17.11.13
Beechwood 2, Spartak 2
Another fine Spartak performance against a top 4 side on the Marlay Astro saw the points shared; Spartak looked to be reasonably in control until at 1-1 Martin Costello’s error gave the home side a soft score; but were grateful for the point when a brilliant Jason Northey save from a point blank effort foiled Beechwood at the death.
Beechwood started like a house on fire with the right winger giving Dave Browne a torrid time; but a combination of blocks and clearances kept out the danger, until a poor Neil McGowan pass gave away possesion to the home left winger; he was faced with several Sky Blue clad defenders but scored with some ease.
On the half hour mark some good pressing work saw Thomas Gaynor intercept and play a 1/2 with Derek Ruxton before sweeping home from 18 yards.
Spartak improved considerably in the second half with a McGowan cross coming back off the inside of the post and Thomas Gaynor making good runs on the left in support of the raiding Steve Walsh.
With the home side taking the lead on 61 minutes against the run of play, it took till the 79th minute when a Gaynor foray saw his cross touched on by Paul Kinsella for Stephen Barr to force in from close range.
A Ruxton – Walsh move gave Barr a clear sight of goal but he fired over for what was Spartak’s best opportunity for a winner; but Northey saved the day right at the end.
Form Report
Jason Northey 8 Paul Kinsella 7 Dave Browne 5 Sean Doyle 7 Martin Costello 6 Fergus Burke 7 Neil McGowan 6 Derek Ruxton 6 Thomas Gaynor 7 Thom O’Driscoll 6 Steve Walsh 7
Sub Stephen Barr 6
