15.12.13
Leixlip 2, Spartak 3
Spartak edged this close encounter on the Leixlip Astro in the last game before the Christmas break.
In truth better finishing would have clinched the game earlier for the Sky Blues, who had to come back from 2-1 down in the last quarter to win. Steve Walsh was particularly profligate in this regard and Spartak’s top scorer, on another day, could easily have had a hat trick.
Martin Costello betrayed the edginess going into this game by conceding a free, and a yellow card, early on. Ken Buckley, who later settled well, set the local winger away with a loose ball but the shot was wasteful.
Spartak made the breakthrough mid way through the half when Neil McGowan was fouled and Stev Walsh flighted the free kick for Seamus McCahill to glance home.
Having taken the lead Spartak, never comfortable defensively on the day, conceded on the half hour when after an error by Lee Malone, his central defensive colleagues were all too easily beaten by a forward run and the equaliser was inevitable – 1-1.
Steve Walsh and Neil McGowan missed a couple of chances between them before a Leixlip breakaway from a Spartak corner saw Mick Greene pull off a vital stop.
The second half saw some fine attacking play by Spartak, with Walsh, McGowan, Derek Ruxton and Stuart Love combining well; but Steve Walsh was off goalscoring form and missed quite a few opportunities; then on 67 minutes Leixlip converted a free kick to lead against the run of play.
Spartak responded and redoubled their efforts to get something from the game.
With 15 minutes to go Seamus McCahill burst forward and when his shot was blocked Derek Ruxton slotted in for the equaliser. Neil McGowan and Steve Walsh were shipping some heavy tackles and on late tackle saw the home side receive a double punishment as the defender got a second yellow and Walsh’s free was forced in by Stuart Love for the winning goal and the vital three points.
Form Report
Mick Greene 7 Lee Malone 5 Dave Browne 6 Seamus McCahill 6 Martin Costello 6 Fergus Burke 6 Neil McGowan 7 Ken Buckley 6 Derek Ruxton 7 Stuart Love 7 Steve Walsh 7
Subs : Conor Callis 5 Paul Kinsella 5 Mick Leslie 5 Dermot Dooley
