23.2.14
Spartak 2, Leixlip 2
There were some key controversial decisions which affected this game and both sides will be left feeling aggrieved. Leixlip’s first goal was given despite being 15 yards offside; then Leixlip had a goal awarded, but then disallowed, after confusion over an offside decision.
Spartak could not however not argue with Jason Northey’s dismissal for a impeding a forward when both had missed the ball, and having gone 2-1 down with ten men showed character to stage a comeback.
Spartak were in full control in the first half and when Neil McGowan’s header was pushed on to the bar by the keeper, Derek Ruxton was on hand to fire the rebound home. But the SKy Blues made the near fatal error of taking the foot off the gas with neither full back venturing forward in support and generally taking the easy option with passes when more incisive work was needed.
It was one all at half time and after Derek Ruxton took up his position between the posts, Leixlip took the lead after a corner.
A burst from the back by Seamus McCahill led to the equaliser. Seamus fed the ball to Neil McGowan, and a neat pass gave Steve Walsh the chance to beat his man and slot home.
With ten men Spartak had shown character; a lack of kiler instinct had proved costly in the first half.
Form Report
Jason Northey 4 Lee Malone 5 Dave Browne 5 Paul Kinsella 7 Seamus McCahill 7 Fergus Burke 7 Neil McGowan 7 Niall Hanratty 5 Derek Ruxton 7 David Kernan 7 Steve Walsh 7
Subs Ken Buckley 6 Mick Leslie 6
