Babriggan 1, Spartak 2
Three second half substitutes played a key role in getting Spartak all three points. Ryan Burke’s challenge allowed Tom O’Driscoll in to round the keeper neatly and walk the ball in for number one on 67 minutes. Ryan’s cross led to the foul on Niall Lennon which gave Mick Greene the opportunity to trundle forward and convert for number 2; and Shane Corrigan provided a couple of neat passes as well as being foiled on the line with an effort of his own.
Balbriggan had dominated the first half without scoring, mainly thanks to the sterling defensive work of Martin Costello, with good protection from Mick Costello and Shane McInerney as Spartak were forced to defend. Niall Hanratty, in an unaccustomed centre back role, was often profligate with his distribution and was caught in possession in an uncomfortable first half; he settled down better in the second period.
Spartak could make no forward progress , with wide men Rob Deerring and Rob Flanagan experiencing form they would rather forget. Ross Kelly was less effective than of late, and Tom O’Driscoll was often a lone forward threat.
Balbrggan reduced arrears on 85 minutes when the centre of the Spartak defence got their positioning wrong, and the home side then pressed hard but were denied an equaliser.
Overall a satisfactory three points.
Form Report
Mick Greene 7 Chris Hogan 6 Dillon Burke 5 Niall Hanratty 6 Martin Costello 8 Shane McInerney 7 Rob Flanagan 4 Rob Deering 4 Ross Kelly 5 Tom O’Driscoll 7 Mick Costello 7
Subs: Ryan Burke 7 Niall Lennon 7 Shane Corrigan 7 Jose Vargas
