30.11.14
Spartak 3 Beech Hill 5
Poor defending proved costly as Spartak let a two goal lead slip in heavy conditions in Marlay.
Shorn of a few regulars through injury, Spartak nonetheless had a decent opening half; a penetrating Dave Kernan pass sent Steve Walsh in for number one, and Steve Walsh added number two direct from a corner.
A minute before half time and Dave Browne conceded a penalty, which was blocked by Jason Northey, only for the rebound to be fired in. This gave the visitors hope, and they quickly built on it at the start of the second period.
The second half saw a turning point when Mick Leslie and Steve Walsh combined to cross fro Jeff Gamble, stretching, to prod against the post; Seamus McCahill was unable to convert the rebound. So Spartak were unable to restore their two goal advantage, and in contrast Beech Hill equalised when a Paul Kinsella pass out of defence was intercepted and the ball squared for the striker to equalise.
Dave O’Kelly conceded a free kick which was converted, with Jason Northey landing awkwardly in his efforts to save.
Defensive organisation went out the window when a free header and an og added to the visitors’ tally. Dave O’Kelly had taken Jason’s place in goal after the fourth but was helpless with the og.
Spartak regrouped, but the robust approach taken by the visitors took its toll; eventually after 6 yellow cards, 2 reds were handed out to Beech Hill who finished with 9, but by then the Sky Blues were carrying knocks.
Spartak then dominated but, while energy was expended, guile was absent. Poor final ball meant clear cut chances were at a premium. Crosses were hoisted on to the defenders heads from good positions and in general Spartak were wasteful in front of goal; Mick Leslie fired wide, Paul Kinsella eschewed a good chance on his left foot, and Spartak’s approach play became frantic , with over carrying and poor crossing.
Steve Walsh completed his hat trick with a late goal which was of little consolation.
Form Report
Jason Northey 5 Dave O’Kelly 5 Dave Browne 5 Paul Kinsella 5 Karl McCullough 5 Stuart Love 5 Mick Leslie 5 Jeff Gamble 6 Seamus McCahill 5 Davd Kernan 6 Steve Walsh 8
Subs: Ken Buckley 6
