13.1.13
Spartak 3, Larkview 1
There are not many games where both centre backs get on the scoresheet, but Messrs Grier and McCahill both featured, Steve with his first of the season, and Seamus with his first for many years on a frosty morning in Marlay. The visitors continually harangued the ref, and received numerous yellow cards, finally getting a red with ten minutes left. The Sky Blues were restrained in contrast.
Spartak took the lead on 10 minutes, when Steve Grier’s throw in was cleared back to him on the right. Stepping inside a defender he fired to the far corner with his left foot. 1-0.
A good break saw Neil McGowan and Conor Maguire combine to give Aodhan McCahill, racing forward from left back, a chance, but the baby of the team fired straight at the keeper.
Larkview equalised from a break after a Neil McGowan pass went astray; the defence was caught square and although Jason Northey raced out, blocked and forced the striker wide, his defensive colleagues did not have the presence of mind to cover the goal.
Conor Maguire struck the bar with a decent effort and a Steve Walsh free whistled past the post while Paul Kinsella and Neil McGowan combined to put in Niall Hanratty but he dragged his shot wide. Conor Maguire was having no luck with set pieces and fired some poor deliveries which were easily blocked.
On 40 minutes the Sky Blues regained the lead; mistakes in the visiting defence gave Neil McGowan a chance to lob the keeper from 30 yards; but his effort, miscued, turned into a perfect pass for Conor Maguire who fired home.
The visitors began the second half in determined mood; however they were thwarted both by Jason Northey’s good saves, sterling defensive work, and their own limitations.
On the hour Spartak added a goal. Neil McGowan’s corner saw Conor Maguire’s shot blocked. The ball fell to Seamus McCahill six yards out and he fired home for his first goal since records began! Or April 2011 to be precise.
That was more or less that and the home side kept their shape and discipline to see out the result.
Form Report
Jason Northey 8 Paul Kinsella 7 Aodhan McCahill 7 Steve Grier 8 Seamus McCahill 7 Derek Ruxton 7 Neil McGowan 7 Niall Hanratty 6 Dave Thomson 7 Conor Maguire 7 Steve Walsh 7
Subs: Stuart Love 6 Thom O’Driscoll 6
