SDFC 2 St Colmcille’s 2
Spartak over 35’s seemed to be heading for a win on Saturday at home to St Colmcilles when an equaliser 3 minutes from time caused disappointment all round.
Spartak started well and had a couple of early chances in the first half before a breakaway move was finished expertly by Ken Byrne. The joy was shortlived however when direct from the kick-off St Colmcilles attacked down the left, the cross found an unmarked player who volleyed past Jimmy Browne. As the half wore on St Comcilles got on top and it required a couple of outstanding saves from Jimmy to keep Spartak in the game. On one attack however, Spartak should have had a penalty when a clear hand ball was ignored by the referee.
The second half saw Spartak regain control and after 10 minutes a good move resulted in Rory Campbell breaking free and finishing well to make the score 2-1. Neither side really threatened the goals thereafter until almost on full-time a hopeful shot from a Colmcilles player looped over Jimmy’s head to really dampen the spirits of the home side. A deflated Spartak almost conceded a losing goal when a good shot hit the underside of the bar before being cleared.
While everyone was disappointed with a draw having held the lead for so long, on reflection it was Colmcilles who had the better chances and would certainly argue they deserved the draw.
I think all would agree that the team effort and performance on this occasion was somewhat below par.
The spartak panel was Jimmy Browne, Tony Kavanagh, Dave Mohan, John Hallihan, Leon David, Ken Byrne, Brian Stafford, Barry Crowe, Frank McNamee, Rory Campbell, Paul Burke, Mark Byrne, Gavin McLaughlan, Ray Grady, Stephen Carr.
