SDFC Over 35’s 1 Peamount 3
The over 35’s commenced the new year programme with a disappointing home defeat to league leaders Peamount.
Starting with a defensive formation and a lone striker, Spartak sought to play a containing game in the early stages. The plan almost came unstuck in the first few minutes when a neat through ball left their away striker one on one with Jimmy Browne who pulled off an excellent save. After that early scare Spartak came more into the game and created a couple of half chances that fell to Mark Byrne.
Spartak went 1-0 up midway through the first half when a pass over the top from Brian Stafford was chased by Ken Byrne who was taken down for a clear penalty. Paul Burke expertly converted.
As the end of the first half approached there was an ominous sign of things to come for Spartak when the opposition midfielder somehow managed to head over the bar from the goal line having managed to escape all defensive cover from a corner. Shortly after their striker beat the offside trap to again go one on one with Jimmy but on this occasion he finished the chance to level the scores. Right on half time Spartak went behind when the cross from a cleared corner seemed to evade everyone except the Peamount player standing a few yards from goal who neatly flicked the ball into the net.
The second half in truth was comfortable for Peamount. Their third goal game after 10 minutes when again the offside trap was sprung to leave a player completely free from defensive cover. Despite being a good 30 yards from goal he neatly chipped the ball into an empty net. Spartak were restricted to only one chance in the half that fell to Ken Byrne who headed wide.
Overall it was disappointing to lose but the main difference between the teams was the level of fitness with the away side getting progressively stronger and more in control as the game wore on. Set pieces were also disappointing on the day with a number of close range free kicks and quite a few corners failing to trouble the keeper.
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, Gerry Doran
