards outside the box) gave the home side hope. That seemed to be extinguished when McInerney, who had earlier shot wide from a good position, released Browne with a delightful pass and Browne finished well on 66 minutes. That should have been that.
In the words of the Manortown manager, divine intervention was required and arrived in the form of a sudden change in weather conditions. A balmy afternoon was transformed by torrential rain and wind.
Spartak’s work rate dropped and appetite for battling the conditions weakened and when a snap shot reduced arrears the home side’s tails were up. Spartak’s defensive resolve weakened. Martin Costello, previously imperious as defensive lynch pin, seemed unnerved after conceding the penalty and never recovered his composure. Hanratty , while contributing to first half goals, was never on his game defensively and tamely conceded a soft goal by failing to close down his man in the box. Dave O Kelly at left back and Cathal Clancy, who bravely carried on after a clash of heads, were exposed, along with their colleagues, by a midfield which never got to grips with the match and Manortown equalised with a wind assisted long shot which skidded past a deceived Mick Costello. ShaneMcInerney high work rate was unable to compensate for his midfield colleagues and possession was wasted and tackles missed. Chris Hogan and Rob Deering contributed only sporadically.
Manortown then missed an open goal header before Spartak recovered some composure. Cummins might have played Browne in rather than shoot weakly and a couple of set piece opportunities were wasted.
The home side celebrated a big coneback in what felt like a defeat for the sky blues. However overall there was plenty to work with especially in attacking terms, and with better defensive discipline rewards will come.
Form Report
Mick Costello 6 Niall Hanratty 5 Dave O Kelly 6 Martin Costello 6 Cathal Clancy 6 Shane McInerney 7 Rob Deering 5 Alan Cummins 6 Steve Browne 8 Chris Hogan 5 Mike Hull 6
Mick Greene 5 Dave Agnew 5 . Just two subs, as there were a number of no shows – Tom O’Driscoll, Dermot Dooley and Colm O Sullivan while both Neill and Mark Bolger cried off an hour before the match.
