26.3.2011
Phoenix 2 Spartak 0.
The bare bones of this defeat was a toothless attacking performance coupled with two crucial errors in central defence.
Spartak were without a number of players through injury, and also without Kevin Mannion, who is still looking for the pitch as we speak!
Spartak had a good early opportunity when Jose Vargas’ close range effort was saved, and from the resulting corner Mick Costello headed against the bar.
From the off the Spartak defence was uncertain, with errors by Martin Costello, Paul Kinsella, Dillon Burke and Cathal Clancy all causing problems. Robbie Hayes parried a surprise shot from distance , which he then recovered well to claw away.
Will O’Connell and Niall Hanratty strove to get a foothold in midfield, but Chris Hogan and Jose Vargas were inneffective on the flanks, with little support from the full backs.
Paul Kinsella and Cathal Clancy were caught square by a long ball and the local no.10 lobbed the helpless Robbie Hayes.
The Sky Blues suffered a blow when Niall Hanratty limped off on 40 minutes, and was replaced by Steve Browne.
Spartak lived a bit dangerously in the second half, with Hayes taking off a good save. While his handling was ok, kicking was another matter and needs more work.
Mick Costello blazed wastefully wide from a free kick in a good position, and Steve Browne shot well wide from an angle, but Spartak lacked the patience, movement and passing accuracy to create clear chances against a deep lying defence.
When Clancy was caught napping well behind the rest of the defence, Phoenix were able to break and score number two. Their striker was sent off for a second yellow, but Spartak could not take advantage of the 10 men for the remainng 20 minutes.
Form Report
Robbie Hayes 6 Martin Costello 4 Dillon Burke 4 Paul Kinsella 5 Cathal Clancy 4 Will O Connell 6 Niall Hanratty 6 Chris Hogan 5 Jose Vargas 4 Niall Lennon 4 Mick Costello 4
Subs: Steve Browne 4 Derek McGoldrick 4 Colum O’Sullivan 4 Jason Northey, Kevin Mannion.
