27.9.14
Knockmitten Utd 2, Spartak 7
Spartak made light of a number of absentees to score a resounding win. Bobby Hayes, Keith Kelly and Conor Keegan were all marked absent, while the injured Shane McInerney had to be content with a touchline role. The redoubtable Tony Kavanagh rolled back the years to make an appearance as the over 35s were idle. Mick Young was also unavailable for selection – confusing reality with the virtual life he stayed at home to watch television and admire Phil Jagielka’s fine strike.
The opening exchanges did not augur well; Chris Hogan wasted no time in delivering a couple of foul throws, and on 15 minutes Mick Costello raced from his goal to the left hand side to make a timely clearance. Alas his fellow defenders were sound asleep and the ball was returned quickly to the Spartak net before Mick could recover his ground.
A fine move involving Niall Hanratty and Niall Lennon saw Jeff Gamble deliver an inviting cross which was headed home by Adam Doran for the equaliser. Jeff had earlier missed a close range header from Fidel Benson’s cross but Spartak took the lead when Mick Leslie battled for the ball at the edge of the box, and the ball dropped for Jeff Gamble to fire home. Just on half time Adam Doran stretched Spartak’s lead with a great effort from the half way line, reminiscent of David Beckham’s goal many years ago.
The Spartak midfield trio of Niall Lennon, Adam Doran and Fidel Benson took complete charge in the second period. Spartak were now rampant and Jeff Gamble scored following a good pass by Niall Hanratty.
Ciaran Keane, who up to this point had not done himself justice, then scored from close range from a move started by Mick Costello and carried on by Hanratty and Gamble; and then Ciaran fired in a fine cross converted by Gamble for number 6.
Jeff Gamble got his fourth goal courtesy of a surging run and cross by Fidel Benson and Niall Hanratty fired over from close range while Dave O’Kelly struck the post as Spartak attacked at will.
Knockmitten scored a consolation from the spot after a defensive mix up to bookend the scoring.
Biggest win in a while and man of the match must go to Jeff Gamble for finding his finishing touch so well, but Niall Lennon ran him close with an assured midfield display, aided by Adam Doran and Fidel Benson.
Form Report
Mick Costello 7 Conor Canavan 6 Chris Hogan 6 Niall Hanratty 7 Dave O’Kelly 7 Ciaran Keane 6 Adam Doran 8 Jeff Gamble 8 Niall Lennon 8 Fidel Benson 7 Mick Leslie 7
Subs: Tony Kavanagh 6 Rafal Sarwinski 6
