28.3.15
Spartak 1, Willows 2
Too many players performing below optimum level saw Spartak suffer a disappointing defeat at home to Willows on a bumpy Marlay pitch.
Early errors by Niall Lennon and Barry Maguire gave the visitors chances which were safely held by Stephen Harris. Misplaced passing was the order of the day with the usually tidy Niall Lennon suffering the most. Chris Hogan had a number of chances to cross from the right, but failed to deliver anything that his forwards could work with.
Jeff Gamble made a great burst and crossed but Ciaran Keane fired wide from close range. Conor Callis showed great skill to turn his man but his shot was snatched and struck the post.
The visitors took the lead on the half hour from neat move, but just before the break Jeff Gamble showed strength and skill to smash in an equaliser.
Stephen Harris made a good save after a Maguire error but then on 48 minutes Joe McCarthy unwisely dived in close to the centre circle, missed, and willows extracted full punishment from an unbalanced defence.
Ciaran Keane then missed the opportunity to equalise when he blocked a clearance with the ball rolling towards an empty goal, but he hesitated in the follow up and the ball was cleared off the line.
Conor Calis made a few good runs, but too often chose the wrong final option; however on one occasion he wriggled free down the left and laid on a chance for Mick Greene. However a moment’s hesitation by Mick saw the chance evaporate.
Form Report
Stephen Harris 7 Barry Maguire 5 Mick Greene 5 Joe McCarthy 6 Dave O’Kelly 6 Ciaran Keane 5 Conor Canavan 6 Jeff Gamble 7 Niall Lennon 5 Chris Hogan 5 Conor Callis 6
