29.9.13
Spartak 2 Dundrum 2
A sparkling first half display should have seen the Sky Blues clinch all three points before the interval but a number of missed chances, allied to a drop in intensity in the second half, allowed Dundrum to share the spoils; indeed the visitors had a goal ruled out near the end, while the home side could muster little in the way of threat as players tired.
Spartak began in bright fashion, Neil McGowan squaring for Martin Costello ten yards out, but the keeper blocked with his feet. Seams McCahill forced a save at the back post and just after was put through on goal; his first touch was heavy and the keeper smothered the ball. Dave Browne sent Martin Costello away on a one on one, but he dragged his effort wide. A fine move involving several players saw Martin in a good position on the left but his attempt to find the unmarked Neil McGowan was blocked. Steve Walsh had a fine chance when put through by Neil, and the rebound fell to Martin 20 yards out with the goal open; his shot was off target.
A fine ball by Niall Hanratty sent Steve Walsh in for goal number one on 25 minutes, and two minutes later a long throw by Dave Browne was diverted in by a defender.
The visitors regrouped at half time and forced substitutions through injury, together with a lack of fitness, saw the Spartak side run low on energy. Confusion at the back post saw a hesitant defensive reaction from Spartak , and Dundrum took full advantage to reduce arrears on 64 minutes. They equalised when a gentle header from a long throw bounced into an empty after Jason Northey came out to join central defenders all trying to win the first touch .
Seamus McCahill saved a number of threatening situations with timely interceptions and tackles. Spartak’s only real chance of the second half came when a looping Thom O’Driscoll shot drifted wide.
A third goal, or a repeat of the first half performance, would have clinched the win; by the end Spartak were the more relieved with the point.
Form Report
Jason Northey 5 Conor Keegan 6 Aodhan McCahill 6 Seamus McCahill 8 Dave Browne 6 Ken Buckley 6 Neil McGowan 6 Niall Hanratty 5 Lee Malone 5 Martin Costello 5 Steve Walsh 6
