20.7.11
Balally 0, Spartak 1
A fine individual score by Ger Byrne, allied to some decent defending, combined with good saves from Robbie Hayes to give the Sky Blues a win in the first pre season friendly. The home side were somewhat wayward in their finishing, and a more clinical approach might have got them into the game as the Spartak defence was sometimes split as a unit.
Ger’s goal was a typical effort, as his industrious work nicked the ball from a defender before racing on and clipping in a low shot to the corner of the net from just outside the box in the 19th minute.
Early pressure from Balally led to a couple of goalmouth scrambles in the Spartak goalmouth, and when Dave O’Kelly was beaten, the local forward blazed over. Robbie Hayes made a fine save to deny a goal when Dave Browne was beaten and then O’Kelly recovered well after being caught under the ball on another occasion.
Gradually Spartak got to the tempo of the game, and the front two of Graham Breen and Byrne caused discomfort to the home defence. Stuart Love, captain for the eveining, and Shane McInerney both toiled manfully in midfield but lacked the creative touches. Anto Doyle and Steve Walsh on the flanks were often bypassed and did not unduly worry the home defence.
Mick Young came on for his first appearance as Spartak rotated the substitutes, and he made a favourable impression, coming in for some rough treatment. Indeed the referee flashed a number of cards to the home side. Spartak had other chances, with Steve Walsh shooting over after a good move, and Mick Greene’s excellent corner caused havoc but was not finished. On half time, Byrne shot over from a good position.
The second period saw both sides come close. Adam Doran had a nice cameo appearance, with his volley from Niall Hanratty’s cross being well saved , Breen just wide with a side footer from his corner, and after a good Doran run and cross Rob Deering cut back to Niall Lennon who could only square the ball across the goal. Dan O’Connell looked comfortable in possession and had a few bright runs, without delivering the final ball.
A lovely break by Steve Walsh and Lennon resulted in Walsh racing in to shoot wide. As gaps in the Spartak rearguard appeared, Balally blazed wide, hit the bar, and were foiled by a great clearance by Barry Maguire.
With 6 subs and regular rotation, Spartak players had the luxury of never being under undue physical pressure, and adapted easily to the changes.
Overall a decent workout, and a good squad performance.
Robie Hayes 7 Barry Maguire 6 Mick Greene 6 Dave O Kelly 7 Dave Browne 7 Shane McInerney 6 Stuart Love 6 Anto Doyle 5 Steve Walsh 5 Graham Breen 6 Ger Byrne 7 Niall Hanratty 5 Niall Lennon 5 Rob Deering 5 Adam Doran 7 Dan O Connell 6 Mick Young 6.
