Clifden Celtic 4 Spartak 1
A useful work out for players returning from injury or holiday absences.
Spartak played quite well in the first half, without offering a huge threat to Clifden’s goal. Kevin Mannion tended to overplay and Niall Tilley and Jose Vargas were marshalled by the home defence. Mick Greene was impressive in goal in the first half, but less so as an outfield player after the interval.
Rob Flanagan and Dave Browne did well initially as a centre back partnership but were a great deal shakier as the game progressed.
The first home goal came when a long pass caught the defence square and Chris Hogan could not recover ground on the winger, who rounded Ross Kelly to score. Almost immediately Niall Lennon blocked a clearance from the keeper to allow Dermot Dooley to run the ball in. Naill Lennon then had a clear chance saved by the keeper.
The second Clifden goal caught the back four disorganised and flat footed from a corner and a simple header, unchallenged, was all it took from close in.
Rob Flanagan had a header cleared off the line as Spartak tried to equalise again.
The third and fourth goals came in the gathering gloom and near darkness as Clifden gained confidence from Spartak’s lapses.
Overall a worthwhile exercise on the wettest day of the year.
Form report
Mick Greene (7 in goal 4) out Chris Hogan 5 Eoin Grogan 6 Rob Flanagan 6 Dave Browne 6 Niall Lennon 6 Paul Ferguson 5 Jose Vargas 5 Niall Tilley 5 Kevin Mannion 5 Ross Kelly (6 in goal and out)
Subs Dermot Dooley 6 Will O’Connell 5.
