Sandyford Rovers 2, Spartak 0
A slightly lop sided Spartak selection (after early injuries to Mick Greene and Graham McEnroe) found it difficult to get fluid movement going forward as possession was too easily lost and more importantly not fought for. There was a distinct lack of hard running from most players and many took the easy option of lumping the ball.
Stephen Harris in goal had a fine game and covered for the inadequacies of some of his colleagues. Spartak created few chances, Mick Greene forcing a good save early on from a free and Derek McGoldrick was wildly over with his attempted lob when through.
Of the other new lads, Seamus McCahill did well at the back and later in midfield while Paul Kinsella was strong in the tackle. Aaron Ormerod and Shane Corrigan never really got into the game.
Of the more experienced lads, Dave Browne made a couple of vital tackles and interceptions while McGoldrick never stopped running.
Neill Bolger lacked his usual aggression and tired visibly in the second half, while Niall Hanratty was well off the pace, with his opponent out running him regularly and he was grateful to his keeper after a couple of errors.
Tom O’Driscoll is still lacking touch and sharpness, and even his usually good set piece delivery was poor. Cathal Clancy and Dermot Dooley both fought hard when they came on.
A worthwhile exercise, as players get to know both each other and their own state of preparedness for the coming season. Part of the process of shaking off summer cobwebs. The result will soon be forgotten but players wll need to step up sharpness over the coming weeks.
Form Report:
Stephen Harris 9 Dave Browne 6 Mick Greene 6 Paul Kinsella 7 Seamus McCahill 8 Neill Bolger 5 Graham McEnroe 5 Shane Corrigan 5 Aaron Ormerod 4 Derek McGoldrick 6 Tom O’Driscoll 5 Cathal Clancy 6 Dermot Dooley 5 Mike Hull 4 Niall Hanratty 5 Rob Deering 5
