A vote of thanks Rob Smith, a real Sky Blue legend, who played his usual heroic role in the end of season Swindon escapade; arranging matches, marking the pitch; washing out dressing rooms; arranging accommodation and taxis for all. Nothing was too much trouble, and he paved the way for another very pleasant weekend. Spartak’s first visit to Swindon was in 1997 and this was the 5th trip in all.
Spartak’s travelling party was depleted on the day of departure as Dave Thomson was prevented by the authorities from leaving the country and Seamus McCahill became the latest victim of the recession, so there was a travelling party of just 10 players, augmented by local ex Sky Blues Alan Kavanagh and Rob Smith and also Rob’s nephew Daniel Smith.
The Bacchanalian excesses of the previous year were not repeated and to their credit the Spartak lads were in good shape for the Saturday game, and up bright and early for the Sunday morning start.
The Saturday game was competitive, far from a friendly with some meaty challenges. Ge rByrne and Mcik Plunkett, among others, took a few heavy knocks. The visitors took a two goal lead before Spartak asserted superiority for the second quarter and spurned a couple of good chances through Ross Kelly and Colum O’Sullivan. Glen Burke turned neatly to finish and there was also a good shout for a penalty. The Sky Blues were -1-2 down at half time.
Anto Doyle was caught in possession to concede again immediately after a blatantly offside goal to allow the home side open the gap to 4-1 and then close range goals by Ger Byrne and Colum O’Sullivan kept the visitors in touch; but fresh substitutes, and injuries to Alan Kavanagh and Thom O’Driscoll, saw the home side clinch it at 6-3.
The Sunday morning game against a fresh team was always going to be a challenge and wasn’t helped by a particularly inept display by a certain Anthony Doyle, who was turned inside and out by the winger who ran at him straight from the kick off and scored after just 22 seconds. Anto failed even to give the winger a stern look! Alan Kavanagh was ruled out by injury and Ross Kelly had to go in goal, where he took off two astonishing saves.
The visitors battled away and Colum O’Sullivan blazed over while Glen Burke also went close but the home side were good value for a 5-0 win with Spartak running on empty.
Such a thin squad was never enough to beat a team like Moredon Cheney, who had roll on roll off subs and in any case were an excellent side; if anything a lot stronger than last year, and with a fresh team on Sunday.
Nonetheless there was no lack of effort and, after two physical contests on successive days, the Spartak players were left with only the scars of battle to show for their strenuous efforts.
Form Report:
Alan Kavanagh 7 Anthony Doyle 4 Mick Plunkett 7 Steve Grier 8 Rob Smith 7 Thom O’Driscoll 7 Colum O’Sullivan 6 Edo Maino 5 Ross Kelly 6 Glen Burke 8 Daniel Smith 7 Jason Doyle 5
