18.4.12
Alpine Express 1, Spartak 1
This midweek fixture featured ref Jimmy Hollowed perform in his own inimitable syle, but he was outshone on the night by an eccentric performance by linesman Glen Burke, who seemed to become overexcited with the responsibility of holding the flag, and at times waved it as if guiding local planes in to land.
Spartak opened the scoring when Conor Maguire’s shot was parried and Ger Byrne celebrated his 30th birthday by tapping in. Before that, a reflex save by Peter O’Toole prevented Alpine scoring but they were soon level when a mix up between Steve Grier and Dave Browne allowed an effort which went in via a post.
Alpine had the better of the opening half and could have been well ahead. But the Sky Blues showed to better effect in the second half. Conor Maguire was guilty of seeking a touch too many on a few opportunities, and also missed a sitter close in.
Seamus McCahill had a couple of decent efforts saved while Ross Kelly had a looping header cleared off the line and Stuart Love just failed to squeeze home from a tight angle.
Form Report
Peter O’Toole 7 Paul Kinsella 5 Dave Browne 5 Steve Grier 6 Alex Kenny 8 Steve Walsh 6 Neil McGowan 6 Seamus McCahill 6 Conor Maguire 5 Thom O’Driscoll 5 Ger Byrne 5
Subs: Dave O’Kelly 6 Stuart Love 5 Ross Kelly 5
