2.2.13
Spartak Div 3 7, Spartak over 35s 2
With bad weather halting league games for yet another weekend, a two hour work out on the astro proved a test too extreme for the older Spartak players, who nevertheless gave a strong performance until the energy ran out. A regulation game would have meant a closer contest. However the game gave many players on both sides a chance to brush up on fitness.
Initially played at a pace more suited to the Father Ted Over 75s, some players took it into their hands to step up the tempo. Conor Callis was bright and sharp on the right, scored and assisted, and is showing clear signs of improvement; when his decision making matches his skill he will be a player to watch.
Paul Thormley for the seniors displayed good hold up skills and scored a memorable goal, embarrassing David Marlow in the process with a 40 yard effort. David later redeemed himself somewhat with a good save from Paul Burke’s close range effort. Ken Byrne, in his first game for months, showed glimpses of his old (should that be young?) self and Dave Whelan took his goal well after a Keith Kelly and Lee Malone mix up.
Stephen Barr scored a fine volley from outside the box to restore a lead at 2-1.
Paul Byrne, in a deeper role, joined up the dots effectively with clever intercepts and accurate passing.
Some of the scores were soft or embarrassing – we won’t name the culprits here.
Overall a good day.
Form Report
Div 3: David Marlow 6 Chris Hogan 6 Fintan Grace 6 Lee Malone 6 Sean Doyle 6 Martin Costello 6 Stephen Barr 6 Conor Callis 7 Paul Byrne 8 Ross Kelly 6 Thom O’Driscoll 6 Keith Kelly 6 Joe Roe 6 Niall Lennon 6 Mick Greene 6
Over 35s
Jimmy Browne 6 Tony Kavanagh 7 Greg Callan 6 Paul McGrath 7 Dave Mohan 6 Brian Farrelly 6 Tom Maher 6 Paul Thormley 8 Ken Byrne 7 Bernard McGuiness 6 Dave Whelan 6 Graham Johnston 7 Leon David 6 Paddy Hughes 7 Shea McClafferty 6 Paul Burke 6
