Battling draw as Spartak warm up
Balally Celtic 2, Spartak 2
Spartak fielded a more experienced side and started brightly with Ross Kelly, injury free, linking the attacking moves. On 9 minutes, a long throw by Steve Grier was powerfully headed home by Dave O’Kelly. Spartak continued to press and from Kelly’s corner O’Kelly’s flick was touched over by Rob Flanagan.
The locals then came back somewhat and Fintan Grace and Mick Greene were beaten down the left but the shot from the resulting cross was comfortably taken by an alert Peter O’Toole.
Niall Tilly then had a good chance and when his shot was saved, he recovered to cross and Ross Kelly’s overhead kick was just over.
Barry Maguire, unwisely switching with Dave O’Kelly, was caught napping by a through ball and O’Toole made a fine save.
Spartak had two more good attempts when Grier’s shot was well saved and Ross Kelly might have scored when well placed.
Balally started the second half strongly and O’Toole made a brilliant save touching the ball onto the bar. However a long ball saw Fintan Grace misjudge his header and cover was in short supply which allowed the striker to finish – 1-1.
Two minutes later, on 53 minutes, Steve Grier fastened onto Neill Bolger’s free to turn and score a fine goal. Jose Vargas had a good run but his left foot shot was off target.
Further injury disruption led to the Balally equaliser when Barry Maguire had to return to the fray out of position and was caught for pace and matters were levelled.
Barry after had a good shout for a penalty when his shot was blocked by a hand and Mick Plunkett troubled the defence with a couple of great set piece deliveries. Jose had a good effort saved when Neill Bolger’s quick free put him in.
A good move saw Jason Northey blaze wide of the near post when the sky blues had men over inside. Spartak almost got the winner after a good run by Ger Byrne set Jose free but he was closed down.
A surging late run and cross by Fintan Grace was just missed by Ger Byrne while at the other end loose marking by Jason Northey at a corner led to a shot from the no 7 which was blocked and then driven home but adjudged offside.
Form report:
Peter O’Toole 8 Dave O’Kelly 8 Mick Greene 6 Martin Costello 7 Fintan Grace 7 Rob Flanagan 5 Barry Maguire 5 Steve Grier 8 Ross Kelly 8 Niall Tilly 6 Ger Byrne 6 Neill Bolger 6 Mick Plunkett 5 Jason Northey 4 Jose Vargas 6
