11.4.12
RSFC 3, Spartak 1
Although beaten in the end by a better side on the night, Spartak can feel aggrieved about the award of the vital first goal on 51 minutes which saw the ball kicked from Peter O’Toole’s hands; seems the ref was the only one who thought it was not a foul. This breakthrough gave the home side the impetus and confidence at a stage when the Sky Blues were staging a decent rearguard action and could not be faulted for work rate against a side beaten just once this season and Alex Kenny and Paul Kinsella were formidable at the heart of the defence.
Spartak found it difficult to retain possession in the final third; Graham Breen was too often isolated and lacked support. Dave Thomson was booked harshly early on and was somewhat constrained, while Ger Byrne and Conor Maguire featured only sporadically. Conor provided an occasional attacking threat, but his link up play was sometimes sloppy.
Peter O’Toole made a couple of fine saves, but will rue the concession of the second goal volleyed from the edge of the box, however he could legitimately complain that the scorer was not closed down.
In truth, Spartak were confined mainly to half chances, with Conor Maguire going close twice and the ball just eluding Neil McGowan following a corner.
In summary, Spartak will have to show a great deal more to progress in Sunday’s cup quarter final.
Form Report
Peter O’Toole 6 Keith Kelly 6 Dave Browne 5 Paul Kinsella 7 Alex Kenny 7 Seamus McCahill 6 Neil McGowan 6
Conor Maguire 5 Dave Thomson 5 Graham Breen 5 Ger Byrne 5
Subs: Anto Doyle 5 Graham McEnroe 6 Derek Ruxton 5 Thom O’Driscoll
