15.4.12
Shamrock Bhoys 2, Spartak 0.
A highly controversial goal just 11 minutes form the end gave unbeaten Premier league champions Shamrock Bhoys the breakthrough as extra time loomed.
As the ball was played into the box, the home forward, clearly offside, struck the post; the ball ran along the line where Peter O’Toole clutched it; the ref, 30 yards away, awarded a goal. It has to be said the ref had a decent game overall, but what a decision to give in a tight game.
Overall it was a fine match; Spartak survived some scary first half moments as the home side enjoyed supremacy but the Sky Blues came back strongly in the second period.
Peter O’Toole made a series of reflex saves to keep his side in the game, and the defence worked overtime. The tempo of the game was frenetic and the pace was unrelenting, and Spartak matched the hosts for energy and commitment in a fine display.
Both sides had chances. It has to be said the hoem side had more, but for Spartak Ger Byrne struck the woodwork; Steve Grier was inches wide with a header; Graham Breen and Neil McGowan had a flurry of shots saved in the same attack; Seamus McCahill’s inviting cross drifted across the six yard line without getting the final touch. Steve Grier’s free was well saved.
Just as extra time loomed , came the vital, controversial, breakthrough for the home side. Spartak had no option to push on and gamble, leaving themselves open for the second goal on 87 minutes.
The Sky Blues had given their all and left nothing on the pitch; no more can be asked.
Form Report
Peter O’Toole 8 Keith Kelly 7 Ciaran Keogh 7 Steve Grier 9 Alex Kenny 9 Ken Buckley 7 Neil McGowan 8 Seamus McCahill 8 Dave Thomson 6 Graham Breen 8 Ger Byrne 6
Subs: Dave Browne 6 Glen Burke 5 Paul Kinsella Conor Canavan Anto Doyle
