8.4.13
Spartak 2, AIB 1
Desire and self belief were the key characteristics of this win over a team close to the top of the table in the first of the midweek games.
In April, the swallows return, daffodils bloom and Niall Lennon comes out of winter hibernation to make his first start since 6th October!
For a long time Spartak looked as if they would get nothing from this game after AIB scored from a corner on 20 minutes. Jeff Gamble had a chance but could not capitalise after good work from Paul Byrne. Stephen Barr made a fine saving tackle at the other end and Jason Northey saved following a free to keep the deficit at one at the interval.
AIB smacked one off the bar to give notice of their promotion intentions and then Mick Costello had a good run but his cross was lacking. Then Mick headed wide from a good position after approach play by Chris Hogan and Paul Byrne. As Spartak came more into he game Steve O’Hara fired over after a golamouth scramble.
An error in the AIB defence let Stephen Barr in for the equaliser on 77 minutes and then to Sky Blue joy Byrne and Barr combined to allow Martin Costello to drill home on 86 minutes.
A fine victory fuelled by a will to win spirit.
Form Report
Jason Northey 7 Chris Hogan 7 Steve O’Hara 7 Sean Doyle 7 Cathal Clancy 7 Stephen Barr 7 Jeff Gamble 5 Niall Lennon 6 Mick Costello 5 Paul Byrne 6 Martin Costello 6
subs : Conor Callis 6 Dermot Dooley 5 Joe Roe Shane McInerney Fintan Grace
