3.11.13
Meath Rangers 4, Spartak 3
Its always sore to lose a game which should have been sewn up; this was one of those games.
Despite Meath starting sharper on a near perfect Stannaway pitch, Spartak created enough to win. An error by Ken Buckley gave the hosts an early opportunity, but Jason Northey pulled off a fine save; then Niall Hanratty, Derek Ruxton and Dave Browne got into a mess but the home forward missed the proverbial opener. It was no surprise when Meath took the lead on 16 minutes.
It took just two minutes for Spartak to respond, with Fergus Burke winning the ball and feeding Derek Ruxton on the right. The cross fell neatly for Steve Walsh to finish.
A Ken Buckley pass put Stu Love in on the left and his cross cum shot fell to Steve Walsh with the goal gaping, but the usually reliable winger put it over from a couple of yards. Then a Buckley pass allowed Walsh to unleash a stinging shot, which was pushed over by the keeper.
A faulty offside appeal let Meath in again but Martin Costello made a great saving tackle.
A Niall Hanratty handball gave a free kick opportunity, which Jason Northey touched onto the bar.
On 52 minutes Spartak took the lead as Stu Love released Steve Walsh to round the keeper and score and Spartak were reasonably comfortable, defending well and looking for a third on the break.
But on 74 minutes Stu Love was harshly adjudged to have handled and, the penalty scored, Meath had fresh impetus.
A couple of bad errors gave away two quick goals before the Sky Blues could regain their composure. from 2-1 to 2-4 in a matter of minutes.
Spartak responded. Thomas Gaynor voleyed two efforts over the bar; Stu Love could not force the ball over the line under challenge; finally a penalty award allowed Neil McGowan to bring it back to 3-4.
Despite a wave of attacks, Meath held on.
Form Report
Jason Northey 7 Niall Hanratty 5 Dave Browne 5 Seamus McCahill 6 Martin Costello 6 Fergus Burke 6 Neil McGowan 6 Stuart Love 7 Ken Buckley 5 Derek Ruxton 5 Steve Walsh 7
Subs: Thos Gaynor 5 Mark Brady 5
