Allenton 1, Spartak 2
At a wet and windy Dodder Valley Spartak progressed courtesy of first half goals from Steve Browne and Dave O’Kelly.
Spartak took an early lead in the second minute when Dave Browne won possession and released Steve Browne who took full advantage to fire home.
Spartak huffed and puffed somewhat and could not really create many chances despite having wind advantage. Too many passes were driven down the middle and Colm O’Sullivan and Gavin Kearns failed to press on down the wings, generally cutting inside or opting for a long pass. Martin Costello adopted a roaming policy in the first half which did not pay attacking dividends and indeed caused some defensive unrest. Just on half time a clever free kick released Dave O’Kelly in the box and he finished expertly.
Spartak were more creative in the second half with a good penalty claim denied and with sharper approach work leading to better chances.
Having failed to put the game beyond reach, a goal from Allenton was always going to change the game and so it happened.
Second half pressure by the hosts, who used the wings better, was thwarted by some good saves by Northey, who was helpless however when Allenton reduced arrears with 7 minutes to go from a suspiciously offside position.
Allenton now threw everything into attack but the Spartak central defensive pairing of Bolger and Costello held strong, and a last minute block from Northey prevented a certain goal.
Form report
Northey 7 O’Kelly 7 Greene 6 M Bolger 7 Costello 7 D Browne 7 Hogan 6 Kearns 5 S Browne 7 O’Sullivan 5 Dooley 5 Hull 5.
