4.10.14
Balbriggan 1 Spartak 1
Spartak were denied all three points by a late, late Balbriggan equaliser in the 4th minute of injury time. In truth it was a solid performance by a Spartak side that’s starting to gel after a rocky stat to the season, and the Sky Blues had enough clear chances to have put the game beyond the home sides reach.
The first half was an even affair with both sides having opportunities. The clearest for Spartak came after a Ciaran Keane/Mick Leslie move gave Jeff a chance from 8 yards but his effort was too high. Mick Leslie then had a tentative effort easily saved. Niall Hanratty and Aodhan McCahill were solid throughout in central defence and it was unfortunate that a late slip by Aodhan let the home side in.
The second half was much more in Spartak’s favour, although Mick Greene’s attempt at goal from the kick off fell somewhat short. On 49 minutes came the breakthough goal. Conor Keegan won possession and found Ciaran Keane on the left about 35 yards out. He appeared to mishit his cross, which the goalkeeper misjudged, and the ball popped off the crossbar onto the waiting head of the grateful Jeff Gamble, who nodded in from close range.
A number of Spartak moves were foiled by Jeff Gamble wandering offside, but Spartak created a number of chance, two of which were of the clear cut variety. The first was when Niall Hanratty’s free was nodded down by Aodhan McCahill to to Ciaran Keane at the back post, about four yards out. It should have been a tap in but Ciaran opted instead for an almighty thump to send the football into orbit. The second great opportunity saw Jeff Gamble square the ball across the six yard box for Mick Leslie, who gently flicked the ball wide from close in. Two close chances and neither hit the target.
The Spartak midfield were dominant for most of the half with Niall Lennon continuing his recent run of good form. Fidel Benson had a quieter game and Conor Keegan hustled the home midfield to good effect.
A satisfactory performance but tinged with the disappointment of that late goal.
Form Report:
Bobby Hayes 7 Chris Hogan 6 Mick Greene 6 Niall Hanratty 8 Aodhan McCahill 8 Ciaran Keane 6 Conor Keegan 7 Jeff Gamble 7 Niall Lennon 8 Fidel Benson 6 Mick Leslie 7
Subs: Mick Young 6 Conor Callis 6 Kevin O Sullivan, Rafal Sarwinski, Shane McInerney.
