30.8.15
Benbulbin United 2, Spartak 5
Spartak began this game in jittery fashion; passes went astray, touches were poor, tackles were missed, 50/50 balls were poorly contested. In contrast the home side swept the ball around almost as they pleased, without creating too many clear chances.
A free conceded by Paul Kinsella saw Benbulbin hit the top of the crossbar. Then a big chance fell to a locals but the shot was easily stopped by Jason Northey.
On 15 minutes, against the run of play, the Sky Blues fashioned a lightning break. Dave Kernan and Steve Walsh exchanged passes before Kernan’s cross was bravely met first time by Ger Byrne to open the scoring at the near post. The lead did not last long, and possession was conceded and followed by poor defending to allow the equaliser.
As half time approached, Spartak began to settle, and scored twice. Steve Grier’s header sent Ger Byrne clear and he took advantage of the keeper’s error to slot in. Steve Walsh then embarked on a coruscating run, beating several players before squaring to Dave Kernan, who was unceremoniously upended. Steve Walsh slotted home the spot kick.
Again a lapse of defensive concentration allowed the home side to score in the 6th minute of first half injury time, after a free kick had been harshly awarded against Steve Grier.
Steve Walsh might have added another early in the second period but his touch was heavy when through on goal. Jason Northey’s poor throw gave the home side a chance but the shot was weak and easily saved.
The home side had a burst of pressure and Spartak had to scramble a few clearances, including one off the line, before an Alan Farrington shot from Steve Walsh’s pass made it 4-2. Dave Kernan came close to adding another after Alan Farrington’s effort was blocked.
Benbulbin continued to press, pushing men forward, and Jason Northey fumbled a free kick around the post for a corner.
Spartak added number 5 on 81 minutes in a fine move involving Martin Costello, Jeff Gamble and Steve Walsh which presented Steve Grier with a straightforward chance.
Not the finest performance overall, but good spirit shown together with some sharp finishing made it a satisfying opening to the season.
Form Report
Jason Northey 6 Dave Browne 6 Martin Costello 8 Paul Kinsella 8 Karl McCullagh 7 Thom O’Driscoll 6 Alan Farrington 6 David Kernan 7 Steve Grier 7 Ger Byrne 8 Steve Walsh 8
Subs: Keith Kelly 6 Jeff Gamble 6 Ken Buckley 6
