19.2.12
Spartak 4 Colmcilles 2
Spartak took a measure of revenge after an early season humiliation by Colmcilles when the Sky blues capitulated tamely. Not this time.
A fluent first half display put Spartak in command of this game, and with Colmcilles having two men dismissed during the second period, Spartak closed out the deal.
A long throw move on three minutes when Graham Breen flicked on Steve Grier’s throw gave Glen Burke the chance to nod in from close range. A catastophic back pass by Grier in the next minute presented the equaliser to the visitors.
A fine move with Seamus McCahill playing it wide to Ger Byrne, and his cross was converted by Burke on 20 minutes. Then Burke headed Ciaran Keogh’s free over the bar.
On the stroke of half time, Keith Kelly payed in Seamus down the right. Clearly offside, he squared the ball, which would have reached Neil McGowan or Ger Byrne; but Glen stuck out a foot to divert it wide.
The second half proved eventful. First a save and block by Peter O’Toole and Alex Kenny prevented what looked like a certain score. Then the visiting number 6 received a second yellow after engaging with Ken Buckley; the simple expedient of a proffered handshake by Ken was too much, and the no.6 retaliated in front of the ref.
Colmcilles abandoned all pretence at discipline and the no.9 was first booked for dissent and then dismissed for a challenge on Glen Burke which was x rated.
At this the remaining 9 men settled somewhat and battled well for the visitors, but the game, which by now had taken on a surreal tone, was put beyond Colmcilles reach when Seamus McCahill was impeded in the act of shooting, and Keith Kelly scored from the spot on 85 minutes.
Colmcilles pulled one back after a free kick before Glen Burke completed his hattrick by scoring from Thom O’Driscoll’s corner. A fine move by Keith and Seamus gave Glen another close in opportunity, but it went a begging.
A satisfying win and a strong overall performance in trying conditions.
Form Report
Peter O’Toole 7 Keith Kelly 7 Ciaran Keogh 7 Alex Kenny 8 Steve Grier 7 Seamus McCahill 8 Neil McGowan 7 Glen Burke 8 Ken Buckley 7 Graham Breen 7 Ger Byrne 7
Subs Dave Browne 7 Thom O’Driscoll 7 Paul Kinsella Conor Canavan
