14.1.12
Leinster Junior Shield Round 5
Carrick Rovers 0, Spartak 2
An excellent opportunist strike by Derek Ruxton on 75 minutes effectively decided this tie in the Sky Blues favour. On as sub, Derek broke the deadlock of a match that seemed destined for stalemate. Conor Maguire’s 94th minute goal gave the scoreline a more flattering look in a dour encounter in Carrickmacross.
Derek’s decisive moment came when he challenged the keeper for a loose ball just outside the box; the ball squirted away to the left, but Derek coolly slotted in from a tight angle.
Spartak and Carrick huffed and puffed for a first half that was aimless; neither side took control of the ball and possession was squandered repeatedly. Neither midfield could get a grip on proceedings.
When Niall Hanratty and Bobby Hayes made a hash of a kick out, Carrick had their best chance of the game, but the subsequent cross was too fast for the striker to touch home.
Spartak had two “goals” disallowed; both by Conor Maguire, the second following the brightest passage of play after Niall Hanratty struck the bar from 20 yards, and Conor arched to head in.
Spartak were generally profligate from free kicks in decent positions, and did not test the local keeper, the nearest chance when Martin Costello knocked Mick Greene’s free over the bar. and, throughout the match, lacked the incisiveness needed; the final ball was not up to the mark. Martin was lucky to escape censure when he handled the ball deliberately.
Chris Hogan was again in the wars with officialdom and was in danger of dismissal until substituted.
On 65 minutes, a neat move put Shane McInerney into the box; his shot was pushed away by the keeper, but in the act of shooting a Carrick player shouted “boo” for which he received his second yellow and a harsh dismissal by the excellent, if slightly fussy, referee. Shane swears this is the only reason he did not break his scoring “duck” for the season!
Bobby Hayes handled confidently throughout, particularly early on when Conor Maguire was dispossessed, but conceded a second half free for carrying the ball out of the penalty area, and he was well protected by the central defensive bastions of Fintan Grace and Dave O’Kelly.
With the locals down to ten men, Spartak at last began to take a grip in midfield, but too often the cross or final pass halted the move. While the midfield was solid defensively, they were a little over cautious in general and few inventive passes were made, with support for the forward players usually lacking.
As Carrick pushed on in search of an equaliser, the other substitute Derek McGoldrick used his pace and had two great chances on the break; firstly he rounded the keeper but lost his footing at the vital moment; and the second effort was saved.
Carrick Rovers were sporting and gracious hosts of a match played in a good spirit and we wish them well for the rest of the season.
While the performance was solid rather than spectacular, the result away from home was satisfying, particularly for the travelling fans, Ian Leslie and Mark Bolger. It was a fairly cheerful bus ride home, with a 6th round quarter final tie awaiting.
Form Report
Bobby Hayes 7 Chris Hogan 6 Mick Greene 6 Dave O’Kelly 8 Fintan Grace 8 Mick Costello 7 Niall Lennon 7 Niall Hanratty 7 Conor Maguire 7 Martin Costello 7 Shane McInerney 7
Subs: Derek Ruxton 7 Derek McGoldrick 6 Neill Bolger
