6.5.18
Spartak 4, DAA 2
A third win in five games boosted the Sky Blues.
Despite having the minor share of possession and opportunities, Spartak took their chances admirably to garner three more valuable points.
However, the visitors will rue their lack of finishing power, and curse the goal line clearances made by Spartak defenders to deny them on several occasions. Spartak lived dangerously early on, but were lifted by a well taken Jeff Gamble goal. Collecting the ball from Jimmy Dawson, he shrugged off a defender before taking the chance early from 25 yards. An unmarked Dublin Airport player equalised and almost immediately added number two. Spartak were now under siege and defensive laxity allowed the visitors chances to extend their lead, as they grew in confidence. Occasional breakaways led by Ger Byrne and Jeff Gamble were the only respite. Against the run of play, however, Cian Stenson took advantage of a defensive error to equalise with a calmly taken finish just before the break.
Spartak settled well after the break and Stuart Love headed just over from Tom O’Driscoll’s corner kick. The lead goal came on the hour mark; an incisive Cian Stenson pass, some good work by Ger Byrne and then Tom O’Driscoll, hitherto quiet, shot powerfully home from the edge of the box for a belated first goal of the season.
DAA then missed an easy chance after Kevin Loftus raced out to head the ball clear, but got no distance. An even easier chance was foiled after Ian Harmon and Kevin Loftus were rounded, but Billy O’Neill somehow got back to clear off the line.
Spartak put the cream on the cake when Tom O’Driscoll released Cian Stenson on the right, and his cross was met with a fine Gamble header to seal the win. Jeff Gamble then had a credible penalty claim denied near the end.
Not the greatest performance, but four fine goals to remember.
Form Report
Kevin Loftus 6 Cian Stenson 8 Billy O’Neill 6 Ian Harmon 7 Dave Browne 7 Stuart Love 6 Conor Brady 6 Jeff Gamble 8 Jimmy Dawson 7 Ger Byrne 8 Tom O’Driscoll 6
Sub: Dave O’Kelly 6
