Dun Laoghaire 1, Spartak 3.
Tom O’Driscoll capped a man of the match performance with two goals, the second of which, a right footed volley from 22 yards, is a contender for goal of the season.
While Spartak got a tonic start when O’Driscoll headed in Anto Doyle’s long throw, they quickly lapsed into a torpor which handed the initiative to the home side. This might refect the loss of continuity derived from the fact that only 6 of the staring eleven started last weeks game.
Sloppy defensive play after Martin Costello dallied on the ball allowed Dun Laoghaire to stroll unchallenged through a static Spartak defence to equalise on 16 minutes.
While Spartak threatened sporadically in the remainder of the half, they could not string moves together.
The second half produced a much better performance, exemplified by Dave O’Kelly, producing a contrastingly strong effort after an insipid opening half. O’Driscoll’s second restored the advantage.
However at the other end Hanratty was beaten all too easily and the cross eluded Northey before being cleared at the expense of a corner. Northey then pulled off a fine save in a one on one situation.
Mark Bolger was finding the going tough at the back while in midfield Mick Costello Rob Deering and Hanratty were struggling to impose their will on the game and were grateful for the steadying influence of captain Shane McInerney.
Spartak got a break on 68 minutes when a catastrophic mix up in the home defence gave the hitherto off form Steve Browne the chance to extend the lead, and he tapped in from close range for his 15th goal of the season.
Hanratty then cleared off the line when Northey’s punched clearance was fired back in. Mark Bolger found the strength for a long run but could only produce a weak finish.
Spartak had to rely on key contributions to overcome an untidy performance and may rue the Swords result, when so many of the players were missing.
Form Report
Jason Northey 7 Anto Doyle 7 Dave O’Kelly 7 Martin Costello 6 Mark Bolger 5 Shane McInerney 7 Niall Hanratty 5 Rob Deering 5 Steve Browne 5 Tom O’Driscoll 8 Mick Costello 5.
Subs Derek McGoldrick 6 Mike Hull 6 Cathal Clancy 6 Chris Hogan Dave Williams Mick Greene
