Spartak Dynamo FC

21.1.12
Swords Celtic 3, Spartak 1

Spartak came to rue missed first half chances in a game ruined by the wind and a whistle happy ref, who was never in control of the match. Apart from his infuriating habit of evening things up with provocative decisions, he failed to punish a horror challenge on Mick Costello. Mick has ankle damage and was lucky not to sustain a broken leg. To add insult to injury, the ref was only a few yards away from the incident.

Back to that first half, in which Spartak had the edge but somehow ended up a goal behind.
After just 5 minutes Conor Maguire won a free which Mick Greene crossed; the ball fell to Neill Bolger, close in, but he could not make the contact in the swirling wind. A fine reverse pass by Neill then put Derek Ruxton away on the right, and his shot was deflected for a corner.

Against the run of play Swords went ahead. A corner was cleared back to the taker, and his cross was headed down and finished. The Sky Blues claimed offside; but simple defending could have prevented the goal.

Spartak responded well with three attempts to equalise. Steve Walsh had a shot saved; Steve then put Conor Maguire through, who slotted past the keeper but wide of target; as the ball was running wide Neill Bolger raced to try to turn it in but hit the side net. Derek Ruxton’s run and cross left Conor Maguire with a close in header, but he could not get sufficient purchase and the ball drifted wide.

In fact Spartak had the home side on the run for a while, but sometimes chose to turn back to retain possession when a drive forward was more in keeping with the trend of the play.

The second period began poorly for Spartak; Neill Bolger picked up a yellow card, and on 50 minutes disaster struck when Martin Costello was dispossessed twice in the same move. On the first occasion his fellow defenders came to the rescue and returned the ball to him but the second was punished by a fine rasping shot past Bobby Hayes. 0-2.

Nonetheless Spartak fought back and reduced arrears on 56 minutes after good work by Steve Walsh when Conor Maguire turned the ball in. An equaliser looked on the cards when Fintan Grace and Martin Costello combined to cross for Neill Bolger, who powered a great header off the top of the bar. On a luckier day, he might have been completing his hattrick.

A fine run and cross by Fintan Grace saw no takers in the box and Maguire and Ruxton had shots saved. But the Sky Blues were undone as the defence pushed on and were caught out of position on the break and Swords added number 3 on 78 minutes.

Ross Kelly’s good work gave Mick Costello a good headed chance and then later when Mick’s shot was spilled by the keeper he challenged for the ball; he was butted and punched but Mick received a red card for retaliation – with no punishment for the home lads.

Not a match to be fondly remembered. A quick recovery is required for the Vere Deane cup (which Spartak has won previously) against high flying Hyde Park on Saturday in Balbriggan. The unfortunate Mick Costello will be both injured and suspended for that one.

Form Report
Bobby Hayes 6 Mick Greene 5 Fintan Grace 6 Martin Costello 5 Dave O’Kelly 6 Mick Costello 6 Neill Bolger 6 Derek Ruxton 6 Steve Walsh 6 Conor Maguire 6 Shane McInerney 6
Subs : Niall Lennon 5 Cathal Clancy 5 Ross Kelly 5 Colum O’Sullivan Niall Hanratty

21/01/2012

Squad: Jimmy Brown (6), Tony Kavanagh (6), Greg Callan (6), Paul McGrath (6), Robbie Downer (7), David Kavanagh (6), Graham Johnston (6) Brian Stafford (6), Ken Byrne (6), Paddy Hughes (6), Brendan Mooney (7), Matt Grimes (6), Paul Burke (6), Steven Mongy (6), Rory Campbell (9).

Scorer: Brendan Mooney 1

14/01/2012

Squad: Jimmy Browne (6), Ken Byrne (6), Greg Callan (6), Paul McGrath (6), Robbie Downer (6), Shea McCafferty (6), Frank McNamee (7), Graham Johnston (7), Brian Stafford (6), Paddy Hughes (7), Brendan Mooney (7), Collie Reid (6), David Kavanagh (6), Matt Grimes (6), Rory Campbell (9).

Scorers: Brendan Mooney (2), Paddy Hughes (2), Frank McNamee (1).

14.1.12
Leinster Junior Shield Round 5
Carrick Rovers 0, Spartak 2

An excellent opportunist strike by Derek Ruxton on 75 minutes effectively decided this tie in the Sky Blues favour. On as sub, Derek broke the deadlock of a match that seemed destined for stalemate. Conor Maguire’s 94th minute goal gave the scoreline a more flattering look in a dour encounter in Carrickmacross.

Derek’s decisive moment came when he challenged the keeper for a loose ball just outside the box; the ball squirted away to the left, but Derek coolly slotted in from a tight angle.

Spartak and Carrick huffed and puffed for a first half that was aimless; neither side took control of the ball and possession was squandered repeatedly. Neither midfield could get a grip on proceedings.

When Niall Hanratty and Bobby Hayes made a hash of a kick out, Carrick had their best chance of the game, but the subsequent cross was too fast for the striker to touch home.

Spartak had two “goals” disallowed; both by Conor Maguire, the second following the brightest passage of play after Niall Hanratty struck the bar from 20 yards, and Conor arched to head in.

Spartak were generally profligate from free kicks in decent positions, and did not test the local keeper, the nearest chance when Martin Costello knocked Mick Greene’s free over the bar. and, throughout the match, lacked the incisiveness needed; the final ball was not up to the mark. Martin was lucky to escape censure when he handled the ball deliberately.

Chris Hogan was again in the wars with officialdom and was in danger of dismissal until substituted.

On 65 minutes, a neat move put Shane McInerney into the box; his shot was pushed away by the keeper, but in the act of shooting a Carrick player shouted “boo” for which he received his second yellow and a harsh dismissal by the excellent, if slightly fussy, referee. Shane swears this is the only reason he did not break his scoring “duck” for the season!

Bobby Hayes handled confidently throughout, particularly early on when Conor Maguire was dispossessed, but conceded a second half free for carrying the ball out of the penalty area, and he was well protected by the central defensive bastions of Fintan Grace and Dave O’Kelly.

With the locals down to ten men, Spartak at last began to take a grip in midfield, but too often the cross or final pass halted the move. While the midfield was solid defensively, they were a little over cautious in general and few inventive passes were made, with support for the forward players usually lacking.

As Carrick pushed on in search of an equaliser, the other substitute Derek McGoldrick used his pace and had two great chances on the break; firstly he rounded the keeper but lost his footing at the vital moment; and the second effort was saved.

Carrick Rovers were sporting and gracious hosts of a match played in a good spirit and we wish them well for the rest of the season.

While the performance was solid rather than spectacular, the result away from home was satisfying, particularly for the travelling fans, Ian Leslie and Mark Bolger. It was a fairly cheerful bus ride home, with a 6th round quarter final tie awaiting.

Form Report
Bobby Hayes 7 Chris Hogan 6 Mick Greene 6 Dave O’Kelly 8 Fintan Grace 8 Mick Costello 7 Niall Lennon 7 Niall Hanratty 7 Conor Maguire 7 Martin Costello 7 Shane McInerney 7

Subs: Derek Ruxton 7 Derek McGoldrick 6 Neill Bolger

Over 35’s are home to Inter Firm at 2pm. The Sunday lads are away to Rathfarnham Punters also kicking off at 2pm.

The Saturday lads are away to Carrick Rovers from Carrickmacross in Monaghan in the 5th round of the Leinster Junior Shield. The bus is LEAVING the Eden at 10.30am and there is room on the bus for a few supporters. All support would be appreciated.

10/12/2011

Squad:

Jimmy Browne (6), Paul McGrath (6), Paul Burke (5), Tony Kavanagh (7), Ken Byrne (7), Matt Grimes (5), Frank McNamee (6), Brian Stafford (5), Paddy Hughes (5), Graham Johnston (6), Shea McCafferty (5), Leon Davids (5), Stevey Mongy (5), Collie Reid (5), Rory Campbell (9).

03/12/2011

Drumcondra  4   Spartak  1  

 Squad:

Jimmy Browne (7), Dave Mohan (5), Paul McGrath (6), Paul Burke (5), Tony Kavanagh (6), Frank McNamee (6), Paddy Hughes (5), Graham Johnston (6), Shea McCafferty (5), Con Mooney (5), Leon Davids (5), Stevey Mongy (6), Collie Reid (6), Rory Campbell (9).

(Scorer Rory Campbell)

7.1.11
Over 35s 2, Saturday lads 5

A good work out on grass where the seniors took a two goal lead within ten minutes, but then conceded an og. After a hopeless start, completely lacking in intensity, gradually the younger lads got on top and added four goals (and a missed penalty) to come out on top.

With seven subs rotating, the extra energy proved decisive for the saturday lads as the seniors, with a smaller squad, faded somewhat in the heavy conditions.

Jimmy Browne 8 Greg Callan 7 Tony Kavanagh 8 Brian Stafford 8 Dave Kavanagh 7 Paul Burke 7
Rory Campbell 9 Shea McClafferty 7 Colm Reid 7 Steve Mongey 7 Paddy Hughes 7 Graham Johnston 7 Robbie 7 Brendan Mooney 7 Matt Grimes 7

Jason Northey 5 Chris Hogan 5 Mick Greene 5 Cathal Clancy 6 Martin Costello 6 Fintan Grace 6 Adam Doran 7 Niall Lennon 5 Niall Hanratty 5 Shane McInerney 5 Neill Bolger 5 Derek Ruxton 6 Steve Walsh 6 Conor Maguire 7 Ross Kelly 7 Conor Canavan 6 Derek McGoldrick 6 Mick Costello 5

8.1.11
Sunday X1 2, Sat X11 5

A number of Saturday players opted to stay in bed for this work out, so the side was bolstered by the addition of Alex Kenny and Barry Crowe to make up a 12 v 11 game. Perhaps on this performance Barry could be persuaded to do a Paul Scholes?

Those of the Saturday lads who made football a low priority may come to regret the decision as there were a number of convincing performances to build up a 4 goal lead against the (very) sluggish Sunday lads with goals by Niall Lennon 2, Steve Walsh and Derek Ruxton.

As for the Sunday boys, who also had a few missing in action, they lacked energy and cohesion and were easy prey, giving away goals through a series of errors. A late comeback attempt reduced arrears to 4-2, as Steve Grier and Graham Breen scored, while Seamus McCahill hit the post, but a last minute Jose Vargas goal completed the rout.

Peter O’Toole 5 Paul Kinsella 5 Ciaran Keogh 6 Steve Grier 6 Dave Browne 6 Ken Buckley 5 Neil McGowan 6
Conor Canavan 5 Ger Byrne 5 Graham Breen 6 Seamus McCahill 5

Jason Northey 7 Niall Hanratty 7 Alex Kenny 8 Dave O’Kelly 7 Fintan Grace 7 Barry Crowe 8 Niall Lennon 7 Derek Ruxton 8 Jose Vargas 6 Ross Kelly 6 Steve Walsh 7 Conor Maguire 7

Married Men 2, Single Men 7

With twenty three turning out, and only 8 single men at kick off time, a few hasty visits to Reno were arranged and Messrs Mohan, McClafferty and Vargas, who opened the scoring, were switched.

An early highlight was Niall Lennon chomping on a breakfast roll as part of a (brief) warm up routine; it was not effective, and little was seen of Niall during the match.

With Dave Mohan playing full time in the hockey goals, a tactic which the married men eschewed to their cost, a distinct advantage accrued to the single men, who scored a few tap ins into open goals, while Dave effectively blocked the goal.

While it was close up to half time, the second half scoring was one sided, and the married men ended up frustrated.

Next training sessions are Thursday and Sat, both in Columbas, at 2pm

The annual post Christmas match is on in St Columbas College on 27th Dec – 2pm start. Be there for 1.45.

Its the married (or under thumb pressure) X1 against the young (ish) free and single selection.

In the first match last Tuesday, Jose Vargas team of out of towners (A mexican/italian/culchie mix) beat Chris Hogan’s local Rock Stars by 4-2. Winners opening goal came from Mike Hull, who outpaced Shane McInerney to slot home, while Jose outwitted a bemused Ken Buckley for the second. Mike and Jose added goals later with John McCluskey (returning to the fold after a long absence), Niall Hanratty and Keith Kelly getting goals back, but late misses by Adam Doran , Niall Hanratty and Keith Kelly meant there was no equaliser.

The Thursday game was an intriguing set up. It has been said that defending is the easy part, with goal scoring the more difficult art. So the Goalpoachers (those who have scored regularly for Spartak) were up against the Shot Shy Select (Those who haven’t). The latter lived up to their name and failed to trouble Jason Northey in the first half, while Frank McNamee, Shea McClafferty, et al ran riot at the other end to build up a 5-0 half time lead. Experienced stoppers Dave Browne, Paul Kinsella, Ken Buckley, Ciaran Keogh, Conor Canavan and Shane McInerney had an off night defensively. Neil McGowan might have made it 6 but shot inexplicably wide of an open goal. The second half proved a bit more evenly contested and the Shot Shys certainly missed a few, but the game finished 7-1, with Jose Vargas drilling the final nail from a tight angle.