28.9.14
Spartak 5 Seaford 2
As Sven Goran Erikkson was fond of saying – first half good , second half not so good.
With Jason Northey injured, Adam Doran played in goal. Paul Kinsella started despite carrying a knock, while Neil McGowan, also injured, took a spot on the bench
Dave Browne made his first start of the season having returned from his many travels, missing the last three games. Steve Grier was on his own sojourn around South Dublin looking for his kit and missed the kick off, eventually making an undistinguished second half appearance. Boots, shin pads, socks. Its a heavy burden. He could be in line for the Rob Deering perpetual trophy!
Spartak began brightly, and after just five minutes a Steve Walsh cross found an unmarked Martin Costello, who firmly headed home.
Seaford regrouped and the number 7 took full advantage on the Spartak left, where Dave Browne seemed to be still on his travels. Better finishing would have seen an equaliser but Spartak broke on 24 minutes with Niall Hanratty and Dave Kernan combining to put Steve Walsh through and he added to the lead.
Paul Kinsella appeared to be fouled by the Seaford attacker who went on to shoot wide when through on goal, and Adam Doran took off a good save from that number 7 again. Once again Spartak broke well with Stuart Love giving Seamus McCahill a shooting chance. His shot, though weak, was fumbled and Dave Kernan regained possession to fire in number 3.
With Seaford pushing forward just on half time they were caught out by a drilled Dave Browne pass which sent Steve Walsh away to coolly round the keeper and slot number 4.
On 50 minutes Seaford reduced arrears and a couple of good Adam Doran saves prevented them from further closing the gap as Spartak were unable to maintain their earlier tempo.
Spartak were disjointed in the second half and the midfield area was conceded to Seaford . Seamus McCahill went on his own particularly quest in the second period, forgetting about team work and positional sense and concentrating on trying to get his name on the score sheet. Alas, he failed. He was not alone in playing a solo second half role and several players were guilty of over carrying and over elaboration, in stark contrast to the slicker first half attacking moves.
There were some nervous and indeed embarrassed moments among the Sky Blues when Seaford scored again with 12 minutes left but a fine individual effort by Steve Walsh, completing his hat trick, made it 5-2 after the same player had been refused a blatant penalty when toppled in the box.
Spartak can be happy with the three points but not the performance. The second half took a lot of gloss off after building a 4-0 half time lead.
Form Report
Adam Doran 7 Dave Kernan 6 Dave Browne 6 Paul Kinsella 6 Karl McCullough 6 Stuart Love 6 Niall Hanratty 6 Ken Buckley 6 Seamus McCahill 6 Martin Costello 6 Steve Walsh 8
Subs: Steve Grier 5 Mick Leslie 6 Kevin Loftus 5
