6.12.14
Dingle Utd 2, Spartak 2,
Dingle win 5-4 on penalties
This was one of those games that got away. Spartak had enough chances to win comfortably, but defensive slip ups allowed the home team into the game. Late on Spartak dominated the second period of extra time, but could not find what would surely have been a winning goal.
Conditions in St Josephs’ Cabra were blustery but the surface was good for the time of year.
A neat move after 4 minutes gave he Sky Blues the lead. Mick Greene’ eff Gamble. Spartak almost doubled their lead when a Conor Keegan corner was fumbled , but eventually cleared.
Dingle came to the fore in search of an equaliser and Bobby Hayes was called upon to make a couple of smart saves, but Spartak responded and a fine through pass by Adam Doran put Jeff Gamble clear; however his attempt drifted wide.
Conor Canavan struck the woodwork with a snap shot just before the interval and the same player saw his effort clear the bar just after half time from another corner by Keegan, whose flag kicks were causing panic in the home defence; Jeff Gamble headed over from close range.
Spartak were having a good spell – a great run by Fidel Benson gave Jeff Gamble the chance, but it was saved; similarly Adam Doran’s run saw a sub par shot saved.
Much against the run of play Dingle broke and scored; this gave them renewed heart and they were able to hold on for the extra time period.
Disaster struck for Spartak in the first period when a terrible defensive mix up gave Dingle goal number 2.
The second period of extra time saw Mick Greene equalise almost from the restart , from the spot, after Jeff Gamble dispossessed the keeper and was taken down.
An error by Bobby Hayes gave Dingle a chance, but an eventual offside halted Dingle.
Adam Doran headed against the post, and Keith Kelly had a couple of great runs through , but could not find the finish in either case.
So to penalties.
All penalties but one were scored; neither keeper got close to any of the efforts. Mick Greene, Adam Doran, Shane McInerney and Jeff Gamble all fired in.
Niall Lennon struck the bar with his effort; he got sympathy from Seamus McCahill and Steve Walsh – no surprise, as their most recent penalty efforts hardly reached the keeper!
Form Report
Bobby Hayes 7 Barry Maguire 5 Mick Greene 6 Conor Keegan 8 Keith Kelly 6 Ciaran Keane 5 Conor Canavan 5 Jeff Gamble 7 Niall Lennon 6 Fidel Benson 7 Adam Doran 7
Subs: Dave Browne 6 Shane McInerney 6 Mick Costello 6
