23.4.12
Spartak 7, Cherryfield 4
Spartak have now almost caught up on their outstanding games occasioned by their long Shield run and three wins in the last four games has moved the Sky Blues up from 9th to 5th.
Spartak produced some good attacking football, but both defences will not look back with any relish on this game. Spartak’s back four were vulnerable throughout as well as hesitant, and constantly seeking the offside call.
It all seemed so easy at the start. Spartak raced into a three goal lead, and Cherryfield’s opener, just on half time, looked very much of the consolation variety and was quickly cancelled to leave it 4-1 at the break
The Sky Blues displayed their inexperience by beginning the second period without bothering to either pass the ball or close opponents down; a recipe for disaster. The passing from the back, often under no pressure , was particularly careless.
However with the Spartak defence in charitable mood, and with the visitors dominating midfield, with numbers 8 and 6 doing pretty much as they liked in the middle, suddenly it was game on as the score quickly reached 5-4 and Cherryfield looking stronger.
A virtuoso display by Steve Walsh, who scored four times, was the difference between the sides and Steve also crashed a solo effort against the bar.
Spartak began well, and Derek McGoldrick , captain for the night on his last home game before he hits New Zealand had two early chances blocked, while Shane McInerney fired a tame effort wide from the edge of the box.
Ross Kelly gave Steve Walsh the chance to round the keeper and score before an incisive Niall Lennon pass made it number 2 for Steve. Derek McGoldrick’s break drew the keeper and gave Ross the chance to fire the third to the empty net from 30 yards. Cherryfield broke through the middle and reduced arrears before Walsh’s corner was nodded home by Dave O’Kelly for number 4.
The home side were well on top and had other chances. A Lennon through ball to Walsh looked likely to provide another but was harshly blown up for offside. Dave O’Kelly raced through but shot straight at the keeper.
Tommy Coady, the visiting manager, formerly of this parish, switched his number 11 at half time to the right wing to give Mick Greene a handful and he was instrumental in two goals to get back to 4-3. A McInerney header intended for Jason Northey was intercepted but Northey saved. The panic which spread through the home ranks was reduced when O’Kelly and McGoldrick combined to allow Steve Walsh to claim his hat trick.
Cheeryfield then hit the post and scored the rebound to make it 4-5, but the Sky Blues calmed somewhat as the substitutes replace tiring legs and O’Kelly and Kelly combined for Walsh to lash in yet again and then finally Greene’s free was nonchalantly flicked home by Niall Hanratty to complete the scoring.
A memorable night for Steve Walsh.
Form Report
Jason Northey 5 Chris Hogan 5 Mick Greene 5 Fintan Grace 5 Cathal Clancy 5 Niall Lennon 5 Dave O’Kelly 6 Steve Walsh 9 Ross Kelly 7 Derek McGoldrick 5 Shane McInerney 6
Subs: Steve O’Hara 6 Colum O’Sullivan 5 Niall Hanratty 5 Paul Kinsella Dermot Dooley
April 25th, 2012 at 2:36 pm
An accurate account of the game.From a Cherryfield point of view, this was an encouraging performance, as we have only won one game out of twenty in this league. We travelled with the bare 11 players, and unfortunately Steven Gallagher pulled up with a hamstring strain after only 20 minutes, we were forced to play with 10 men for most of the first half. Another player arrived at half-time, so we had the full compliment for an exciting second-half.
From the start of the second-half we were playing some good football and forced our way back into the game, twice cutting the deficit to one goal at 4-3 and again at 5-4. At that stage it seemed like anyones game, indeed Cherryer looked likely to get an equaliser. Spartak then made substitutions and the arrival of the fresh legs was too much for us. Niall Hanratty closed down most of the threat we posed on our left side, and capped a very workmanlike display with a good goal. Mick Greene gave his usual 100%, and Steve Walsh was the star of the show with his four goals.
It was a treat to play against Spartak, they are always tough opponents but are a fair and sporting team, a great bunch of lads. Three of Spartaks goals came from set-pieces, a corner, a free-kick, and a long throw, which goes to show the dedication to training and practice pays off.Cherryfield will hopefully learn the lessons from this.
Believe it or not, this was one of Cherryfields better performances, Stephen Hennesssy was outstanding in midfield, although unfortunately he got caught up in an attacking role, and neglected his defensive duties,but it was that kind of game. Graham Dwyer, John Sherwin, Ger Thornton worked their socks off. In truth both teams played with great commitment. All in all, it was one of those crazy matches, that makes football such a joy, for us the swing from being down-and out, to clambouring back, raising hope and then the final result. An emotional roller coaster, and a thoroughly enjoyable evening.
We were also very lucky with the weather, as the spot of mild weather was like an oasis in a desert in the week that was in it.
In summation, it was a personal pleasure to meet up with Mick Greene and Paul McGowan again, a connection that goes way back.
April 26th, 2012 at 8:42 am
Cheers Tommy, enjoyed the game even though your lads did give us a scare. Best of luck for next season. Hopefully we will meet in the Cup final!