Spartak Dynamo FC

12.11.11
Black Forge 1, Spartak 0

Spartak slipped to a disapointing defeat after failing to test the opposition goalkeeper with any serious efforts.

The Sky Blues did not manage to get forward in numbers and attacking players frequently lacked support especially from midfield players and full backs.

Too many touches when in possession and a tendency to play with the head down meant that decent passing moves were as rare as hen’s teeth. Possession, from unchallenged positions, was all too frequently squandered and the option of a simple forward pass rarely taken.

There was no lack of desire commitment or effort however, but a lack of guile was the main reason that that Spartak did not play well, or at all. Perhaps a touch of complacency might have crept in.

A whistle happy ref (who, on the other hand kept his cards in his pocket) and a narrow pitch meant that the game was never going to be a spectacle. The Sky Blues did not display the versatility necessary to adapt to the conditions.

Spartak’s back four made a number of individual errors from the off. Dave O’Kelly was caught napping by the number 11 and Bobby Hayes tidied up;Martin Costello dropped a clanger and again Bobby saved; Martin was then dispossessed and Cathal cleared off the line; Mick Greene missed a challenge and Bobby again to he rescue. Perhaps Bobby’s best save was after a mix up by Dave O’Kelly and Martin Costello left the forward in for a 1 on 1. Again the 11 ran free but tried to pass when placed to shoot.

The Sky Blues attacks were sporadic at best. Ross Kelly headed just over from Steve Walsh’s corner, and Mick Costello drove wide when set up by Conor Maguire, who was also clipped in the area later but no penalty given.

Ross Kelly had a shooting opportunity early in the second half, but was off target.

The goal arrived when Bobby Hayes, perhaps ill advisedly after a period of home pressure, threw the ball to Niall Lennon. who could not take possession. The home player fastened on to the loose ball and drove home with the aid of a slight deflection.

Spartak’s response was to huff and puff, but eschew any attempts to get passing moves going.

Remember the old maxim – if you can’t pass, you cant play! On the day we couldn’t , and didn’t.

Form Report
Bobby Hayes 7 Dave O’Kelly 5 Mick Greene 5 Martin Costello 5 Cathal Clancy 6 Mick Costello 5 Fintan Grace 5 Conor Maguire 5 Steve Walsh 5 Ross Kelly 6 Neill Bolger 5
Subs: Niall Hanratty 5 Niall Lennon 5 Jose Vargas 5 Derek McGoldrick Ryan Burke Colum O’Sullivan Dilon Burke

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