8.12.13
Spartak 1, Meath Rangers 4
Usually a goal with the last kick of the game produces a dramatic outcome; not so on this occasion as Martin Costello’s neatly taken effort was scant consolation for what had gone before.
December conditions were ideal for good football, but unfortunately Spartak had left their appetite at home. Meath did not have to be at their best to easily overcome a Sky Blue team that was far off the pace.
One down at the break, when both full backs were exposed in the same move, not for the only time, and only a couple of saves from Jason Northey kept the scoreline at a reasonable level from which to launch a comeback.
When Steve Walsh’s effort from a free kick cannoned off the underside of the bar, Spartak’s best chance of an equaliser diminished as Meath began to boss the game.
Goals for the visitors were sure to follow and so, as Spartak legs tired and concentrion dropped even lower, they followed on quick succession with hardly token resistance, while Jason Northey saved a penalty conceded by Dave Browne to keep the score down.
One of those games you wish never happened; and particularly disheartening after a few decent displays. The after match atmosphere was glum and some hard work required to get the performance levels back up.
Form Report:
Jason Northey 7 Dave Browne 4 Paul Kinsella 4 Dave O Kelly 6 Martin Costello 5 Fergus Burke 5 Neil McGowan 4 Niall Hanratty 4 Derek Ruxton 4 Thomas Gaynor 4 Steve Walsh 5 Lee Malone 5
