SDFC 2 Knockmitten 2
Starting with a much changed side from the previous week’s cup encounter Spartak over 35’s earned a deserved draw against Knockmitten at home on Saturday. Injuries, exams, and other unexplained events meant 5 personnel changes and numerous positional switches were required for this game.
The early part of the game saw the home team having to soak up a lot of pressure and deal with a strong running Knockmitten side. Despite resolute defending by the Spartak unfamiliar back four of Shay McClafferty, Tom Maher, Tony Kavanagh and Leon David, their dangerous striker managed to squeeze a shot away into the bottom left hand corner to put them one up on 15 minutes.
As the first half wore on Spartak rallied and managed to create a few openings. Frank McNamee set up Barry Crowe for a good effort on goal, both Ray Grady and Rory Campbell had half chances. Just before half time Spartak got back in the game when from a corner the ball broke to Ken Byrne who finished well to leave the score 1-1 at the break.
The second half mirrored the first with Spartak having to battle hard to stay in the game. Knockmitten went ahead midway through the half when the same striker again managed to get a shot away into the corner. For the remainder of the game Spartak pushed for an equaliser and created further chances. Rory Campell was unlucky on two occasions with a header just wide and a good save from the keeper. With 5 minutes to go the equaliser came when a clever free kick from Ray Grady reached Matt who struck a powerful shot that hit the back of the net with the aid of a slight deflection from the centre half.
Spartak could actually have won the game in the last few minutes when Ken Byrne was put through by Frank McNamee but shot over. A good shot from Matt that was well held by their keeper was the final action of the game.
Overall a spirited performance from the home side that produced a deserved draw against the odds.
The spartak panel was Jimmy Browne, Tony Kavanagh, Tom Maher, Shay McCafferty, Mark Byrne, Rory Campbell, Frank McNamee, Barry Crowe, Leon David, Jason Doyle, Matt, Ray Grady.
