5.3.23
Spartak 3, Garda FC 1
Garda, who were second in the table and had beaten Spartak comprehensively in the reverse fixture, were overcome by a very lively Sky Blues performance, particularly in the opening half.
Spartak, at least temporarily, have moved clear of the relegation zone.
A defensive slip in the opening minutes presented the visitors with a real opportunity, but Craig Howard saved well.
Owen Marron had a very bright first half, making a great run and then laying on a good chance which Mick Leslie fired over. A square ball by Spartk gave the visitors a scoring opportunity, but they shot wide.
Kevin Cunningham and Dave Power had chances but were just off target. At the other end Owen Marron made a goal saving tackle as the vistors threatened.
An all action first half looked like ending scoreless but the Sky Blues struck twice in two minutes before the break. Steve Grier’s header struck the post but Stuart Love nodded in the rebound for number one, and then Steve Grier blasted in a free kick. Owen Marron was then just off target in the last action of the half.
Spartak had a goal disallowed early in the second period before Garda reduced arrears with shot from the edge of the box. At this point the visitors were getting a strong grip on the game but with the home defence playing well , and Craig Howard making a couple of fine saves, they could not equalise.
A Steve Grier header from a Neil McGowan cross clinched the three points for Spartak.
Probably the best result of the season.
Form Report
Craig Howard 8 Chris Hogan 7 Kevin Cunningham 8 Steve Grier 8 Ian Harmon 8 Stuart Love 7 Neil McGowan 7 Mick Leslie 7
Niall Lennon 7 Dave Power 8 Owen Marron 8
Subs Fergus Flynn 7 Ciaran Brady 6 Dave Browne 6 Carl Gaffney Sean Nolan
Form Report
Craig Howard 8 Chris Hogan 6 Kevin Cunningham 7 Steve Grier 8 Ian Harmon 7 Stuart Love 7 Neil McGowan 7 Mick Leslie 6 Niall Lennon 7 Dave Power 7 Owen Marron 8
Subs: Fergus Flynn 7 Ciaran Brady 6 Dave Browne 6 Sean Nolan Carl Gaffney
