29.9.12
Sallynoggin Pearse 8, Spartak 1
This game, on the old sloping pitch at Rochestown Avenue, was overshadowed by an injury to keeper Bobby Hayes which necessitated a trip to hospital; Bobby bravely dived at the forward’s feet and sustained a nasty head injury. Luckily the visit entailed no more than stitches to repair the damage.
The score at the time of Bobby’s departure was 1-1, Adam Doran having headed an equaliser from Niall Lennon’s free after the Sky Blues had uncharacteristically conceded from a corner.
The thankless task of replacing Bobby fell to Mick Greene, who had the misfortune to receive little protection from his team mates, and who, due to injury, was severely restricted.
Spartak’s misfortune did not end at Bobby’s injury; due to cry offs a number of players carrying knocks had to turn out and the second half took its toll as the home side, in a clinical display of finishing, drove home their advantage. Everything Sallynoggin hit went in, while, remarkably in such a one sided score, Spartak had many chances themselves to score but finished ineptly.
Joe Roe would not have been flattered with a hat trick, Neill Bolger volleyed over with the keeper out of position, with Adam Doran, Shane McInerney and Niall Lennon all having efforts to add to the score.
So a poor defensive display and equally poor at the other end.
To record that the home side were bottom of the league prior to this game, and that this was their first win, only adds to the pain.
Form Report
Bobby Hayes 7 Chris Hogan 4 Adam Doran 7 Fintan Grace 5 Keith Kelly 5 Shane McInerney 5 Niall Lennon 4 Conor Callis 4 Dermot Dooley 5 Joe Roe 4 Neill Bolger 4
Subs: Mick Greene 5 Glenn Dowling 5
