5.11.11
Spartak 5, Balbriggan 2
Spartak celebrated Guy Fawkes day with some sparkling goals in a Leinster Shield game which turned into a goal fest.
In the third minute a Niall Lennon pass seemed a tad too long until the visiting keeper allowed the ball to squirm from his arms and give Conor Maguire a simple finish. Even better was to follow when Colum O’Sullivan was impeded in the box and the ref pointed to the spot. Mick Greene made no mistake, 2-0.
Then the Sky Blues lost concentration somewhat and we had three goals in a three minute spell. A Balbriggan corner was headed off the line by Shane McInerney but the follow up attempt was deemed to have been handled by Mick Costello – spot kick – 2-1. When Mick Greene’s free was headed clear , Conor Maguire cleverly played it first time to Martin Costello who volleyed neatly in with his left foot. From the tip off Balbriggan scored without a home player touching the ball. Martin Costello dived rashly to try to intercept a ball 45 yards from his own goal and the ball ran through for Balbriggan to score with Spartak’s defence in disarray. 3-2. A breathless few minutes, which saw Spartak lose control of the contest momentarily and which gave the visitors hope.
Bobby Hayes then made a good save and at the other end Fintan Grace broke to feed Ross Kelly, but his effort did not trouble the keeper.
On 50 minutes Spartak scored the best goal of the game and one which probably decided the contest. Good work down the right by Conor Maguire saw the ball laid back to Dave O’Kelly, who whipped in a terrific cross which Mick Costello met with a towering header to score off the post.
Ross Kelly then lobbed wide with the keeper off his line and, as Balbriggan tried to retrieve the situation, Bobby Hayes made a good stop and Fintan Grace headed clear from a dangerous cross. The substitutes all then got in on the act. Steve Walsh had an effort saved before another substitute, Derek Ruxton, flighted a free kick which Martin Costello headed in.
A quick throw gave the other sub Derek McGoldrick a chance to get in on the scoring act as he raced clear; but driving in from the left he opted to shoot with his right foot and the effort was easily saved.
Form Report
Bobby Hayes 7 Dave O’Kelly 6 Mick Greene 5 Martin Costello 8 Fintan Grace 7 Mick Costello 7 Niall Lennon 6 Conor Maguire 7 Colum O’Sullivan 5 Ross Kelly 6 Shane McInerney 6.
Substitutes: Steve Walsh 5 Derek McGoldrick 5 Derek Ruxton 6 Jose Vargas Neill Bolger Cathal Clancy
