Spartak 1 Drimnagh Celtic 0
In a tightly fought contest, Spartak made it through to round 4 of the Leinster Junior Shield with a resolute performance in a game where Drimnagh had superior possession.
Pinned back in the first half, Spartak relied on the occasional break as Browne, Gaynor and O’Driscoll were unable to hold the ball up and frequently had the ball nicked from them by alert visiting defenders.
With Shane McInerney caught in possession on a couple of occasions and Mick Costello losing heading contests the midfield struggled to support the front men and were kept busy defensively as a consequence. Chris Hogan tried hard to start passing moves and was composed on the ball.
Spartak’s defenders found it difficult to clear their lines or pass their way out and were relieved at Drimnagh’s profligacy in missing a couple of gilt edged chances. Jason Northey’s handling was assured and his confidence is returning.
One lighting break on 35 minute saw Hanratty and Gaynor combine to put Browne clear on the right but his effort was just wide. The best chance of the half for Spartak fell to Dave O’Kelly but he pulled his effort wide. Tom Gaynor blazed over after Browne’s shot was blocked.
The second half was a more even contest as Spartak worked hard. Distribution from the back was better with Hanratty giving a few incisive passes down the line and Martin Costello’s great through ball being miscontrolled by Browne and McInerney was adjudged offside after converting a good cross by Browne.
The winning goal arrived on 75 minutes when Tom Gaynor’s low inswinging corner was touched home by Dave O Kelly, who is on a rich vein of scoring form.
Drimnagh threw men forward in search of an equaliser and when Martin Costello, surging forward on a breakout, gave the ball away the break was swift and a one on one chance was struck too close to Northey, who held on safely.
As gaps appeared at the back for Drimnagh, Spartak then began to break out but Gaynor missed two one on one chances in injury time to seal the win.
Five wins in a row achieved by dint of confidence arising from solid teamwork .
Form Report
Jason Northey 7 Niall Hanratty 8 Mick Greene 6 Martin Costello 8 Dave O Kelly 8 Shane McInerney 7 Tom Gaynor 6 Chris Hogan 6 Steve Browne 6 Tom O Driscoll 6 Mick Costello 6
Subs Lee Malone 4 Dave Williams 5 Mike Hull 5Ross Kelly Neill Bolger
