17.9.16
Spartak 0, Balbriggan 0
The Sky Blues departed Marlay after a battling draw against the north Dublin visitors, who had the majority of chances, including striking the woodwork twice.
However Balbriggan met stubborn resistance in the form of Shane McInerney in midfield and the excellent Greg Byrne in goal, who made vital saves.
It took a while for Spartak’s defence to settle, and several early opportunities were afforded to Balbriggan, but the Spartak goal remained intact. At the other end , Cian Stenson headed over and Darren Ritchie fired wide after being set up by Stenson and Fintan Grace. Ritchie and Dave Haczynskyj set up Cian Stenson who advanced on the keeper; the keeper got enough on it to deflect it wide.
The indefatigable McInerney had his own chance of glory in getting on the end of a move by Owen McCormack and Dave O’Kelly, but his effort was too close to the keeper. Fintan Grace was foiled twice by goal line clearances.
But with Balbriggan making far more opportunities, overall the Sky Blues can be happy with a point.
Form Report
Greg Byrne 9 Chris Hogan 5 Fintan Grace 6 Liam Caffrey 5 Cillian Lalor 6 Shane McInerney 8 Dave O’Kelly 6 Cian Stenson 6 Dave Hacyzinskyj 6 Darren Ritchie 5 Owen McCormack 6
Subs: Joe Dowling 6 Conor Brady 6 Ciaran Keane 6
