Spartak Dynamo FC

10.11.13
Ballybrack 1, Spartak 0

Any neutral viewing this game would find it hard to believe Spartak are struggling in the league while Ballbrack lie a comfortable second.

One long range effort beat Jason Northey for the decider; but for the second half Spartak had things their own way but could not grab that elusive goal.

Sean Doyle and Martin Costello made an effective centre back pairing while subs Gaynor, Doran and O’Driscoll all made a positive impact.

An O’Driscoll free was nodded just wide by Neil McGowan; Derek Ruxton blazed over when through on goal; Steve Walsh was foiled by last minute interventions on a few occasions; indeed Spartak could have taken the lead after a fine Walsh rn saw his effort deflected onto a post by a despairing defender’s dive, with Paul Kinsella just failing the force in the rebound.

An excellent performance without reward.

Form Report
Jason Northey 6 Paul Kinsella 7 Dave Browne 6 Sean Doyle 8 Martin Costello 8 Fergus Burke 6 Neil McGowan 6 Derek Ruxton 5 Ken Buckley 5 Stuart Love 5 Steve Walsh 7
Subs : Adam Doran 7 Thomas Gaynor 6 Thom O Driscoll 6

9.11.13
Spartak 1 Ballyoulster 2

Ballyoulster looked the more determined and sharper side throughout this game, but Spartak, never on their best form, remained doggedly in the contest throughout.

The hosts had the upper hand in midfield throughout the game but the best early chance fell to Dave Berry whose effort cleared the crossbar. But from then on in the first period it was the visitors who had the clear chances.

An unfortunate touch by Chris Hogan, attempting to clear when possession was lost from his throw in, fell neatly for the visiting striker who made no mistake. Just on half time Mick Leslie was caught wrong side and Spartak went two down.

Spartak reduced arrears when Mick Leslie converted Stephen Barr’s free kick after 71 minutes, but despite a decent revival could not find an equaliser, while on the break David MArlow made a fine stop to keep the contest open till the last kick.

Form Report
David Marlow 7 Chris Hogan 5 Fintan Grace 6 Stephen Barr 7 Derek Gibney 6 Shane McInerney 5 Jervis Mulhall 5 Mark Brady 5 Dermot Dooley 6 David Berry 7 Mick Leslie 6
Subs: Niall Lennon 5 Eoin Kelly 5 Ross Kelly 5

Sean Lynam, former Spartak goalkeeper, passed away at home late on Nov 4th, 2013.

The sad news was relayed to the club by former Chairman Ian Leslie, whose wife Brigid helped take care of Sean during his illness.

Sean joined Spartak as a schoolboy, at Ian’s instigation, and made 373 appearances, and after many schoolboy games graduated to the senior side, featuring in league title winning teams in Div 2A LSL 1990 and Premier 1 1993.

Sean, a big man, was always an imposing figure in the Spartak goalmouth. Among the playing highlights were penalty saves to help win the cup final shoot out against Stillorgan in 1990 and keeping a clean sheet in the winning cup final the following year. He is also credited with once scoring a goal for the club, although details are shrouded in the mists of time!

Sean, and his close pals Frank O’Brien and Dave Keegan were a central feature of Spartak games for many years, and soldiered in successful and struggling sides with equanimity. These three were also keen cricketers, with Sean an aggressive and effective fast bowler.

Sean’s wife Trish always took an active part in Spartak affairs, not least in cajoling her brother, Joe Costello, to line out for Brian Mahon’s side during the 90s.

Sean was great company and possessed a dry sense of humour and was very popular with his team mates. Having missed the 40th club party, he declared he would be there for the real party on the 50th anniversary.

Just last Saturday Sean was able to have a few drinks with a few of his pals, including quite a few Sky Blues. Many sporting tales were retold and some had acquired extra detail over time!

All who knew him at Spartak will miss him.

Sincere condolences to Trish and to the Lynam and Costello families on their loss.

2.11.13
Liffey Vally 5, Spartak over 35s 6

25 goals in two games for the Spartak senior men – that should bring back the crowds! Defences were definitely not on top on this wet and blustery day in west Dublin.

A hat trick for Paddy Hughes, and a fine Brian Farrelly goal, were bookended by Kevin O’Connell’s opening and closing efforts. The winning goal came in the 88th minute, with Kevin coolly finishing after Brian Burgess’ lung bursting run and pass.

The game opened as if Spartak were going to run riot; Kevin O’Connell’s opener, however was cancelled out by the home side, and when Gavin Johnson’s free was forced home by Paddy Hughes after Shea McClafferty’s run was halted by a foul, the Sky Blues looked in control again, but lax defending allowed Liffey to equalise.

The second period saw a defensive error by Paul McGrath, back after injury, punished and Spartak were 2-3 down. But in a sustained burst Paddy Hughes added a solo effort before adding number four after a Kevin O Connell pass.

Matt Grimes started a neat move which saw Brian Farrelly force home number 5.

But Liffey, league leaders, mounted a determined comeback and the woodwork, and some goal line clearances, saved Spartak on several occasions. Bernard McGuinness in goal made several good saves, and if a little unorthodox was no less effective. Liffey persisted, however, as the Sky Blues lost their rythm, and a close range header and then a deflected shot brought the home side level on 75 minutes.

Spartak then set themselves to the task in hand, with Brian Burgess, Paddy Hughes and Graham Johnston prominent, and finally got that all important goal with two minutes of normal time left.

Form Report
Bernard McGuinness 7 Shea McClafferty 6 Gavin Johnson 6 Richie Grey 6 Paul McGrath 6 Graham Johnston 7 Brian Burgess 7 Ken Byrne 6 Fintan Grace 6 Kevin O’Connell 8 Paddy Hughes 9 Brian Farrelly 7 Matt Grimes 7 Steve Caffery 6 Tom Maher 6

Quiz night is on Nov 7th in Firhouse Community Centre.

First round questions start at 9.30. Mobile phones will be binned for the duration!

Lets make it a good club social night as well as a decent fundraiser – over to YOU!

Spot Prizes required – all donations gratefully received.

27.10.13
Spartak 5, Knockmitten 3

Spartak’s spirit refused to let this game slip away and a flurry of four late goals saw the Sky Blues come back from 1-3 to win.

Spartak began brightly but the final pass was lacking. The visitors then found their feet and Jason Northey was the busier keeper for most of the opening period.

Knockmitten scored after just seven minutes; Aodhan McCahill was caught out of position initially and when the cross came in there seemed plenty of home bodies to defend – however it was an easy finish for the striker as the Sky Blue defenders stood still.

A deflected Steve Walsh shot equalised following a fine pass from Fergus Burke, but then an error by Niall Hanratty, who opted to plead for offside, allowed a run on goal which led to number two.

Stuart Love had a well hit drive but too close to the keeper. Just before half time Spartak had a glorious chance to level matters when Aodhan McCahill raced through to spring the offside trap. With support inside he chose to shoot, but hit the side netting.

Spartak began the second half in determined mood; Dariusz Cismas had an effort cleared off the line and then on 51 minutes, Steve Walsh won a rather soft penalty, which he opted to take himself. A poor effort was far too close to the keeper who got both hands to it to push it away.

A further setback came on 63 minutes when Niall Hanratty, urged to clear it, opted to try to beat his man; he was dispossessed and a quick pass led to number three. 1-3 rather than 2-2!!

It was now all hands to the pump as the Sky Blues sought to get back in the game. Ken Buckley, Derek Ruxton and Ben Fallon all came on to add drive and energy and Seamus McCahill pushed on from the back. Seamus fed Neil McGowan with a good pass; Neil finished but was adjudged offside. Derek Ruxton then blazed a decent chance over the bar.

With time running out Neil McGowan slotted in to pull one back. A near disaster then when a Ruxton misplaced pass sent a Knockmitten forward away; Ben Fallon pulled him back and was lucky to receive just a yellow.

Seamus McCahill was fouled as he pushed down the right with five minutes left; Steve Walsh’s left footed free from the right needed only the faintest touch and Seamus was on hand to supply it to glance to the corner. Two minutes later on 87 minutes Ben Fallon gave Steve Walsh the chance to shoot. A drilled shot but straight at the keeper, who fumbled as Neil McGowan, anticipating the error, raced in to lift the ball over him and put Spartak in the lead for the first time in the game.

With Knockmitten now shell shocked Steve Walsh slotted a neat score from a narrow angle to put the icing on the cake.

Form Report:
Jason Northey 7 Niall Hanratty 5 Aodhan McCahill 5 Seamus McCahill 8 Paul Kinsella 6 Fergus Burke 8 Neil McGowan 8 Dariusz Cismas 5 Stuart Love 6 Martin Costello 6 Steve Walsh 8
Subs: Derek Ruxton 6 Ben Fallon 6 Ken Buckley 6

st Round Leinster Junior Shield
12 October 2013

– Riverside 5 – 4 Spartak (aet)

Spartak made an early morning trip to Brickfields to play Riverside in the 1st round of the Leinster Junior Shield. This competition has been generous to Spartak in the past and last years finalists were out in the first round but not without a real battle.
With the scores 0-0 at half time Spartak made a disastrous start to the second half and found themselves 2-0 down on 47 minutes.
Michael Leslie pulled one back with a sweet left foot finish across the keeper. Substitute Stephen Barr made it 2-2 from a free kick on the edge of the box. Moments later he was sent off following a “discussion” with the referee over a mishit clearance which landed in Marlow’s hands. The referee gave the free kick from where the “back pass” was hit at the edge of the box.
Spartak got caught out when a break down the right was not cut out and found themselves 3-2 down but to their credit battled back with 10 men and ball broke to Shane McInerney to poke home from close range on 86 minutes.
Into extra time and Jeff Gamble made it 4-3 in the 1st minute with a powerful close range header from Niall Lennons corner. Spartak looked more likely to get a 5th but again got hit on the break and allowed Riverside to equalize and make it 4-4.
Neil Bolger forced a great fingertip save from the home keeper before a long range Derek Gibney free kick beat the keeper before bouncing off the crossbar. With the game looking set for penalties Riverside added a 5th two minutes into added time in the second half of extra time. It was a sickening blow for the visitors who battled so hard with 10 men for 55 minutes
Team – David Marlow, David O Kelly, Chris Hogan, Fintan Grace, Derek Gibney, Shane McInerney, Jeff Gamble, Barry Maguire, Jervis Mulhall, Niall Lennon, Michael Leslie
Subs – Stephen Barr (for Barry Maguire) Neil Bolger (for Jervis Mulhall), Jason Doyle, Mick Greene
Man of the match – Jeff Gamble with a notable mention for Niall Lennon

26.10.13
Spartak 1, Leicester 6

Forced into seven changes from last week’s game due to injury, suspension and absentees for the Bank Holiday, Spartak were no match for an unbeaten Leicester side.

Rain fell heavily from the off and made the game a miserable spectacle for those on the sideline.

Spartak conceded in the first minute when Leicester surged unnopposed and forced a corner. Chris Hogan handled on the lien- penalty, but a lenient ref refrained from a card.

The first half was a procession towards the Sky Blues goal.

Jervis Mulhall and Dave Browne were caught in possession in dangerous areas and goals resulted. Dave O Kelly gave his winger too much space on the turn and he scored. Failure to close down at the edge of the box allowed a high shot to elude stand in keeper Conor Canavan, who was afforded scant protection.

Five down at half time.

As Leicester relaxed in the second period Spartak showed a bit more life and Jeff Gamble, by far Spartak’s best player on the day, had three fine headers, one saved, one just wide and one scored from Tom Gaynor’s corner. Gaynor might have made it two but blazed over when clean through almost immediately after, when a goal might have prompted a mini revival.

Leicester added number six just on the final whistle.

Form Report
Conor Canavan 6 Dave O Kelly 5 Chris Hogan 5 Dave Browne 5 Stephen Barr 5 Mark Brady 5 Jervis Mulhall 5 Kevin Loftus 4 Dermot Dooley 5 Jeff Gamble 7 Mick Leslie 5
Subs: Dave Berry 5 Thomas Gaynor 5 Eoin Kelly 4

20.1.13
Spartak 0, Balbriggan 4.

A deeply disappointing result from a Spartak side lacking form.

Jason Northey was the busier goalkeeper throughout as the Sky Blues struggled to gain ascendancy.

The visitors had the first opportunity after Niall Hanratty switched off but Northey saved, and this pattern continued, with Paul Kinsella and Conor Keegan picking up yellow cards attempting to stem the flow.

A big opportunity for the home side came when Neil McGowan’s pass released Steve Walsh but his effort lacked his usual conviction and was saved.

The visitors then scored in the 41st and 42nd minutes. The first came when a careless throw in by Aodhan McCahill allowed Balbriggan to break; Martin Costello, attempting to intercept, could only direct the ball to another forward and Northey was helpless. Moments later a mix up between Northey and Kinsella gave Balbriggan an easy second.

The second period was more even but late goals, sloppily conceded, sealed the result. Derek Ruxton let his man away to tap in a free kick crossed into the box, and then a rebound saw the visitors react to score. Again the best chances of the period fell to Steve Walsh but he was foiled by the keeper.

Form Report:
Jason Northey 6 Conor Keegan 6 Aodhan McCahill 4 Martin Costello 5 Paul Kinsella 5 Ken Buckley 5 Neil McGowan 5 Niall Hanratty 4 Mark Brady 4 Stephen Barr 5 Stephen Walsh 5
Subs: Fergus Burke 5 Derek Ruxton 4 Dariusz Cismas 5 Dave Browne Thom O Driscoll Stuart Love

19.10.13
Spartak over 35s 10 (yes TEN!!!) Caragh Celtic 4

A scintillating attacking display by the Sky Blue veterans blew the visitors away and produced a series of excellent scores.
In the first minute Eugene Duff raced away to make it one nil; then Brian Burgess (much to Dave Mohan’s dismay) fired a speculative shot from 35 yards. Dave quickly registered approval as the shot went in! A slip by Colm Coffey gave the vistors some hope but a tremendous angled drive by Burgess made it 3-1 at half time.

With man of the match Graham Johnston spraying passes with metronomic regularity and no little precision, Messrs Burgess, Duff, Matt Grimes and in particular the hard running Brian Farrelly ran riot for a glorious twenty minute spell which made it 6-1; the final quarter saw a small renaissance from the visitors, who kept plugging away and got a few fine goals themselves.

But the Sky Blues always had the upper hand and ran in four more. Duff 3, Burgess 2 Farrelly 2 Hughes, G McGuiness and Johnston were the scorers.

The mystery remains as to how the Sky Blues lost on penalties to the same opposition just a week earlier. Funny old game….

Form Report
Bernard McGuinness 6 Colm Reid 6 Gavin Johnson 7 Kevin O Connell 8 Jamie Brennan 7 Matt Grimes 7 Graham Johnston 9 Paddy Hughes 8 Eugene Duff 8 Colm Coffey 6 Brian Burgess 8 Brian Farrelly 8 Shea McClafferty 6 Tom Maher 6 Gerry McGuinness 7