Spartak Dynamo FC

30.8.12
Firhouse 18s 4, Spartak 4

A return to a regular friendly destination saw the young locals take advantage of some very flaky defending to lead 2-0 and 3-1. Mick Costello’s deflected shot looped over the keeper to reduce arrears and Neil McGowan’s header struck the crossbar before being turned in by a defender to leave it 3-2 at the break.

The early exchanges were something of a horror show for the Sky Blues defence – mind you those Firhouse Carmel young lads were “lightning quick”! Distribution from the back was laboured, slow and mostly inaccurate while the midfield struggled to get a grip on proceedings. Bobby Hayes added to the early confusion with some poor kicking but also made a few decent stops as the Spartak defence went missing.

The threat of monetary punishment had the desired effect and the second half saw a distinct improvement.
Conor Maguire and Derek Ruxton had injected some urgency into the proceedings aided by Jeff Gamble, Neil McGowan and Lee Norton as Spartak launched a series of attacks.

Messrs Maguire and Ruxton both scored good goals to put Spartak ahead and many other chances were created.

Poor midfield marking by Steve Walsh and Mick Costello saw Aodhan McCahill easily by-passed for the Firhouse Carmel equaliser.

Both sides had chances to win it, but each spurned a couple of opportunities.

Form Report:
Bobby Hayes 6 Chris Hogan 5 Barry Maguire 5 Keith Kelly 5 Martin Costello 5 Mick Costello 5 Jeff Gamble 7 Aodhan McCahill 5 Dara Comerford 5 Conor Maguire 7 Steve Walsh 5 Derek Ruxton 7 Neil McGowan 6 Steve Grier 6 Dermot Dooley 6 Jason Northey 6 Lee Dunne 5 Lee Norton 6

Training in St Kilians’ German School on Roebuck Road tonight and each Tuesday at 8.45 on astro; boots not permitted and astros must be worn.

26.8.12
JK Celtic 4 , Spartak 3

Started well and looked set to win by a clear margin against a team who were clearly not as strong as last week’s opponents in Leixlip.

Brian O’Keeffe plaed outfield for the first half and gave the Sky Blues a 3rd minute lead with a neat finish. Sloppiness at the back , allied to poor tracking from the middle, allowed the home side equalise on 20 minutes.

Jeff Gamble and Steve Walsh combined to put Graham McEnroe in to give Spartak the lead on 22 minutes but the goals continued to flow as JK equalised from the spot after Jeff Gamble was penalised for handball on 26 minutes.

Seamus Mc Cahill’s foul gave the home side a free on the edge of the box and Jason Northey was beaten to leave Spartak 2-3 down at half time.

Graham McEnroe, finding a touch of form , equalised and was then thwarted as he hesitated and was tackled when in a good position.

Lack of fitness affected concentration levels in the second half and the home side were permitted time and space on the ball, with errors allowing JK a few chances.

Some Spartak players were ineffective on the day, with Steve Walsh still dreaming of Spain as he was repeatedly caught offside, while Conor Canavan had a match to forget; Anto Doyle was ineffective and never looked comfortable on the ball. Steve Grier’s distribution became more panicky as the game progressed. Ross Kelly again had to withdraw early due to hamstring trouble.

Jk got the winner, again from a free kick, driven low past Brian O’Keeffe with a couple of minutes to go.

Despite the result, there were a few positives as Aodhan McCahill was again composed in possession, his older brother Seamus gained a bit of fitness after taking a week to recover from the last game, while Jeff Gamble played his second game in two days and showed some good touches.

Form Report
Jason Northey 6 Conor Canavan 4 Aodhan McCahill 7 Steve Grier 6 Seamus McCahill 6 Ken Buckley 5 Neil McGowan 7 Brian O’Keeffe 6 Jeff Gamble 6 Graham McEnroe 7 Steve Walsh 4 Anto Doyle 4 Ross Kelly 5

25.8.12
Spartak Over 35s 3, Spartak (youths!) 2

Despite being without the likes of Tony Kavanagh and Paddy Hughes, the more experienced cohort of Sky Blues had enough about them to outwit the younger element in a gently paced encounter.

A cracking early goal by Barry Maguire was about as good as it got for the younger crew, as they failed to build on early supremacy with Martin Costello and Jeff Gamble profligate with openings and midfield content to sit deep, despite being comfortably on top in the opening half. The seniors sat deep and Paul McGrath and Brian Stafford were generally comfortable in defence.

Gradually the seniors established midfield supremacy and the work rate of the younger team fell away with the younger midfield trio of Lee Malone, Shane McInerney and Jeff Gamble all short of match practice and consequently very rusty.

The second half saw the flow of the game change and a typically languid finish by Gerry Doran equalised before Martin Costello gifted Graham Johnston the chance, well taken, to put the Seniors ahead.

Somewhat stung, the younger lads pressed forward and Martin Costello fired wide with Greg Callan helpless after a rebound from Shane McInerney’s shot. A break by Cathal Clancy gave Jeff Gamble to chance to bundle home, before Rory Campbell tapped in the winner following a corner in which Fintan Grace sustained a knock which luckily proved not serious.

On the upside Martin will have 3 months to recover from recent exertions and on this evidence he needs it!

Form Report:
Over 35s:
Greg Callan 6 Brian Stafford 8 Tom Maher 6 Dave Mohan 6 Paul McGrath 8 Graham Johnston 7 Brian 6 Rory Campbell 6 Steve Mongey 6 Collie Reid 6 Leon David 6

The Youths:
Mick Costello 5 Barry Maguire 5 Conor Canavan 5 Fintan Grace 7 Cathal Clancy 5 Shane McInerney 5 Conor Callis 5 Shea McClafferty 6 Martin Costello 5 Jeff Gamble 6 Lee Malone 5 Mick Greene 5.

19.8.12
Leixlip 2, Spartak 0.

Spartak were hampered by late arrivals and alarm clock malfunctions (Conor!). There was some excuse for Steve Grier arriving late as he was fresh from Mullingar after representing Mount Merrion at the
the John Joe Nevin celebrations, and was attired accordingly.

Leixlip, who won Div 3 last season, moved the ball well but Spartak attacked with good through balls by Neil McGowan to Ross Kelly, who lacked the sharpness to make them count. Ross departed early with a tweaked hamstring and Keith Kelly had to take time out with breathing difficulties. Seamus McCahill and Dave Browne formed a shaky partnership at the back, mainly due to lack of communication, and Leixlip took the lead when Jason Northey was beaten from a narrow angle.

Aodhan McCahill was generally composed in his distribution , while Stu and Niall Hanratty never flagged for work rate. Anto was, unsurprisingly, somewhat off the pace while Conor Canavan was never decisive enough to make a big contribution.

Spartak had a few good moves, the best of which saw Stu Love clear on the left; his cross cum shot was off target. Just after half time Stu again had a chance from close in but shot weakly and straight at the keeper. Seamus McCahill had a couple of efforts, but the attempted finishes reflected Seamus’ lack of practice.

Niall Hanratty made a few good forays on the right and shot just over, as did Neil McGowan with a right footed effort, and Ken Buckley also, as the Sky Blues upped their tempo and got to the pace of the game.

Jason made a couple of decent stops as did the home keeper from Neil and Steve Grier. An equaliser looked on the cards until a late slip by Dave Browne let Leixlip in for number two.

The final move saw Keith break down the right and opt to shoot from a narrow angle rather than gift a simple tap in by squaring the ball along the 6 yard line.

Form Report
Jason Northey 7 Anto Doyle 6 Aodhan McCahill 7 Seamus McCahill 6 Dave Browne 6 Ken Buckley 6 Conor Canavan 6 Ross Kelly 5 Neil McGowan 7 Stuart Love 6 Keith Kelly 6 Steve Grier 6 Niall Hanratty 7 Alex Kenny 6

18.8.12
Aston Village 3 Spartak 0

The squad for this game, in a friendly on the day when the season started, was: : Bobby Hayes, Dan O Connell Cathal Clancy Rob Deering Niall Lennon Shane McInerney Niall Lennon Neill Bolger Dermot Dooley Mick Costello Kevin Mannion Ross Kelly Dara Comerford Lee Norton.

Oh no, that’s just the list of those 14 (FOURbloodyTEEN!) who were not available to play or who did not bother their behind to show up or answer a text. None of these players were injured. When so many “regulars” decide to pull out or, more precisely, not make that extra little effort to get there, disaster lies just around the corner. Such a lack of commitment by the Saturday boys is not sustainable and speaks volumes for their lack of ambition and desire at this crucial stage of pre season.

That the local team benefited from two offside goals and a cruel deflection to win the game is probably neither here nor there.

The lads who were there put in a decent shift in very warm conditions and kept the game competitive; the experienced duo of Fintan and Tony at the heart of the defence were excellent and Conor Canavan, a volunteer keeper, made some fine stops.

Conor Callis might have given the Sky Blues the lead after getting past the keeper, but his weak left footed effort allowed the keeper to recover; he also forced the keeper into a good save later. Aodhan McCahill was pressed into a midfield role and did not look out of place while Jeff Gamble did well until lack of fitness told.

Martin Costello and Tony Kavanagh answered late calls to ensure we did not have the ignominy of pulling out of the game and sullying the club’s reputation. For poor Martin the bright sunshine did not agree with him following his last day at work.

Form Report
Conor Canavan 7 Dave O Kelly 6 Barry Maguire 5 Tony Kavanagh 8 Fintan Grace 8 Aodhan McCahill 7 Martin Costello 6 Jeff Gamble 6 Conor Callis 6 Edo Maino 5 Paul McGowan 4

16.8.12
Celtic Park 2 Spartak 3

A late comeback by the Sky Blues showed some evidence of improving fitness; particularly among those, like Stu, Derek, Ross and both Conors who all played for the second time in 24 hours.

There were pleasing aspects to the display; Niall Lennon was calm and creative in midfield; Fintan and Cathal were generally merciless at the back; substitutes Shane and Lee made effective cameo appearances. Derek Ruxton ran aggessively and crossed well.

A defensive lapse allowed Celtic Park to take the lead in a first half in which they held the whip hand. The Sky Blues came out strongly in the second half and Derek Ruxton and Lee Norton were causing problems to the home side. Ross turned in the equaliser (without falling down) before Celtic Park responded when they were able to head home a cross. Spartak continued to press and Shane was denied a penalty as he burst into the box and Conor Callis forced a good stop from the local keeper.

A corner by Lee Norton was headed in by Shane McInerney for the equaliser before Ross Kelly again did his Christy Brown impersonation to force home the winner at the second attempt while on the ground in the 92nd minute.

Form Report
Bobby Hayes 6 Barry Maguire 5 Conor Canavan 5 Fintan Grace 7 Cathal Clancy 7 Dave O Kelly 6 Niall Lennon 7 Stuart Love 7 Aodhan McCahill 6 Conor Callis 5 Ross Kelly 7 Derek Ruxton 7 Lee Norton 7 Shane McInerney 7

17 sessions/friendlies so far and we wonder why we are somewhat under prepared for the season. Only 9 players have been at 8 or more of the 17 outings.

Below 8 is certainly not good enough.

There would be enough for two decent teams if all deigned to make a regular appearance.

Rapid improvement needed! Come on lads – we can do a LOT better!

13 Martin, Conor Canavan
11 Neil McG, Fintan
10 Baz, Chop
9 Dooley, Walshie
8 Shane , Niall L
7 Hano , Mick C, Derek, Stu, Mick G(inj)
6 Conor M, Dara
5 Cathal Bobby, Aodhan
4 Rob D
3 Keith, GMac, Peter (inj) Stev OH (inj), Kevin M, Conor Cal, Lee
2 Neill B, Seamus,Adam (inj)
1 Steve Gr, Dave T, Ken B, Dan, Anto Alex
0 Paul K (Can), Tubes (Boston), Collie (inj), Breener (inj)

15.8.12
Seaford 3, Spartak 1

A slightly flattering win for Seaford; Spartak had many opportunities to score, but could not add to Ross Kelly’s lead goal, made by Derek Ruxton’s cross.

In a game played in high winds and heavy rain, Seaford proved the stronger side physically; Spartak struggled at times to hold the ball but nonetheless dominated the second period in terms of pressure without scoring. Seaford got their goals in the second period due to superior pace and also a gift third goal.

Spartak led when Ross Kelly turned in Derek Ruxton’s cross. Jason Northey made a couple of smart saves early on as the home side initially set the pace, and Seaford equalised when a poor throw in led to concession of a corner. Taken short by Seaford, the skidding cross evaded the Sky Blues defence and the local attacker slotted in .

The Sky Blues went all out for goals in the second half; a Derek Ruxton corner caused havoc but was not forced over the line; Martin Costello missed a one on one ; Derek Ruxton rounded the keeper but struck the post.

With the home keeper dropping crosses in the wet conditions Spartak missed a few opportunities to capitalise.

The Seaford second goal arrived when the forward evaded Dave Browne and then beat him for pace; the cover could do nothing to prevent the cross being converted.

With three minutes left a slip up by Martin Costello gifted goal no. 3 to the home side.

Form Report
Jason Northey 7 Conor Canavan 5 Rob Deering 5 Niall Hanratty 7 Dave Browne 5 Dermot Dooley 5 Neil McGowan 6 Derek Ruxton 7 Stuart Love 6 Ross Kelly 6 Dara Comerford 5 Martin Costello 5 Mick Costello 5 Steve Grier 5 Conor Callis 6

Spartak mustered a 16 man squad (plus a press ganged Mick Greene) to compete in the annual Willie Kissane tournament in VEC.

A tough draw saw Spartak face Knocklyon, Terenure and VEC in the 40 minute games played Saturday.

A fine defensive performance against a strong Knocklyon outfit was spoiled by late errors which saw Derek Ruxton , competently deputising for the injured Peter O’Toole, beaten twice. Peter damaged his ankle after an unnecessary challenge. Turns out to be two broken bones and two snapped ligaments. Thats Peter’s second mishap in this tournament.

Against Terenure a sloppy start saw the Sky Blues go 2 down early on; Stu Love hit the post and the second half display was better; but no way could be found through the Terenure defence. Mick Greene deputised in goal but knee damage then forced his withdrawal from the final match.

Ross Kelly took over as Spartak’s fourth keeper of the day in a game that VEC, with the aid of a couple of soft scores, won 4-2. Fine late goals by Neil McGowan from a Niall Lennon pass and then Steve Walsh, who scored a cracker after excellent foraging by Conor Maguire and a pass by Neil.

Peter O’Toole 7 Dave Browne 6 Aodhan McCahill 7 Fintan Grace 7 Keith Kelly 8 Dermot Dooley 6 Stuart Love 6
Conor Canavan 5 Niall Lennon 6 Neil McGowan 7 Dara Comerford 7 Rob Deering 7 Derek Ruxton 6 Steve Walsh 5 Conor Maguire 8 Ross Kelly 6 Mick Greene 6