22.9.13
Spartak 3, Fort Rangers (Kilkenny) 4
A belated start to the season saw Spartak’s first team just pipped by a sharper visiting side in Marlay in a sporting contest well refereed by Michael Dolan.
A stray pass by Paul Kinsella and poor positioning by his back four colleagues saw Fort take the lead in a fast breakaway on 9 minutes, the shot going in off a post. This was just after Niall Hanratty forced the visiting keeper into a fine save. Spartak shot back two minutes later, Eggy finishing after a fine run by Steve Walsh.
Spartak settled and played some decent football, with Fergus Burke and Conor Keegan prominent and with Martin Costello working hard in the lone frontman role. Niall Hanratty was strong in possession while Steve Walsh’s runs caused problems for the visitors. At the back Seamus McCahill and co gradually came to grips with pacy forwards after a shaky start; improvement will arrive as fitness and sharpness return.
A powerful header from a corner on 27 minutes gave Fort the lead again which they held till the interval.
On 49 minutes Steve Walsh was again the provider as Martin Costello equalised at the second attempt, his first effort striking the post. However the lead was short lived as the Sky Blues conceded again from a corner when a forward had time to turn and score on the six yard line.
On 78 minutes a poor pass by sub Jeff Gamble left Conor Keegan in a tussle for possession which led to the fourth goal for the visitors but Conor made amends by starting and finishing a fine move with a neat header. 3-4.
Now the chase was on for the equaliser but despite frantic efforts Fort held out.
Man of the Match: Fergus Burke
