Spartak Dynamo FC

10.9.11
Spartak 1, Esker Celtic 0

The Sky Blues had to work hard for this victory, due in no small part to a fine goalkeeping display by Bobby Hayes and a very reasonable slice of good fortune. The visitors, who struck the woodwork three times as well as giving Hayes a testing work out and who also had a late penalty claim denied, will feel very hard done by.

Spartak opened brightly, and a neat 1-2 with Martin Costello set Colum O’Sullivan free but his attempt was weak and close to the keeper. Steve Walsh’s good run and cross gave Martin Costello an opportunity but his header was off target.

Esker then had a long range effort which smacked off the bar before being cleared. Spartak then had a blow when Niall Lennon, who had started creatively in midfield, had to go off with a hamstring injury. Esker gradually asssumed midfield control and had a few chances. They hit the post and Hayes recovered the situation for the home side. When Mick Greene was caught on the turn the no 7, luckily for Spartak, fatally delayed his shot as the angle worsened.

Just on half time a great break saw Dave O’Kelly send Martin Costello away down the left, and when he rolled the ball invitingly across the six yard box, Colum O’Sullivan could only steer the ball back to the grateful keeper.

Esker pressure continued at the start of the second half when Hayes conceded an unnecessary corner, but Spartak gained the vital advantage when Colum O’Sullivan was fouled on the left corner of the box. Mick Greene’s free may not have been the most powerful, but lacked nothing in accuracy. 1-0.

Spartak were now more or less overrun in the middle of the park and relying on break outs. Niall Hanratty was yellow carded after stopping a dangerous break.

The home side did have a few chances to add to the lead. O’Sullivan shot wide coming in from the left and Shane McInerney spurned a good shooting opportunity from 18 yards, blazing well over. Fidel Benson, through on goal, was muscled out without getting a shot in.

Mostly, however, play was concentrated at the other end. A McInerney miskick at the edge of the box saw Hayes come to the rescue with a tip over save. He also pushed a good effort on to the post and raced out of his goal to clear the danger on a few occasions.

With 98 minutes on the clock(!), there was a clash in the box between Dave O’Kelly and a visiting forward, who went to ground. To the relief of the home side, the ref awarded an indirect free , which was twice taken. Hayes gratefully grasped the second effort and Spartak were home and hosed.

Spartak were grateful for a day when most things went their way.

Form Report:
Robbie Hayes 8 Niall Hanratty 7 Mick Greene 7 Dave O’Kelly 7 Cathal Clancy 7 Mick Costello 6 Niall Lennon 6 Chris Hogan 5 Steve Walsh 5 Colum O’Sullivan 5 Martin Costello 6
Subs: Shane McInerney 5 Ross Kelly 5 Fidel Benson 5 Shane Corrigan Ryan Burke

31.8.11
Dundrum 3 Spartak over 35s 3

Ken Byrne writes…..

The first 20 mins saw Spartak get some extra training as all they could do was chase the ball from a well-organized Dundrum side. Although missing some players Spartak drafted in some recruits from the 2nd and 3rd team J Shane and Mick. The Gaffer did a good job in mixing and trying new formations. Dundrum took the lead from a set piece, but it really should have been cleared from the Spartak defense. It seemed to wake Spartak up to drive forward with a Spectacular goal J from 25 yards from Ken to make it 1-1. But still Spartak chased the game , Dundrum had a lot of possession and Spartak worked hard to keep them at bay, Graham and Shay battling well in midfield. Spartak took the lead with some excellent running from Paddy to beat two defenders to slot the ball home, and within 5 mins Spartak had taken the lead to 3-1, again Paddy and Ken working well for Ken to slot the ball home. Dundrum pressed hard and again from a set piece they scored, Greg beaten in the air for the ball to go over Jimmy’s out stretched hands. Spartak had another chance when a well-placed cross from Shay was aimed for the galloping Leon who just missed in connecting . Dundrum came at Spartak again and due to some poor defense work from Spartak , they were level with a well-placed shot just inside the box . Following that Dundrum had another chance but Tom was there to clear of the line. Dave Mohan had to replace Jimmy who went off Injured, but before Dave could display any heroics , the Ref blew the Final whistle. In Summary it was a good work out for the Spartak team and it gave an idea of what is ahead in the coming season. Thanks to Shane and Mick for helping out the 1st Team!

Paul feel free to add your comments J and ratings!!

Paul adds: In case it escaped your attention, Ken scored two goals…..

Team:- Jimmy, Leon, Greg, Paul, Tom, Con, Graham, Shay, Tony, Paddy, Ken, Mick, Shane, Dave(gaffer)

25.8.11
Peamount 0, Spartak 1

Spartak won all three points on the Peamount astro surface due in no small measure to a sterling defensive performance by the back 5, keeping a clean sheet despite Peamount having the lion’s share of the ball.

Midfield was a problem area for Spartak throughout, with the home side moving the ball freely. The Sky Blues conceded far too many unnecessary frees, inviting unwanted pressure into the penalty area, and wasted possession too frequently.

Bobby Hayes made a couple of good stops in the first half, particularly in a one on one situation with the defence beaten and Dave O’Kelly intervened with a fine headed clearance on another occasion. The central defenders were generally solid, particularly in the air, as were the full backs. Going forward, O’Kelly and Conor Canavan on the flanks were less self assured.
Up front Graham McEnroe made a great chance for himself but shot too early while Colum O’Sullivan worked hard and had a couple of good runs.
Steve Walsh showed some good touches and started the second half with a good run; the shot , however, lacked conviction. A fine McEnroe turn following a corner set up Kenny Ward for the best chance so far, but he scuffed his effort from a few yards.
Niall Hanratty was enduring a difficult night on the right flank, and was profligate with passes and crosses. To his credit he kept going and stole the glory on 82 minutes when he fired past a startled keeper from 30 yards.
As Peamount pressed on in search of a reward, Martin Costello and McEnroe combined to set up Chris Hogan from close in, but he blazed over when a more controlled effort was required.
Hogan then gave Hanratty an opportunity, but he shot over; Martin Costello was then lucky (again!) not to pick up a yellow when he “scored” long after the offside whistle had blown.

Spartak had to deal with the usual number of Saturday cry offs (for a wonderful variety of reasons) and have now used 21 players in just 2 games, with only 4 players staring both games to date , indicating a lack of dedication which may prove costly.

Form Report:
Bobby Hayes 7 Conor Canavan 7 Dave O Kelly 7 Fintan Grace 7 Ken Ward 7 Mick Young 4 Neill Bolger 4 Niall Hanratty 6 Steve Walsh 6 Colum O Sullivan 5 Graham McEnroe 7 Martin Costello 5 Shane McInerney 5 Chris Hogan 5 Ryan Burke Dillon Burke Shane Corrigan

Update as of 26th August.
Tuesday game against Brighton Celtic goes ahead but the Thursday game v Lisadell is off. They could not field a team last night and may pull out of league.

So Kilians training now starts Thurs 1st Sept at 9pm.

Training in St Kilians, due to start 29th Aug, will now be delayed by a week as midweek league games are fixed for Tues and Thursday . Training on astro resulmes Tuesday and Thurs Sep 6th and 8th at 9pm.

20.2.11
Spartak 2, Swords 2.

Both teams had several chances to clinch the game in a very open last quarter. Spartak had taken a two goal lead, somewhat against the run of play, but a strong Swords comeback yielded them a draw. As the visitors pushed on in search of a goal at two down, the Sky Blues spurned a few gilt edged chances to secure the three points.

Swords began the stronger and Cathal Clancy conceded two frees early on, from the second of which Swords hit the crossbar. Steve Walsh had a lively first half; first a mazy run and cross to the back post, not anticipated by his fellow attackers; then, collecting a great first time pass from Mick Costello, he beat two defenders before finishing on 15 minutes. The visiting keeper, unnerved at conceding, was then caught out of his area in trouble but Martin Costello conceded an easy free.

The visitors continued to press and when Mick Greene was beaten on the by line Swords miskicked in front of an empty goal.

Spartak went two up on 51 minutes when Steve Walsh coolly collected and put Martin Costello down the left. Costello’s perfect cross was finished by Jose Vargas at the back post.

Swords replied on 61 minutes. It was a soft goal from the home side’s viewpoint. A cross to the near post saw a mix up between Mick Greene and Mick Costello, while Robbie Hayes stayed on his line. The visiting forward nodded in from a few yards.

Neill Bolger, on as substitute, then snatched at a chance when put clear by Jose Vargas.

With fifteen minutes remaining, Niall Lennon missed a header and the subsequent through ball caught Fintan Grace and Niall Hanratty napping for the forward to equalise.
Hayes then created his own moment of drama when he miskicked straight to a forward but redeeemed the situation with a save. From the resultant corner Swords volleyed powerfully but just wide.

In the last minute of normal time, Niall Hanratty’s free rebounded off the bar to the onrushing and unmarked Neill Bolger. However he was caught in two minds and and could not direct his effort on target.
Cathal Clancy conceded a free on the edge of the box and the free was touched onto the bar

A final chance came to Spartak but Fidel Benson overran the ball when clean through, alowing the keeper to collect.

A fair result overall to a good contest.

Form Report
Robbie Hayes 5 Conor Canavan 7 Mick Greene 5 Fintan Grace 7 Cathal Clancy 5 Mick Costello 6 Niall Lennon 7 Jose Vargas 6 Steve Walsh 7 Ross Kelly 6 Martin Costello 5 Neill Bolger 5 Niall Hanratty 6 Fidel Benson 5 Ryan Burke Dillon Burke Chris Hogan Colum O’Sullivan.

18.8.11
Spartak 4, St Vincents 2

Spartak survived a nightmare start, going two down, to finish strongly and with better finishing in the second half could have run up a big score.

There was more than a suspicion of offside about the first Vincents goal, although the home side were caught in possession and slow to try to get back. Failure to play to the whistle costs precious seconds in reaction time. Martin Costello was then dispossessed trying to carry the ball out and the Sky Blues were two down. When Kevin O Toole and Dave Browne were outpaced, Vincents hit the bar.

Spartak were slipshod in possession and slow in thought and movement, and generally listless throughout the first half.

Martin Costello redeemed his earlier error by reducing arrears with a left footed snap shot just before the break.

The introduction of Niall Hanratty and Neill Bolger added energy to the Spartak cause and the tide then turned rapidly in favour of the home side.

Two goals by Ger Byrne edged Spartak in front and Dave O Kellys effort was deflected in to make it four.

Good approach play created a litany of chances against a tiring Vincents outfit. Glen Burke hit the post from close range, Martin Costello missed a great chance from point blank range when set up by Niall Lennon, who himself missed a one on one. Neill Bolger blazed over when Stuart Love headed down and Anto Doyle’s shot was straight at the keeper. Stuart Love had a “goal” disallowed when Ger Byrne was adjudged to be active. Ger found the golf course with a shot from close in from Stuart Love’s cross. A great Hanratty cross could not be converted by the inrushing Byrne and Bolger.

The Sky Blues finished the game far better than they started it.

Form Report
Peter O’Toole 6 Glen Burke 5 Dave Browne 6 Martin Costello 6 Kevin O’Toole 6 Keith Kelly 6 Niall Lennon 5 Anto Doyle 5 Stuart Love 7 Thom O Driscoll 5 Ger Byrne 7 Neill Bolger 8 Niall Hanratty 8 Dave O Kelly 7 Steve Walsh 6

Because the site was down for so long last week, we start the scoring form week 2, as per option offered. Get your team in now…..

15.8.11
Spartak 2, Gary Breen X1 0.

Spartak had a rain soaked run out against a Paul Kinsella-led super league team.

Spartak’s midfield dominated the proceedings with Mick Costello and Niall Lennon well on top and it was Lennon who opened the scoring on 20 minutes with a 25 yard screamer. A second half header by Mick Costello from Dave O’Kelly’s free completed the scoring.

Spartak’s defence looked vulnerable in the air at times and were slow to move the ball when given time and space.

Up front and out wide there was a lack of creativity and firepower from the various combinations, with no player able to impose himself on the game, and this was disapponting given the quality of supply.

Bobby Hayes had a generally peaceful evening, with one fine save and improved kicking.

Form Report
Bobby Hayes 6 Chris Hogan 5 Dillon Burke 5 Fintan Grace 7 Mick Greene 6 Mick Costello 7 Niall Lennon 8 Ryan Burke 5 Steve Walsh 6 Martin Costello 5 Fidel Benson 5 Colum O’Sullivan 5 Ciaran Doyle 5 Dave O Kelly 7 Ross Kelly 6 Conor Canavan 6.

14.8.11
Wayside Celtic 4, Spartak 1

One of the final warm up games found a Wayside squad of 22 who looked slick and moved the ball better for most of the contest. Additionally they were more eager in the challenge and quicker to the second ball.

With Graham Breen recovering from his latest operation, and Tom Flanagan returning after injury, Spartak looked somewhat rusty. An early free conceded by Kevin O’Toole was converted past Peter O’Toole from 25 yards.

Wayside added a second before the interval when Spatak’s cover was penetrated.

As the Sky Blues struggled to get to the pitch of the ball Kelly moved to the middle to good effect; but David Browne, Paul Kinsella and Kevin O’Toole played roulette with a high line and were frequently caught by pacy attackers who finished tidily to put the homesters four up. Peter O’Toole also had to race out to head clear on one occasion, and the offside call came to Spartak’s rescue in a couple of dubious cases.

Glen Burke finished a neat move for a late Spartak consolation goal.

A good flavour of LSL Premier standard.

Form Report
Peter O’Toole 5 – a good save, also advanced quickly off line to save a certain goal, but won’t be happy with the goal conceded from a direct free.
Glen Burke 5 – a second half glimmer of 2008/9 form and took his goal well, but too often chose the wrong option on the ball.
Paul Kinsella 5 – A sleepy performance.
Keith Kelly 7 – Good at the back and energetic when moved to midfield.
Kevin O’Toole 5 – rusty from lack of match practice; some good tackles, but positional sense still off , and distribution not great
Tom Flanagan 5 Injury has hampered his pre season and he is still off the pace.
Steve Walsh 5 Nice touches on the ball and good vision, but weak in the air and in the challenge.
Anto Doyle 5 Belatedly got to the pace of the game in the second half.
Stuart Love 5 – Ran hard and took plenty of punishment. Touch and passing not at standard yet.
Thom O’Driscoll 5 No sign of the silky touches Thom is capable of, and hold up play poor.
Ger Byrne 5 A little short of Ger’s usual high energy performance.
Dave Browne 5 Was caught for pace and distribution and positional play weak.
Rob Deering 5 Started well but lack of training quicjky showed, and he faded.
Niall Lennon 6 Solid hold up play and drew fouls. Distribution good, missed a decent chance when through.
Steve Grier – no show