20.1.13
Spartak 0, Balbriggan 4.
A deeply disappointing result from a Spartak side lacking form.
Jason Northey was the busier goalkeeper throughout as the Sky Blues struggled to gain ascendancy.
The visitors had the first opportunity after Niall Hanratty switched off but Northey saved, and this pattern continued, with Paul Kinsella and Conor Keegan picking up yellow cards attempting to stem the flow.
A big opportunity for the home side came when Neil McGowan’s pass released Steve Walsh but his effort lacked his usual conviction and was saved.
The visitors then scored in the 41st and 42nd minutes. The first came when a careless throw in by Aodhan McCahill allowed Balbriggan to break; Martin Costello, attempting to intercept, could only direct the ball to another forward and Northey was helpless. Moments later a mix up between Northey and Kinsella gave Balbriggan an easy second.
The second period was more even but late goals, sloppily conceded, sealed the result. Derek Ruxton let his man away to tap in a free kick crossed into the box, and then a rebound saw the visitors react to score. Again the best chances of the period fell to Steve Walsh but he was foiled by the keeper.
Form Report:
Jason Northey 6 Conor Keegan 6 Aodhan McCahill 4 Martin Costello 5 Paul Kinsella 5 Ken Buckley 5 Neil McGowan 5 Niall Hanratty 4 Mark Brady 4 Stephen Barr 5 Stephen Walsh 5
Subs: Fergus Burke 5 Derek Ruxton 4 Dariusz Cismas 5 Dave Browne Thom O Driscoll Stuart Love
