Spartak recover composure to draw
27.7.11
Shelbourne SC 2 Spartak 2
Spartak had the satisfaction of recovering from a two goal half time deficit to gain parity with the homesters.
Martin Costello spurned a glorious chance early on, when, looking well offside, he rounded the keeper, but delayed his effort long enough for the keeper to recover.
Jason Northey caused problems with a poor lofted throw out, but redeemed his error with a good save, and then flapped at a corner after poor defendingby his back four. He was again in action when Mick Greene was outpaced and made a smart save from the resultant effort.
The home side took the lead when a Dave Browne throw was intercepted and the quick break saw Spartak short of cover.
On 42 minutes, a nice move put Martin Costello through one on one, but his effort was delayed and finally delivered at optimum height for the keeper.
To add insult to injury , the Spartak back four were then caught square for the home forward to take full advantage.
Spartak had to change their approach and did so with a renewed effort to play the ball on the ground. The moves began to flow and Graham McEnroe smacked an efort off the crossbar, and a Chris Hogan effort drifted onto the woodwork. Arrears were reduced when Martin Costello turned in Mick Greene’s corner. Mick also provided the through ball to allow Martin to equalise on 58 minutes.
Spartak’s defence lived dangerously and when Niall Hanratty was caught the locals missed a good chance. They also missed an easy one when Robbie Hayes tipped an effort onto the bar, but the home forward fluffed he rebound, and Barry Maguire was on hand to clear.
A good move led to Graham McEnroe putting in a tempting cross, but the Spartak forwards did not make the required runs to get a touch.
Its always better to recover from a deficit, and the Light Blues showed plenty of resolve in the second half after an indifferent opening period.
Form Report:
Jason Northey 6 Barry Maguire 6 Mick Greene 7 Niall Hanratty 5 Mick Young 7 Shane McInerney 6 Graham McEnroe 7 Ross Kelly 6 Derek McGoldrick 6 Martin Costello 7 Ger Byrne 6 Robbie Hayes 6 Chris Hogan 6 Dave Browne 6 Mick Costello 6.
