Spartak 3 Ashbourne Utd 1
Spartak recorded their first league win at home on Saturday against a determined Ashbourne side. Although the first half was a pretty tight affair Spartak were slightly on top and did create a few openings. Barry Crowe, Ray Grady and Tom Maher all had half chances but failed to break the deadlock.
The game opened up in the second half with both teams tiring somewhat. Spartak opened the scoring early in the half when a neat passing move resulted in a tap in for Mark Byrne. Despite loud protests for offside by the opposition, the goal stood. A few minutes later a harmless cross bounced awkwardly and struck Dave Mohan on the arm resulting in the referee awarding a harsh penalty which was converted. Spartak pressed for a winner and were rewarded when Barry Crowe scored with a good finish. The points were made secure in the 90th minute when a free kick from Barry Crowe deflected off Tom Maher to make it 3-1. Just reward for Tom having hit the post with an excellent header earlier in the half.
An unfortunate hand injury to Jimmy Browne early in the game was the only downside in what was a very good performance all round. Greg Callan deputised to good effect between the sticks.
The spartak panel was Jimmy Browne , Tom Maher, Dave Mohan, Leon David, Greg Callan, Ken Byrne, Gavin McLaughlan, Brian Stafford, Stephen Carr, Frank McNamee, Ray Grady, Paul Burke, Mark Byrne, Aaron Doran.
