25.3.12
Sallynoggin 0, Spartak 2
A belated seasonal awakening has seen the Sunday lads obtain 8 wins from last 13 cup and league games and this form and confidence was evident in a straightforward win over the homesters in balmy conditions. This run of form has seen the team rise from bottom of the division to a somewhat more respectable 8th of 14. Had players put in the work pre season the team could well be talking in terms of promotion; as it is, safety is the prerogative and a tough away cup quarter final against the favourites also awaits.
Despite the many missing men (Ciaran Keogh, Thom O’Driscoll, Graham McEnroe, Glen Burke, Conor Canavan, Ger Byrne Anto Doyle – Anto at least turned up to support ) the win was carved out in a brisk first half which saw Conor Maguire score the second while, somewhat fortunately, winning the penalty from which Keith Kelly gave the Sky Blues the lead.
Peter O’Toole, for once, had a quiet day between the posts and was untroubled with fine protection from the back four. The main threats from the home side came from corners and frees, but in the main these were dealt with adequately. The best opportunity came from an early free needlessly conceded by Ken Buckley which was headed over from close range.
Seamus McCahill featured strongly in the opening half with a high work rate but faded later as lack of recent training drained his legs.
The summer’s day atmosphere and unaccustomed heat meant the second half was played at a more leisurely pace with Spartak conceding ground and relying on breaks. Substitute Dave Thomson (did you know the clocks went forward?) provided energy and application but his crosses let down the good approach play
Form Report
Peter O’Toole 6 Paul Kinsella 7 Dave Browne 7 Steve Grier 8 Alex Kenny 8 Ken Buckley 7 Neil McGowan 6 Conor Maguire 7 Keith Kelly 6 Graham Breen 6 Seamus McCahill 7
Subs: Dave Thomson 6 Ross Kelly 6 Steve O’Hara 6
