Spartak Dynamo FC

10.4.2011
Pegasus 2 , Spartak 2

A brilliant goal line clearance by Glen Burke, recovering from his own mistake, saved a point for Spartak with the last kick of an end to end tussle on a very tight pitch at Terenure.

Spartak started the game like the proverbial house on fire, and could have had three before Ger Byrne turned in Seamus McCahill’s cross in the third minute. Keith Kelly hit the bar and then later Byrne had a weak effort when Graham Breen put him though.

At the other end Pegasus gradually found their feet and Burke and Browne were under some pressure, the latter getting booked for a rash challenge. Neil McGowan’s poor marking allowed the No. 9 a free header which he missed from close range. Seamus McCahill was not providing a suitable amount of cover on the right and Pegagus took full advantage. Neither McCahill nor Love could provide any attacking impetus or composed play along the flanks, and with midfield struggling, Spartak were over reliant on long balls and set pieces. Keith Kelly, often in the wars, and Neil McGowan could not gain purchase in central midfield.

A super volleyed attempt by Seamus McCahill at the start of the second half struck the post, but gradually Pegasus began to dominate.
A series of errors began to creep in; Burke headed weakly clear when he could have volleyed, and in the resulting sequence McGowan fouled at the edge of the box. Pegasus struck the post with Peter O’Toole beaten.

The home side equalised when Steve Grier was caught in possession, and then Browne headed the crossfield pass out for a throw. Both centre backs were out of position as a quick throw allowed the No10 to easily turn Burke and cross for a close range tap in.
Pegasus, on the surge, then had a goal disallowed, before Thom O’Driscoll’s corner was touched by Will O’Connell into Breen’s path to give Spartak a 2-1 lead.

All too soon Pegasus were level when Grace was outpaced and the cross turned in despite the close attention of Stuart Love.

The points dropped by both sides will act as a boon to Colmcilles, and both now lose ground in the chase for promotion.

Pegasus, much the more experienced side, have now scored 6 against the Sky Blues in the two games to date and will feel unlucky not to add a second victory, and must now be strong favourites for the Tom Cullen Cup.

From Report: Peter O’Toole 6 Glen Burke 5 Fintan Grace 5 Steve Grier 5 Dave Browne 5 Keith Kelly 5 Neil McGowan 5 Seamus McCahill 5 Stuart Love 5 Graham Breen 6 Ger Byrne 5
Subs: Kevin O’Toole 5 Will O’Connell 5 Thom O’Driscoll 6 Niall Tilley Paul Kinsella

4.4.2011
Spartak 2, Drimnagh 4

The visitors foul language and abusive behavior was not dealt with by the ref, who so lost control early, and to the extent that he mistimed the second half and blew up 5 minutes early.

Spartak were somewhat shell shocked to concede two goals in the final minutes of the first half after a battling performance. With Paul Kinsella and Kevin O’Toole forming a barrier at the back, Drimnagh were struggling to impose themselves. An unforunate lapse of marking by Jose Vargas at a corner kick allowed the visitors to snatch the lead, and shortly afterwards a looping shot beat Northey for number 2.

To add further to the problems, and upset any real possibility of a comeback, Shane McInerney conceded a soft penalty before a Paul Kinsella free was nodded in by a Drimnagh player to reduce arrears. Drimnagh again scored, from an offside position to make it 4-1, before Chris Hogan was bundled over in the box and Thom O’Driscoll made no mistake from the spot.

Spartak will need to up the performance levels as the semi final approaches.

Form Report: Jason Northey 5 Dave O’Kelly 5 Dillon Burke 5 Paul Kinsella 7 Kevin O’Toole 7 Shane McInerney 6 Mick Costello 6 Kevin Mannion 5 Jose Vargas 5 Ross Kelly 5 Steve Browne 5
Subs: Thom O’Driscoll 6 Steve Walsh 5 Chris Hogan 5

Larkview boys chasing the league came to Marlay park looking for three points to add to their tally and Spartak seniors duly rolled over and obliged.Having worked very hard in the first half to keep it to a scoreless draw , all our hard work was undone by a very poor second half.Larkview stepped up the pressure and a combination of bad defending, little imagination going forward, and chasing our tails up front let Larkview dictate the second half and claim all three points with four second half goals.Larkview were well worth their three points and certainly looked like a team that can win this league hands down.Spartak were made look very ordinary and with only two weeks to go to the semi finals of the cup some questions need to be asked.

Spartak 0 Larkview boys 4

Squad: Jimmy Brown (5) Dave Mohan (5) Greg Callan (5) Paul McGrath (5) Tom Maher (5) Ken Byrne (5) Graham Johnston (5) Gary Harte (5) Matt Grimes (5) Paddy Hughes (5) Andy Byrne (5) Shea McAfferty (5) Leon Davids (5) Stephen Moore (5) Barry Crowe (5) Rory Campbell (5)

3.4.2011
Spartak 2, Liffey Valley Rangers 1

Spartak successfully negotiated the semi final hurdle despite a number of injury problems. In the run up there were injury doubts regarding a number of players, with Glen Burke unable to start and Tom Flanagan lasting only 10 minutes with recurring hamstring problems. Keith Kelly, Neil McGowan and Steve Grier made it though the game. We won’t even mention that wonder of medical science that is Graham Breen!

A late Liffey goal made for an edgy finish but on the balance of play the home side were the better team in a nervous encounter. Spartak, featuring only four of last year’s cup winning side in the starting line up, played well in the first half, but faltered somewhat in the second period. A number of players did not play to their potential. Ger Byrne was off colour, while neither Dave Browne nor Seamus McCahill showed true form.

Spartak territorially dominated the opening half with a barrage of corners and long throws that led to a few scrambles but no breakthrough. McGowan, Keith Kelly and Stuart Love all had efforts at goal to no avail.

The breakthough opening goal on 40 minutes was a cracker, as Neil McGowan picked up a clearance with his back to goal, cleverly tricked two defenders before lashing a shot to the net from the edge of the box.

Liffey had looked dangerous on the break and the Sky Blues were grateful for one offside decision.

Spartak attacks in the second 45 were more sporadic; McGowan volleyed over, Breen looped a header over the bar and a fine move between Ger Byrne and Breen left Seamus McCahill clear but he pulled his effort just wide of the post.

The insurance goal came when Breen flicked on Browne’s throw and Ger Byrne headed in on 81 minutes.

There was still time for Liffey to reduce arrears , although the goal featured three players who were offside.

Tenacious defending by Grier and Fintan Grace, particularly in the air, were vital to the win.

One semi down, two to go: here’s hoping the Saturday boys, old and young , follow through to their finals also!

Form Report:
Peter O’Toole 7 Keith Kelly 7 Fintan Grace 7 Steve Grier 7 Dave Browne 5 Tom Flanagan 4 Neil McGowan 7 Seamus McCahill 5 Stuart Love 6 Graham Breen 6 Ger Byrne 5.
Subs: Will O Connell 6 Anto Doyle Kevin O Toole Paul Kinsella Glen Burke Thom O’Driscoll.

The seniors have drawn an away fixture against Griffith Rovers in the semi finals of the Clifford cup.The game will take place on Saturday the 16th April kick off at 12pm at Johnstown Park in Finglas.All support welcome on the day…..

Another great cup win from the Seniors on Saturday.We travelled all the way to Portmarnock expecting a tough game but to be honest we were dissapointed with the opposition.Although we had a very lack lustre first half we pushed on in the second half to great effect.Some words of encourement is all it took to get the team to play football and move forward of which the opposition had no answer.The two goals both came in the second half ,the first a quick break from Ken Bynre which saw him out run the opposition and out smart the keeper with a bullet of a shot from 15 yards, pin point I might add.The second was a breaking move from the back which saw Frank McNamee pick up the ball at half way, go on a run that would seen him beat two players, have the composure to stop have a look and slot the ball across the box to Matt Grimes who slotted home, probably the most unselfish act on the pitch this season as most players would have tried from a difficult angle .Overall a very well deserved win and the cup specialists push on……

Squad: Jimmy Brown (6) Dave Mohan (6) Paul McGrath (7) Greg Callan (7) Tony Kavanagh (6) Gary Harte (6) Frank McNamee (7) Paul Burke (6) Matt Grimes (7) Paddy Hughes (6) Andy Byrne (6) Brian Stafford (6) Graham Johnston (6) Shea McAfferty (6) Ken Byrne (7) Rory Campbell (9)

The over 35’s or the Seniors which I propose to call them from now on ,beat Ratoath Harps in the 1/4 Finals of the Clifford cup on Peno’s on Sat 12th March. Ratoath who play their football in Senior Div 1 North arrived with a swagger and left with their tales between their legs after a fine display from the seniors.This went to the wire but some very cool penalty takes from the lads and a penalty save from Jimmy assured a semi final to look forward to for the first time.1-1 on the day and 8-7 on Peno’s.

Squad: Jimmy Browne (8) Dave Mohan(8) Paul McGrath (8) Greg Callan (8) Tony Kavanagh (8) Gary Harte (8) Paul Burke (8) Brian Stafford (8) Graham Johnston (8) Ken Byrne (8) Paddy Hughes (8) Andy Byrne (8) Frank McNamee (8) Barry Crowe (8) Shea McAfferty (8) Matt Grimes (8) Rory Campbell (9)

26.3.2011
Phoenix 2 Spartak 0.

The bare bones of this defeat was a toothless attacking performance coupled with two crucial errors in central defence.
Spartak were without a number of players through injury, and also without Kevin Mannion, who is still looking for the pitch as we speak!
Spartak had a good early opportunity when Jose Vargas’ close range effort was saved, and from the resulting corner Mick Costello headed against the bar.
From the off the Spartak defence was uncertain, with errors by Martin Costello, Paul Kinsella, Dillon Burke and Cathal Clancy all causing problems. Robbie Hayes parried a surprise shot from distance , which he then recovered well to claw away.
Will O’Connell and Niall Hanratty strove to get a foothold in midfield, but Chris Hogan and Jose Vargas were inneffective on the flanks, with little support from the full backs.
Paul Kinsella and Cathal Clancy were caught square by a long ball and the local no.10 lobbed the helpless Robbie Hayes.
The Sky Blues suffered a blow when Niall Hanratty limped off on 40 minutes, and was replaced by Steve Browne.
Spartak lived a bit dangerously in the second half, with Hayes taking off a good save. While his handling was ok, kicking was another matter and needs more work.
Mick Costello blazed wastefully wide from a free kick in a good position, and Steve Browne shot well wide from an angle, but Spartak lacked the patience, movement and passing accuracy to create clear chances against a deep lying defence.
When Clancy was caught napping well behind the rest of the defence, Phoenix were able to break and score number two. Their striker was sent off for a second yellow, but Spartak could not take advantage of the 10 men for the remainng 20 minutes.

Form Report
Robbie Hayes 6 Martin Costello 4 Dillon Burke 4 Paul Kinsella 5 Cathal Clancy 4 Will O Connell 6 Niall Hanratty 6 Chris Hogan 5 Jose Vargas 4 Niall Lennon 4 Mick Costello 4
Subs: Steve Browne 4 Derek McGoldrick 4 Colum O’Sullivan 4 Jason Northey, Kevin Mannion.

27.3.2011
Portlaoise 6, Spartak 3

Spartak were a defensive shambles in what could have been an even worse humbling, Although conceding six goals was a humbling enough experience for one day. At the back Anto Doyle and Dave Browne had games they will not wish to recall, and when Glen Burke, who had been inneffective on the right, dropped back to replace the injured Keith Kelly, he was also implicated in a series of blunders which led to concession of goals. Although very much the junior partner in the back four, it was Keith who had shored up the defence when his mre experienced colleagues abdicated responsibility, and his loss with a groin strain was a blow.

Spartak always posed an attacking threat, and missed a couple of good chances in the first half. Going three down early in the second period, Spartak took advantage of some laxity in the home team and got back to 3-4 at one stage. But the leaking colander at the rear could not be plugged.

The big pitch and speedy home forwards befuddled the Spartak rearguard, with Browne guilty of both diving in and being slow to recover. Doyle simply did not possess the fitness to compete, while in central midfield, Seamus McCahill and Tom Flanagan were low on work rate and inept defensively.

Peter O’Toole kept the game alive, and either Graham Breen or Tom Flanagan could have given Spartak the lead against the run of play.
The opening goal was farcical, with Browne, running back towards O’Toole, attempting a clearance when the keeper had called. The ball ricocheted into the net

Early in the second half, Portloaise made it two from a good free, and three when Keith Kelly was isolated.

Tom Flanagan, set free by a good ball from Steve Walsh, crossed for Ger Byrne to reduce arrears, and Graham Breen added two more after good work by McCahill and Flanagan.

New signing Stephen Walsh, although clearly short of fitness, showed some good touches.

Form Report
Peter O’Toole 6 Anto Doyle 4 Fintan Grace 5 Keith Kelly 6 Dave Browne 4 Tom Flanagan 5 Seamus McCahill 5 Glen Burke 4 Stuart Love 5 Graham Breen 7 Ger Byrne 7
Sub: Stephen Walsh 6 Kevin O’Toole no show. Thom O’Driscoll sick note.

20.3.2011
Orwell 2 Spartak 4

After a pleasing first half performance and a two goal lead, Spartak fell asleep to allow Orwell equalise; however late goals and a strong last quarter showed the resilience and determination to bag the three points.

The game was held up due to non appearance of the allocated ref, but a sub ref was located and the game started 30 mins behind schedule.

Spartak scored after 3 minutes following a flowing move involving Graham Breen, Ger Byrne and Tom Flanagan, with the latter’s fine cross finished by Neil McGowan.

The second arrived form Dave Browne’s throw, flicked on by Breen, and Stuart Love again made no mistake from 6 inches. They all count!
Spartak were playing some fine football and creating chances; Fintan Grace’s fine ball put Byrne away, but he shot over; McGowan had a free just over; and a great move by Flanagan, McGowan, Byrne and Keith Kelly saw Breen head wide.
One early scare at the other end saw Grace tidy up when Browne was beaten by the flight of the ball.
The start of the second half saw Tom O’Driscoll put in a teasing cross missed by Breen and Love; Spartak felt well in control, but Orwell had other ideas, and as Spartak relaxed, their number 10 was allowed to turn and shoot. Peter O’Toole could only parry into the path of another forward, who scored. Suddenly the whole complexion of the game changed , and when Browne was penalised for a foul, Orwell equalised from the spot kick. Game on in earnest.

With subs Anto Doyle and Seamus McCahill to the fore, Spartak began to recover composure. A great move by Kelly and Doyle put Breen in, but he shot over when well placed.

The Sky Blues re-established the lead when Browne’s long free was knocked in by Steve Grier and then a fine move again saw McCahill swing in a great cross to the back post, which Breen powered home with his head.

A good recovery from a potentially disastrous situation.

Form Report
Peter O’Toole 6 Keith Kelly 7 Fintan Grace 5 Steve Grier 7 Dave Browne 7 Tom Flanagan 6 Neil McGowan 6 Tom O’Driscoll 5 Stuart Love 6 Graham Breen 7 Ger Byrne 6.
Subs Anto Doyle 7 Seamus McCahill 7 Paul Kinsella 6 Niall Tilley Will O’Connell Glen Burke