14.4.18
Enniskerry 3, Spartak 5
On a windy Astro in Enniskerry, Spartak claimed a victory, largely due to a wonderful early second half penalty save by Greg Byrne to prevent the hosts taking the lead.
Driven by a central midfield partnership of Seamus McCahill and Stuart Love, Spartak created plenty of opportunities in the first period. Darren Ritchie was around the keeper, but was robbed of possession by the cover. Darren and Ger Byrne combined to give Cian Stenson a chance, but the keeper pushed his indecisive effort on to a post. Mick Leslie beat the keeper with a high flick, but could not bring the ball down to finish. A neat one two saw Stephen Barr score after combining with Darren Ritchie.
Suddenly the hosts came alive, as Spartak dozed at a throw in, and the forward had plenty of space to fire home. A long range effort then gave Enniskerry the lead.
Stuart Love equalised early in teh second half as Spartak came out stronger, but then an undisputed handball from Chris Hogan gave the hosts the chance from the spot. Greg dived low to his right to thwart the taker, and also blocked the follow up.
Gradually the Sky Blues took command and Seamus McCahill scored form distance, before Stuart Love added an acrobatic second and Ciaran Keane the scored a trademark long range lob. The home side got a late consolation to make it 5-3.
Form Report
Greg Byrne 9 Chris Hogan 6 Leo Behan 8 Stephen Barr 7 Kevin Murphy 6 Stuart Love 8 Seamus McCahill 8 Cian Stenson 6 Mick Leslie 6 Darren Ritchie 6 Ger Byrne
Sbs: Ciaran Keane 6 Gary Murphy 6
