SDFC 7 Garden County 5
On a weekend when all 3 Spartak teams recorded victories to provide some early Christmas cheer, the over 35’s were the first to set the standard with a good win in a somewhat bizarre game.
The best that could be said about the early stages of the game was that the home team showed the signs of a long layoff and within 10 minutes defensive hesidency had resulted in a two goal deficit.
As Spartak got a hold in the game a good run from Ken Byrne ended in a neat finish (by the opposing defender – although the dubious goals committee somewhat dubiously awarded the goal to Ken) to pull a goal back. More defensive uncertainly led to a third goal from the visiting side giving them a 3-1 lead.
Two quick Spartak goals, the first a good effort from John Hallihan and the second a well worked goal from Ray Grady following good buid up play by Tony Kavanagh and Rory Campbell brought it back to level pegging. On the stroke of half time however Spartak gave another goal away to leave it 4-3 to the opposition at the break.
Some shrewd changes at half time from manager Barry Crowe seemed to have the desired effect in the second half with Spartak getting gradually on top and equalising from the very impressive Tony Kavanagh. Shortly afterwards Ray Grady got his second to give Spartak the lead for the first time in the match and then Rory Campbell gave Spartak a 2 goal cushion with a good finish.
The drama was not yet over as Garden County scored yet another goal to make it 6-5 with 10 minutes to go. However the final and best goal of the game went to Tony Kavanagh with an excellent long range effort and this was enough to seal the three points.
Overall a welcome win after a series of draws. Everyone would agree though that conceeding five goals would normally mean defeat and was a bit on the generous side even in the season of goodwill.
The spartak panel was Jimmy Browne, Tony Kavanagh, Dave Mohan, Paul Burke, Greg Callan, Leon David, Brian Stafford, Shay Carr, Jason Doyle, Ken Byrne, John Hallihan, Mark Byrne, Rory Campbell, Ray Grady, Frank McNamee, Barry Crowe.
