25.8.12
Spartak Over 35s 3, Spartak (youths!) 2
Despite being without the likes of Tony Kavanagh and Paddy Hughes, the more experienced cohort of Sky Blues had enough about them to outwit the younger element in a gently paced encounter.
A cracking early goal by Barry Maguire was about as good as it got for the younger crew, as they failed to build on early supremacy with Martin Costello and Jeff Gamble profligate with openings and midfield content to sit deep, despite being comfortably on top in the opening half. The seniors sat deep and Paul McGrath and Brian Stafford were generally comfortable in defence.
Gradually the seniors established midfield supremacy and the work rate of the younger team fell away with the younger midfield trio of Lee Malone, Shane McInerney and Jeff Gamble all short of match practice and consequently very rusty.
The second half saw the flow of the game change and a typically languid finish by Gerry Doran equalised before Martin Costello gifted Graham Johnston the chance, well taken, to put the Seniors ahead.
Somewhat stung, the younger lads pressed forward and Martin Costello fired wide with Greg Callan helpless after a rebound from Shane McInerney’s shot. A break by Cathal Clancy gave Jeff Gamble to chance to bundle home, before Rory Campbell tapped in the winner following a corner in which Fintan Grace sustained a knock which luckily proved not serious.
On the upside Martin will have 3 months to recover from recent exertions and on this evidence he needs it!
Form Report:
Over 35s:
Greg Callan 6 Brian Stafford 8 Tom Maher 6 Dave Mohan 6 Paul McGrath 8 Graham Johnston 7 Brian 6 Rory Campbell 6 Steve Mongey 6 Collie Reid 6 Leon David 6
The Youths:
Mick Costello 5 Barry Maguire 5 Conor Canavan 5 Fintan Grace 7 Cathal Clancy 5 Shane McInerney 5 Conor Callis 5 Shea McClafferty 6 Martin Costello 5 Jeff Gamble 6 Lee Malone 5 Mick Greene 5.
