3.12.11
Cherryfield 0, Spartak 2
With the game deadlocked on 78 minutes, Mick Costello played an incisive pass releasing Steve Walsh down the left; Steve’s cross was expertly controlled and finished by Conor Maguire for the vital opener. Three minutes later Conor Canavan and Conor Maguire combined to send Steve Walsh away and he scored from a tight angle with the aid of a deflection.
Finally the breakthrough, threatened for so long, had arrived.
Spartak opted to play into the wind in the first half and were initially pinned back by a lively home attack. Cherryfield have been struggling in the league but now seem rejuvenated under the guidance of former Spartak manager Tommy Coady. That Spartak kept a clean sheet in the first half was due in no small measure to the assured handling of Bobby Hayes.
At the other end, the creative promptings of Steve Walsh set up a few chances for the Sky Blues, none more so than when a pass sent Conor Maguire away down the right; he crossed it invitingly across the six yard box but no Spartak support was close enough for what would have been a tap in.
Spartak’s best chance of the half fell to Niall Hanratty, through one on one from Niall Lennon’s pass, but he shot wide as the keeper advanced.
At the start of the second half Spartak seemed certain to open their account when Hanatty crossed to Maguire who in turn set up Colum O’Sullivan close in, but Colum hesitated and the chance was lost. Again Steve Walsh was the supplier as Conor Maguire fired in a shot that the keeper tipped on to the bar. Maguire later won back the ball and he fed Hanratty who forced a save from the keeper. Meantime Bobby Hayes raced out to make a good save from a home breakaway.
Steve Walsh drifted past a couple of defenders on a glorious run but fired inches wide and then Niall Hanraty, free at the back post following a corner, had a air shot.
Spartak had begun to run out of ideas with a fair few aimless attempted through balls running harmlessly away with the wind. Distribution from the back was not great throughout and, among others Chris Hogan, Martin Costello and Shane McInerney in turn all had the frustration of overhitting attempted passes, which ran harmlessly though to the keeper. Niall Lennon faded somehat after a decent opening half and Shane McInerney confined himself to defensive duties. Colum O’Sullivan tired noticeably while Chris Hogan and Niall Hanratty frequently broke down the right but the final ball too often let them down.
As the game entered its final quarter an increased emphasis on attack and the introduction of substitutes helped to swing the game in Spartak’s favour.
A clean sheet and three points – very welcome on a cold December day.
Form Report
Bobby Hayes 8 Chris Hogan 6 Mick Greene 6 Martin Costello 6 Fintan Grace 6 Shane McInerney 6 Niall Lennon 6 Niall Hanratty 6 Steve Walsh 8 Colum O’Sullivan 5 Conor Maguire 7
Subs : Mick Costello 7 Conor Canavan 6 Ross Kelly
