21.10.12
St Pats SC 0, Spartak 2
The Sky Blues bagged all three points in a low key game in which they failed to press home territorial advantage against an under strength home side who had a number of players out through suspension.
While keeping a clean sheet the Sky blues defence did not cover themselves with glory and the home side had early chances; Alex Kenny headed clear close to the line while Spartak were frequently in trouble of their own making, often through careless or slow distribution.
Steve Grier almost gave Spartak the lead with a fine long range shot which thudded off the crossbar and Neil McGowan, following up, forced the keeper into a good save at the expense of a corner.
Dave Browne then nominated himself for a humanitarian award by halting a Spartak attack to get attention for a Pats forward. I can think of some venues where the action might not be reciprocated!
On 19 minutes a Steve Walsh free was dropped by the keeper and Graham McEnroe almost apologetically prodded home to give the Sky Blues the lead.
Meanwhile the defence continued as before with Niall Hanratty attempting a blind back pass and Dave Browne
conceding a dangerous free for dissent when play was in the other half. Jason Northey pawed away the free.
Spartak then might have scored but after an untidy scramble the ball was cleared.
The second period followed much the same pattern with Spartak failing to press home their advantage, with passing not up to scratch and a certain amount of over carrying the ball; and always at risk of an error at the back. A mix up between Alex and Jason conceded a corner; Steve Grier, who dominated the midfield aerial battles, headed a goalbound shot clear after more defensive mishaps.
Opportunities came to the Sky Blues mostly through the creativity shown by Steve Walsh. He laid on a shot fro Niall Hanratty who fired wide; and then from Steve’s free Graham McEnroe had an effort blocked. A Walsh combination with Conor Maguire put Seamus McCahill through for a good one on one opportunity but he could not find the required finish and the keeper saved. It was no surprise, albeit a big relief, that it was Steve Walsh who laid on the cross for Neil McGowan to nod the insurance goal on 78 minutes. Neil then moments later went on to miss from close range.
While the table will show us moving in the right direction, and three points and a clean sheet are always welcome, this was not one of Spartak’s brighter displays.
Form Report
Jason Northey 6 Niall Hanratty 6 Aodhan McCahill 6 Steve Grier 7 Alex Kenny 6 Dave Browne 6 Neil McGowan 7 Seamus McCahill 5 Graham McEnroe 5 Conor Maguire 6 Steve Walsh 8
Ken Buckley 5 Paul Kinsella 5 Thom O’Driscoll 5
