1.12.13
Spartak 4, Sallynoggin Pearse 3
Spartak had to rely on two late goals to clinch this game after going two up inside the opening nine minutes.
Stev Walsh was tumbled in the box by the keeper after just 50 seconds and Stephen Barr made no mistake from the spot. On 9 minutes a quick Paul Kinsella throw gave Steve Walsh room to manoeuvre the ball onto his left foot and lash it home from 20 yards.
Keith Kelly , on the burst, then chose the wrong option, passing to a tightly marked Derek Ruxton, who could only shoot weakly at the keeper.
Then things went very sour for the Sky Blues; Sallynoggin pulled one back as the defence backed off; then a sloppily conceded corne by Jason Northey saw an equaliser as the flag kick, half cleared, was smashed in. From a Spartak throw, possession was gifted to the visitors and Fergus Burke tripped the forward. It seemed outside the box, but the ref pointed to the spot . Luckily the kicker saw his shot crash off the post and fly to safety.
But Sallynoggin were not to be denied their lead and a quick ball turned back into the box saw the chance converted. 2-3 down and injuries forced off Keith Kelly and Stephen Barr.
The second half saw a better Spartak performance overall, with chances created for Martin Costello and Steve Walsh as Spartak sought an equaliser. With just 4 minutes left a Derek Ruxton pass sent Stev Walsh into the box on the right; he was clipped – peno! Up stepped Sean Doyle on this occasion to equalise.
But relief was soon to turn to joy on 88 minutes as , after a foul on Niall Hanratty, Sean Doyle whipped a quick free in Steve Walsh’s direction; with the keeper advancing off his line Steve neatly placed the ball over his head and into the top corner.
A very welcome three points indeed.
Form Report
Jason Northey 6 Paul Kinsella 7 Dave Browne 6 Sean Doyle 7 Martin Costello 6 Fergus Burke 7 Stephen Barr 7 Niall Hanratty 6 Derek Ruxton 6 Keith Kelly 6 Steve Walsh 9
Subs : Lee Malone 5 Dave O Kelly 6
