6.8.14
Mt Merrion u18s/19s 1, Spartak 1
A late penalty miss by Seamus McCahill denied the Sky Blues a friendly victory over the Paul Burke managed Merrion side. Overall a draw was a fair result in a lively contest on the Benildus Astro.
A neatly taken Ross Kelly goal gave Spartak the lead early on but the locals equalised before the break when Jeff Gamble lost possession as Spartak broke well and fast, leaving scant cover, and Spartak were duly punished.
Niall Lennon had an industrious evening and passed well; Paul Kinsella and Martin Costello kept things tight at the back, and Conor Callis’ speed kept the Merrion defence on the back foot. Indeed a more direct approach by Conor might have paid dividends, but he did provide a couple of highlights, rounding the keeper only to have is shot blocked on the line, and later winning the penalty with his persistence.
Lee Malone, Fergus Burke and Stuart Love all had stints in central midfield, and all looked in need of the run to build fitness and sharpness. Ross Kelly toiled up front, showed good touches and had his goal as a reward for his efforts, but 45 minutes proved enough as he works towards fitness.
Jeff Gamble excited and frustrated his colleagues, often in the same move, and too often opted for the riskier passing option. Mick Greene filled two positions in turn adequately, first in goal and then at full back, while on the other flank Dave Browne had to resort to any available methods to combat the opposing winger’s pace.
A resourceful display and a decent step towards the oncoming season.
Man of the Match : Paul Kinsella
Form Report
Mick Greene 6 Lee Malone 5 Dave Browne 5 Paul Kinsella 7 Martin Costello 7 Fergus Burke 5 Jeff Gamble 5 Conor Callis 7 Ross Kelly 6 Niall Lennon 7 Stuart Love 5 David Kernan 7 Jason Northey 6 Seamus McCahill 6 Chris Hogan 6 Kevin Loftus 6
