10.5.14
Esker Celtic 3, Spartak 2
Spartak completed their Div 3 Sat programme in a closely fought game against the cup finalists.
The highlights of the game for Spartak came from Michael Leslie, who scored the opening and closing goals of this contest. His first, accepting the ball from a throw in and cutting inside on his favoured left foot, was a goal from the moment it left his boot, 25 yards out. A cracker. His second goal was from a similar distance, but this time from a free kick which found the corner of the net.
Spartak attacked consistently in the first period, with Jeff Gamble prominent in attack , and Conor Keegan making strong forays forward frm right back. However, the Sky Blues conceded just on half time, with Chris Hogan caught out of position; his defensive colleagues might have saved the day, but Esker took full advantage.
The home side started the second half strongly, but nonetheless it took two clear errors for them to build a lead. Keith Kelly had his pocket picked and , despite Fintan Grace’s best efforts, the forward scored. Fintan then made a marvellous block after a free struck the post and a goal on the follow up seemed certain.
The third goal, from distance, will leave Bobby Hayes disappointed; Bobby made a number of good saves, but a loss of concentration left him wrong footed and the ball went in via the post.
Spartak’s reaction to the setback of going two behind was heartening; the midfield work rate went up a notch, with Dermot Dooley and Fergus Burke prominent while substitutes Conor Callis and David Kernan added pace and trickery. Niall Lennon, quiet in the first half, grew into the game and added guile to the mix.
Callis’s shot was deflected wide; Lennon’s run got him into a shooting position but he shot straight at the keeper; Mick Leslie had a couple of runs and crosses not converted.
A clever combination between Lennon and Callis saw the latter supply the perfect cut back to late sub Kevin Loftus, just six yards out but his panicky swipe was inneffectual.
Form Report
Bobby Hayes 6 Conor Keegan 7 Chris Hogan 5 Keith Kelly 5 Fintan Grace 7 Shane McInerney 5 Niall Lennon 7 Dermot Dooley 7 Mick Leslie 8 Jeff Gamble 7 Fergus Burke 7
Subs David Kernan 7 Conor Callis 7 Kevin Loftus 5
