10.3.19
Spartak 4, Liffey Athletic 4
Spartak win 5-4 on penalties.
An injury and suspension hit Spartak could field only 11 players on this occasion; Glen Burke was included despite a groin strain, and made a significant contribution in the first period, before being reduced to walking wounded status in the second half.
Conditions in Marlay were heavy, with an early snow storm threatening the game. The sleet and snow blew over after about ten minutes; any more and there would have been a postponement.
Liffey took an early lead against the run of play, but some sprightly attacking play saw Spartak lead 3-1 at the interval; Glen Burke knocked in twice from close range, and also pulled back an over hit cross for Neil McGowan to
smash in.
A long range effort saw Liffey reduce arrears and a header from a corner, poorly defended, forced extra time. Liffey made several subs; Spartak were in effect playing with ten. Liffey took the lead for the first time after a mix up, but Dave Browne joyously headed in Niall Hanratty’s corner kick at the back post to force the shootout.
Kevin Loftus saved twice from the first spot kick, the ref having ordered a retake; but was injured in the process, Niall Hanratty had to go between the sticks, having uneasily scored the Sky Blues first effort. Cian Stenson, Neil McGowan, Kevin Cunningham all converted before Tom O’Driscoll banged in a peach of a pen to put Spartak in the next round.
Form Report
Kevin Loftus 8 Jimmy Dawson 7 Tom O’Driscoll 7 Kevin Cunningham 8 Dave Browne 7 Stuart Love 7 Neil McGowan 8 Niall Hanratty 7
Owen Marron 7 Glen Burke 8 Cian Stenson 7
