8.5.15
Portmarnock 3, Spartak 1
A mysterious penalty award gave Portmarnock a half time lead, settling their nerves against an under strength Spartak outfit who put in a good performance, spoiled only by inability to take their chances on a pristine surface at Paddy’s Hill.
Mick Leslie was the main culprit in this regard, with three below par efforts, in particular spurning a big chance after a mazy Jeff Gamble run had squared the ball invitingly. In another attack, Mikey Ryan had put Ciaran Keane through and clear, but Ciaran, instead of heading for goal, made a beeline towards the corner flag before firing wildly over and wide.
Conor Keegan made a welcome return to the defence, and , apart from an unnecessary booking, had a fine game, including a goal line clearance, while Stephen Harris recovered his form and made a few vital saves with the back four in general showing stern resistance to the home attacks.
Spartak resisted well until the turning point came. From a corner, Stephen Harris was fouled in trying to catch; meanwhile the ref had spotted a push in the area and awarded a spot kick, much to the surprise of the home side, who had retreated expecting a free out. So one nil at half time.
A minute into the second period Joe McCarthy fouled just on the edge of the box, and the deflected free kick was scrambled to the net. Towards the end Portmarnock sealed victory with a third goal. A late Jeff Gamble penalty gave Spartak their only score, leaving the Sky Blues to rue those missed opportunities.
Form Report
Stephen Harris 7 Derek Gibney 7 Tony Kavanagh 7 Joe McCarthy 7 Conor Keeegan 8 Ciaran Keane 5 Conor Canavan 6 Jeff Gamble 7 Niall Quinn 6 Mikey Ryan 6 Mick Leslie 5
Subs: Dan O’Connell 6 Tom Maher 6 Jason Doyle 6
