6.2.16
Spartak 3, Pormarnock 1
Spartak recovered from a disastrous start to come out on top against an industrious and tough tackling Portmarnock outfit, who took the lead from the spot after Shane McInerney was deemed to have fouled. Indeed the visitors should have extended their lead after some weak defending when they blazed wide.
Ciaran Keane equalised somewhat fortuitously after Mick Greene’s corner, half cleared, was returned into the area by Mick Leslie. Ciaran’s first effort squirted back to him off a defender, and he made no mistake with the second attempt.
It was pretty even for the remainder of the half, both sides having half chances but nothing clear cut.
Spartak pressed hard in the second period; Shane McInerney had a header cleared for a corner; Darren Ritchie struck the bar after a quick Chris Hogan free. The visitors meanwhile had one scrambled off the line.
It was not till the 81st minute that a fine Steve Browne pass sent Jeff Gamble clear to put the Sky Blues in the lead for the first time, and Jeff scored again after a Darren Ritchie assist.
Form Report
Greg Byrne 6 Chris Hogan 5 Mick Greene 6 Steve Browne 8 Fintan Grace 7 Mick Leslie 6 Rob Kennedy 6 Shane McInerney 6 Jeff Gamble 8 Darren Ritchie 6 Ciaran Keane 5
Subs: Leo Bradley 5 Thom O’Driscoll 6 Keith Kelly 6
