7.12.13
Leicester Celtic 1, Spartak 1.
Another clash with table toppers Leicester, who have lost just one game all season.
Heavily beaten in Marlay earlier by the same opponents, Spartak set out to rectify the situation with grit and determination.
Stand in keeper Mick Costello’s bravery cost him dearly after 15 minutes, when a knee to the head forced him off; Mick Greene proved a capable deputy.
The centre back pairing of Sean Doyle and Stephen Barr were rock like in their determination to keep the hosts at bay; and Leicester were subdued for the first half. Indeed Spartak had better opportunities as Stephen Barr’s header from Sean Doyle’s corner came back off the bar, while earlier Dave Berry had lobbed over from Shane McInerney’s pass and Conor Keegan fired too close to the keeper after a fine passing move.
Leicester finally upped the tempo and eventually made te breakthrough mid way through the second half, but a thumping Dave O Kelly header from Sean Doyle’s flag kick levelled matters. Leicester had further chances, but Spartak maintained their attacking threat and Conor Callis and Jervis Mulhall were both fouled on the break in dangerous positions.
Overall a satisfying performance.
Form Report
Mick Costello 7 Dave O Kelly 7 Chris Hogan 7 Sean Doyle 9 Stephen Barr 9 Shane McInerney 7 Fintan Grace 7 Conor Keegan 7 Jervis Mulhall 7 Mick Leslie 7 Dave Berry 7 Mick Greene 7 Conor Callis 7
