SDFC 1, Wicklow Town 0
Spartak seniors registered their first win of the campaign after a hard fought encounter at home against Wicklow Town on Saturday. Fielding a strong squad the home side started well and were on top in the early stages. Paul Burke and Brian Stafford were winning the midfield battle despite competing against a formation that included 3 in the middle for the opposition. Spartak did create some good chances in this period but could not convert. Frank McNamee failed to find the target from two good opportunities while Ken Byrne had a goal disallowed and was on the receiving end of a bad tackle when he broke away on the right wing.
As the first half wore on Wicklow Town began to gain a foothold around the middle with former Spartak player Jason Bushe to the fore and they did threaten on a few occasions. One clear chance was missed by their striker when he shot wide to Niall Redmond’s right when clean through. The Spartak back four of Lee Atkins, Dave Mohan, Paul McGrath and Matt Grimes dealt comfortably with any further attacks and the game reached half time scoreless. Indeed Niall and the back four (which also included Greg Callan and Tom Maher at different times) were solid and competitive throughout the entire game and restricted the opposition to very few scoring opportunities.
The second half saw Spartak continue to apply pressure and create chances. Rory Campbell crossed for an unmarked Ken Byrne but he shot over. Frank McNamee put Ken through again but the keeper made a brave save. The deadlock was finally broken midway through the half when Brian Stafford latched on to a through ball from Frank McNamee and he finished in style. Rory Campbell had another chance shortly after but also shot over. Then a decent move involving Ray Grady and Frank McNamee put the latter clear but the shot was kept out by a decent save from the Wicklow Town keeper.
The away side almost made Spartak pay for not getting a second goal when a good break resulted in a clever lob that bounced on the crossbar and went over with Niall Redmond beaten. Barry Crowe and Tom Maher came into the fray and both made important contributions as Spartak held onto the one nil lead. Shay McClafferty had the final chance of the game but again the shot was over.
Overall a good performance from the home side who needed to be competitive and work very hard to get the victory over a decent side. A good basis from which to move forward.
Training continues Wednesdays in Carysfort NS 9-10.
The SDFC squad was: Niall Redmond, Matt Grimes, Dave Mohan, Paul McGrath, Greg Callan, Lee Atkins, Tom Maher, Ray Grady, Brian Stafford, Paul Burke, Barry Crowe, Shay McClafferty, Ken Byrne, Frank McNamee, Rory Campbell
