14.5.11
Swords 2 Spartak 0
In a good game of football, well referreed and sporting, played on the intermediate pitch, Swords showed the Sky Blues the difference between shooting and finishing.
As usual with the Saturday lads, there were the usual large quota of absentees, and only three of the starting line up having started the previous game. This has been the case all season, with the very same story for the first two games of the season. Certainly a disadvantage when playing settled sides.
Spartak played well enough up to the 18 yard line, but lacked both composure in the box and desire to follow up loose balls in the six yard area.
Kevin Mannion’s cross was perfect for Jose Vargas, but he got his header under the ball and directed it over when unmarked. Steve Walsh and Mannion were playing some good approach passes, but there was no first half breakthrough.
The game turned on 54 minutes, when a surging run by Dave O’Kely gave Vargas an opportunity; the goalkeeper gathered the effort and set off a counter from which the home side took the lead. Perhaps a touch of offside involved?
Spartak continued to make chances. Lennon, on early for the injured Kelly, had a near post header saved from Mannion’s cross and then the big chance fell to substitute Chris Hogan, straight through on goal seven yards out, who miskicked weakly wide. Hogan then crossed for Mannion, but when his initial shot was blocked by the keeper, he fluffed the loose ball. Steve Walsh turned well in the box, but shot weakly into the keepers midriff.
Swords added the second on 82 minutes, with another break.
Form Report
Stephen Harris 7 Dave O Kelly 7 Mick Greene 6 Martin Costello 6 Paul Kinsella 6 Shane McInerney 5 Steve Walsh 6 Kevin Mannion 7 Derek McGoldrick 5 Ross Kelly 4 Jose Vargas 5.
Subs : Niall Lennon 6 Chris Hogan 4 Barry Maguire 4 Steve Browne no show.
