Over 35’s progress in cup

Filed under: General news, Over 35 team by: Frank McNamee

SDFC 4 Rathcoole 1

After dethroning the champions Greenhills in the previous round Spartak received what could be perceived as a favourable draw in getting a home fixture against a team (albeit the leaders) from our own division. This match was played due to the goodwill of Wayside Celtic in their home ground after Marlay was declared unplayable.

Facing wet and blustery conditions, Spartak started very well and scored after 10 minutes with a well taken shot on the turn from Paddy Hughes.  The home side continued to pile on the pressure but could not add to the tally with Ken Byrne, Liam Cullen and Matt Grimes all having having half chances.  Rathcoole did come more into the game as the half wore on and it needed a very good save from Jimmy Browne low to his left to ensure that the home side went into the break one up.

The second half started with Rathcoole upping the tempo and with some neat passing they pressed the Spartak midfield back into defensive duty. They deservedly got back on level terms when a ball down the right caused some confusion that allowed the right winger to nip in ahead of the defensive cover and Jimmy Browne to slot home a decent goal.

With their tails up, the away side went looking for a lead goal and it required resolute defending from the back four of Dave Mohan, Greg Callan, Paul McGrath and Gerry Doran to keep the scores level. Having weathered the storm, the Spartak midfield trio of Stafford, McNamee and Grimes began to get on top again and mid way through the second half Paddy Hughes latched on to a through ball from Brendan Mooney to calmly slot his and Spartak’s second goal.

Spartak finished the remainder of the game very strong, Rory Campbell worked hard to create a goal scoring opportunity for the overlapping Ken Byrne from which he made no mistake. Shay McClafferty then set up Frank McNamee who dragged his shot badly wide but almost on full time McNamee did hit the target to score Spartak’s fourth goal and put some gloss on what was actually a hard earned victory.

A good performance with the home side showing the benefit of a sustained effort at training. The cup run continues but the big guns lie in wait.

SDFC squad was: Jimmy Browne, Dave Mohan, Greg Callan, Paul McGrath, Gerry Doran, Brian Stafford, Matt Grimes, Frank McNamee, Ken Byrne, Liam Cullen, Paddy Hughes, Brendan Mooney, Rory Campbell, Shay McClafferty. Subs not used – Leon David, Mark Byrne.

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