21.3.15
Spartak 4, Loughshinny 1
A fine first half display in Marlay saw Spartak gain the three points, with just the minor blemish of conceding an injury time goal spoiling the clean sheet in a sporting contest.
Spartak took an early lead when Jeff Gamble drilled home a free kick to the top corner of the net, after he had been impeded, eschewing his usual sidefooted efforts.
A fine Canavan press and pass released Mick Leslie, and he transferred to Ciaran Keane whose cross just eluded Jeff Gamble.
Dave O’Kelly made a terrific saving tackle before a goalkeeping error by the visitors’ custodian, who lost the ball in the sun, gave Ciaran Keane a tap in.
Loughshinny continues to press and had a header just over, while Steve Harris also made a decent stop.
Quick thinking and a throw in from Barry Maguire gave Jeff Gamble the chance to make it three nil with a low shot.
The second period saw Loughshinny press hard to reduce arrears but the Spartak defence was sound, with Joe McCarthy making some good tackles and interceptions.
At the other end Mick Leslie, Jeff Gamble ,Conor Callis and Mcik Greene all had opportunities but it was not till the 82nd minute that Ciaran Keane showed composure in adding a fourth goal,
A sliced clearnace by Kevin Loftus gave the visitors an injury time corner, and poor organisation saw them reduce tha margin.
Form Report
Stephen Harris 7 Barry Maguire 7 Mick Greene 6 Joe McCarthy 8 Dave O’Kelly 7 Ciaran Keane 6 Conor Canavan 8 Jeff Gamble 8 Niall Lennon 7 Darren Browne 6 Mick Leslie 6
Subs: Kevin Loftus 5 Conor Callis 6
