22.1.23 Spartak 1, McKelvey Celtic 2 The first game of the new year saw Spartak in good form and unlucky not to salvage a point. Spartak were denied a possible equaliser when Steve Grier was tripped in the penalty area with minutes to go. It looked a nailed on penalty but the referee was not convinced. Midway through the first half the teams exchanged goals, McKelvey with a neat header, and Steve Grier with a fine shot from the edge of the box to the top corner. With 20 minutes to go a poor pass from the back saw McKelvey gain an opportunity, and they scored with the aid of a deflection which looped high over Craig Howard leaving him helpless. As Spartak pressed for a second equaliser Dave Power was through one on one but the keeper saved. A decent display by the Sky Blues against a side pushing for promotion A harsh defeat. Form Report Craig Howard 6 Owen Marron 8 Kevin Cunningham 7 Ian Harmon 8 Steve Grier 7 Stuart Love 7 Neil McGowan 7 Ciaran Brady 8 Niall Lennon 6 Dave Power 6 Fergus Flynn 5 Subs Carl Gaffney 6 Chris Hogan 5 Ciaran Nolan 5 Sean Nolan 4