6.10.12
Spartak 2, Swords Celtic 0.
A topsy turvy turnaround week for the Sky Blues, who came badly unstuck in the previous game against Sallynoggin Pearse, but recovered strongly to inflict defeat on the league leaders.
On a fine day in Marlay, with the pitch in good condition, the game featured quite a bit of good football and Spartak will be well pleased with the points, while the visitors will wonder how they failed to convert so many chances; this was a reversal of the trend and the outcome three weeks ago when Swords came out on top.
Swords had lost for the first time the previous week, and looked short of confidence in front of goal, while the home side were resolute in their efforts to atone for a tame display the week before.
Naill Lennon, Neil McGowan and Adam Doran combined calmly to probe the Swords defence; in general the Spartak side played a pleasing brand of controlled football in the first half, while Shane McInerney busied himself breaking up Swords play.
Spartak created many first half chances, but failed to capitalise. Neill Bolger, a busy presence up front, lobbed wide when in the clear; he also shot wide when Niall Hanratty put him through, and was denied a stone wall penalty when he was felled racing into the box. Hanratty was then put clear by Adam Doran, but shot wide.
The home defence proved vulnerable to the ball over the top, and Steve Grier, capable stand in keeper, had to come to the rescue on a few occasions. When Steve was beaten, Mick Costello made a timely goal line clearance.
In the second half Chris Hogan and Adam Doran, so effective in getting forward from full back in the first half, played it long to a greater extent and Spartak did not look quite as cohesive. A great run and finish by Neill Bolger on 49 minutes edged the Sky Blues in front.
Costello headed over from McGowan’s free kick before, on 69 minutes, sub Lee Dunne combined with McGowan and Hanratty before Mick Costello fired home spectacularly from the edge of the box.
Steve Grier brought off a fine tip over save to keep Swords at bay as the visitors frustration grew and finally the no. 7 saw red for a bad challenge on Hanratty.
Two fine goals, a clean sheet and three points against the leaders. A good day’s work.
Form Report
Steve Grier 8 Chris Hogan 7 Adam Doran 8 Fintan Grace 7 Keith Kelly 7 Shane McInerney 7 Niall Lennon 8 Niall Hanratty 7 Neil McGowan 7 Mick Costello 7 Neill Bolger 7
Subs: Lee Dunne 6 Joe Roe 5 Barry Maguire 5
