25.8.11
Peamount 0, Spartak 1
Spartak won all three points on the Peamount astro surface due in no small measure to a sterling defensive performance by the back 5, keeping a clean sheet despite Peamount having the lion’s share of the ball.
Midfield was a problem area for Spartak throughout, with the home side moving the ball freely. The Sky Blues conceded far too many unnecessary frees, inviting unwanted pressure into the penalty area, and wasted possession too frequently.
Bobby Hayes made a couple of good stops in the first half, particularly in a one on one situation with the defence beaten and Dave O’Kelly intervened with a fine headed clearance on another occasion. The central defenders were generally solid, particularly in the air, as were the full backs. Going forward, O’Kelly and Conor Canavan on the flanks were less self assured.
Up front Graham McEnroe made a great chance for himself but shot too early while Colum O’Sullivan worked hard and had a couple of good runs.
Steve Walsh showed some good touches and started the second half with a good run; the shot , however, lacked conviction. A fine McEnroe turn following a corner set up Kenny Ward for the best chance so far, but he scuffed his effort from a few yards.
Niall Hanratty was enduring a difficult night on the right flank, and was profligate with passes and crosses. To his credit he kept going and stole the glory on 82 minutes when he fired past a startled keeper from 30 yards.
As Peamount pressed on in search of a reward, Martin Costello and McEnroe combined to set up Chris Hogan from close in, but he blazed over when a more controlled effort was required.
Hogan then gave Hanratty an opportunity, but he shot over; Martin Costello was then lucky (again!) not to pick up a yellow when he “scored” long after the offside whistle had blown.
Spartak had to deal with the usual number of Saturday cry offs (for a wonderful variety of reasons) and have now used 21 players in just 2 games, with only 4 players staring both games to date , indicating a lack of dedication which may prove costly.
Form Report:
Bobby Hayes 7 Conor Canavan 7 Dave O Kelly 7 Fintan Grace 7 Ken Ward 7 Mick Young 4 Neill Bolger 4 Niall Hanratty 6 Steve Walsh 6 Colum O Sullivan 5 Graham McEnroe 7 Martin Costello 5 Shane McInerney 5 Chris Hogan 5 Ryan Burke Dillon Burke Shane Corrigan
August 29th, 2011 at 3:02 pm
Saturday committment cant come into question Paul at this stage of the year.
You give me statistics of who has showed up the most out of the club to all pre season friendlies and i guarantee you the bulk of players play on the Saturday side.
you did have 17/18 players for each of the two games.
Unneccessary comment, having a dig at those who show up on a regular basis.
August 29th, 2011 at 3:43 pm
Oh yes it can Hano ! This is the league, friendlies are forgotten.
Face facts, only 4 started both games. 21 in two games! That’s not a good way to start and does little to allow for continuity.
Commitment is certainly lacking in a number of cases – just 7 bothered to show for training on Saturday on what was a match day. Just as well the friendly I tried to get did not happen.
August 29th, 2011 at 4:04 pm
Well I didn’t want to be working in Lisbon (or Antwerp when I was there) and miss matches or training but what choice do I have? Questioning peoples commitement when they are working / injured or have another GENUINE reason for not being there is not for a match report in my opinion.
August 29th, 2011 at 4:43 pm
4 started both games, 11 were there for both games.
Yes numbers for training were garbage. Attendance for training should be confirmed prior to a session to ensure shite sessions dont happen like this.
slate people for not turning up training ( myself included here) I endorse this, but dont slate people for missing a game due to work/Family committments or injury when they normally are there.
August 29th, 2011 at 8:25 pm
Mick, tell the truth you only engineered that trip to miss a game! There are SOME genuine reasons. But so many?
Its a call to all for a greater level of commitment.