Saturday AWAY to Drimnagh – MATCH OFF
Sunday team no weekend fixture – Tuesday 11th HOME to Queens Park
Over 35s Saturday game TBC – Wednesday 12th AWAY to Greenhills
SDFC 0 Greenhills 2
A case of what might have been for the over 35’s at home on Saturday in the second round of the cup as a good chance to progress in the competition at the expense of the newly crowned league winners went a begging.
Starting brightly Spartak had probably the best chance of the game after 5 minutes when a defensive slip put Ray Grady through one on one but unfortunately he could not convert. Greenhills gradually came more into the game and went ahead on 20 minutes after what seemed like a harmless cross was not cleared giving the opposing forward the easy task of heading in from close range.
For the remainder of the half Spartak competed well and excellent work by Ken Byrne on the left wing put Ray Grady through for another one on one but again the chance was not taken.
For the remainder of the game Greenhills were content to sit back and defend their lead with the result that the second half was played almost completely in their half. Despite dominating possession Spartak were unable to find an equaliser. Good opportunities fell to Rory Campbell and Ray Grady but neither could direct their headers on target. Frank McNamee failed to reach a good cross from Jason Doyle.
Greenhills ended the game as a contest with 10 minutes to go when on a rare foray into the Spartak half a long range strike gave Jimmy Brown no chance and put the visitors 2 nil up.
Overall a very disappointing defeat.
The spartak panel was Jimmy Browne, Brian Stafford, Paul McGrath, Shay McClafferty, Dave Mohan, Frank McNamee, Rory Campbell, Ray Grady, Jason Doyle, Greg Callan, Gerry Doran, Ken Byrne, Tony Kavanagh, Leon David.
Dunboyne o, Spartak 1.
A single goal victory for Spartak, who dominated the first half with good football and struck the woodwork on several occasions as well as having a very good shout for a penalty turned down.
Spartak’s back four, after a slightly shaky start, had a quiet day and were in control for most of the game.
Without a number of players through injury, Spartak reshuffled the pack and with Tom Flanagan and Graham McEnroe to the fore, passed and moved in a manner that left the home side struggling. Steve Grier and Ger Byrne played up front but never really dovetailed in a way that troubled the home defence. Steve tended to overplay the ball and Ger was whistled for offside, much to his displeasure, on a number of occasions.
The Dunboyne team was much changed from the one which Spartak defeated a few weeks ago and the value of the game as a cup final reahearsal must be dubious. However Spartak went about the task in hand of getting the points in the promotion chase.
A fine move between Glen Burke and Stuart Love ended when Burke crashed his shot against an upright. Minutes later Ger Byrne was taken down from behind in the box but nothing was awarded.
Tom Flanagan clipped the bar after Byrne laid the ball neatly for him and McEnroe struck the bar after some neat approach work.
Dominating possesion, Spartak sometimes tended to slow the build up and allowed the home rearguard to regroup on several occasions.
Tom Flanagan made a fine run and cross but the ball was just too high for Fintan Grace at the back post.
The vital score came in first half injury time when Burke’s corner from the right was neatly touched on by Byrne and Love hit the net from close in.
In the second half Spartak went searching for the insurance goal but could not quite manage it. Towards the end a great run and cross by Will OConnell set up Ger Byrne who struck the post from only a few yards in what must go down as a big miss. McEnroe and Grier had efforts which went close and at the other end McEnroe made a great block when danger threatened.
As the tempo dropped Anto Doyle and Kevin O’Toole came on to give the extra energy to seal the victory.
Form Report
Peter O’Toole 7 Glen Burke 7 Fintan Grace 7 Dave Browne 7 Alex Kenny 7 Tom Flanagan 7 Graham McEnroe 7 Stuart Love 7 Ger Byrne 6 Steve Grier 6 Will O’Connell 7
Subs Kevin O’Toole 6 Anto Doyle 6 Dan O’Connell.
Lads,
Time to think about your vote for player of the year and clubman of the year.
Which player has delivered for each team in terms of form and commitment? Which club member has done he most to help the club this season?
Will be collecting votes by text shortly.
Spartak 1 EID 5
A strange game indeed. Spartak carried out the game plan pretty well in the first half, against strong and skilful oponents (all Brazilians) and yet ended the half 0-3 down while only conceding one chance from open play; a scoreline that flattered the visitors and left the home side agitated and frustrated. The referee certainly played a big part in that lead.
The second half degenerated as the referee compounded his many errors, and Spartak paid the price for indiscipline.
Steve Browne had an early first half chance, in a game in which Spartak were needing as underdogs to score first, but missed.
On 10 minutes Martin Costello blocked a cross with an outstretched arm and the ref, after many seconds and vociferous calls from the visiting line, awarded the spot kick, which was easily converted. EID went two up from a free kick given against Dave O’Kelly when it was clear that the forward had dived. Just on half time number three went in after a good move by EID, albeit with the aid of a deflection. Adam Doran was profligate with a free awarded when he himself was fouled, and also made a strong run and cross from the bye line which just eluded the touch needed to convert.
Spartak gifted goal number 4 on 47 minutes when Chris Hogan, who never got to the pace of the game, could not control Peter O’Toole’s throw and the ball was returned to the net with O’Toole still at the edge of his box.
Spartak reduced arrears when Adam Doran shot home following a flick on from Browne.
Steve Browne was dismissed, as always seemed likely, following a build up of fouls and protests. Niall Hanratty spoiled what was up to then a good performance by followed him into the red card list following a dispute over a free kick, but not before losing control of the ball to allow goal number 5 to be shot home, despite O’Toole getting two hands to the ball. Martin Costello particularly and Dave O’Kelly went close to getting second yellow cards; Martin’s impetuous challenges need to be curbed as he improves as a defender.
Not an enjoyable day in a referee spoiled game.
Form Report
Peter O’Toole 6 Niall Hanratty 6 Mick Greene 6 Martin Costello 6 Dave O’Kelly 6 Shane McInerney 7 Dermot Dooley 7 Chris Hogan 5 Steve Browne 6 Adam Doran 7 Dan O’Connell 7
Subs Dave Williams 5 Mike Hull 6 Barry Maguire 6
Saturday team HOME to EID
Sunday team AWAY to Dunboyne – Thursday 6th – AWAY to Liffey Valley
Over 35s home to Greenhills on Sat in the cup
Lusk 1 SDFC 4
After the disappointment of a wasted trip to Lusk last week with a no show from the referee, the over 35’s made the same journey again this Saturday and recorded an impressive victory.
From the start Spartak showed a strong competitive edge and immediately took the game to the opposition. Early shots from Frank McNamee, Ken Byrne and a good running and pressure game from the front two of Rory Campell and Jason Doyle signaled the intent in the away side. Chris Andrews made a couple of excellent runs and caused a lot of problems early on. Spartak had further chances when Shay McClafferty and Tom Maher went for the same ball at the back post and Ken Byrne’s shot brought an excellent save from the keeper.
For most of the first half Spartak were on top but could not convert the possession into a goal. Lusk did look dangerous on the break but their attacks were comfortably dealt with by the back four line up of Gerry Doran, Tom Maher, Brian Stafford and Paul McGrath. The final chance of the half fell to Frank McNamee who volleyed over.
Right from the second half kick-off Spartak again laid down a marker with Ray Grady having a powerful shot just over. Gerry Doran started numerous passing movements down the left wing and Paul McGrath and Colm Coffey were combining neatly on the right. The deadlock was finally broken on 50 minutes when a clever interchange between Rory Campbell and Ray Grady put the latter through to finish with a low shot under the keeper. Ray was also the instigator of the second goal a few minutes later when after a great run along the end line he pulled the ball back for Paul Thormley to blast a shot was was saved by the centre half’s outstretched hand. A straight red was issued and Gerry Doran made no mistake from the spot kick.
Lusk were handed a lifeline with 20 to go when a harmless shot spun out of Jimmy Browne’s grasp for an easy tap in goal. Symptomatic of the attitude on the day Spartak bounced right back a few minutes later when Paul Thormley turned and placed a shot into the bottom left hand corner. The scoring was completed when Ray Grady broke down the left and played a great cross for Paul Thormley to notch his second of the game.
In fairness to Lusk they continued to battle until the end and it required good defensive work from the back four and midfielders to prevent any further scoring.
Overall a very satisfying win that was fully deserved given the positive and competitive attitude on the day.
The spartak panel was Jimmy Browne, Brian Stafford, Paul McGrath, Shay McClafferty, Colm Coffey, Paul Thormley, Frank McNamee, Rory Campbell, Ray Grady, Jason Doyle, Tom Maher, Gerry Doran, Ken Byrne, Chris Andrews.
Everton 3 Spartak 1
A 15th minute screamer from 20 yards by Niall Hanratty gave Spartak the lead in this game , but it proved not enough against the league leaders. Spartak will look back at chances missed and a penalty conceded as the turning points of the game. Shane McInerney was centrally involved in these key incidents, somewhat unluckily conceding a penalty after a scramble, and heading over when well placed from Mick Greene’s pinpoint cross.
A second game in three days proved tough going and some players found it harder than others. Mick Greene’s lack of fitness could not carry him through while Mark Bolger was unable to fully shoulder the burden of lone front man; however Niall Hanratty thrived on the extra game and produced a second man of the match performance in a row.
Before scoring, Spartak had gone close when Hanratty’s cross just eluded Dermot Dooley and then Mark Bolger went close with headers from Greene’s free and then again from Hanratty’s corner. Good work from Chris Hogan and Mick Costello led to the goal which Hanratty cracked home from distance.
Spartak did not retain the lead for long enough and Everton equalised with a shot from even further out, 30 yards, on 25 minutes. On 34 minutes Everton went further ahead with the penalty and early in the second half got number 3 when Cathal Clancy was pulled back when about to clear and the ball was drilled home after a corner.
Cathal Clancy made a goal line clearance and at the other end Shane McInerney then had chances from Greene set pieces but could not convert.
Substitutes combined to almost almost reduce arrears when Barry Maguire made a chance for Dave Williams, but the shot was delayed and danger averted.
Overall a solid performance against a strong outfit who deserved to win; Spartak, the only side to beat them in the league so far, would have needed to hold on to the lead a while longer to frustrate them and repeat the feat.
Form Report
Jason Northey 7 Dave O’Kelly 7 Mick Greene 5 Martin Costello 7 Cathal Clancy 7 Shane McInerney 6 Niall Hanratty 8 Chris Hogan 5 Mark Bolger 6 Dermot Dooley 6 Mick Costello 5
Subs Dave Williams 5 Barry Maguire 5
Meath Rangers 4, Spartak 4
Spartak won 4-2 on penalties
If Carlsberg did comebacks, they wouldn’t dream of scripting this many in one game.
An incredible cup semi final in which Spartak were never ahead until the shoot out. Two nil down at half time, 3-2 down with 5 minutes of extra time left, 4-3 down until the last kick of the game, and then behind in the shoot out. All part of a days work for this squad!
The first half was not a happy period for the baby blues. After two minutes, a Meath forward rounded Peter OToole , who forced him wide, and shot against the frame of the goal. On 7 minutes, Glen Burke wandered infield and lost possession, the centre backs stood off to allow a shot and Spartak were one down.
Spartak had not woken up and Meath looked the likelier to add to their total.
Graham Breen put a header over from a corner and then Spartak finally put a move together with Graham McEnroe crossing for Graham Breen to slam against the post; Ger Byrne’s effort from the rebound was blocked. McEnroe then had a shot blocked by the advancing keeper.
On 36 minutes Spartak went two behnd when an overlap on the left evaded Burke and Anto Doyle and the cross was converted.
Just before half time Glen Burke had a big chance running in from the right but dragged his shot wide.
Possibly the game’s turning point came right on 45 minutes when a fine Meath move tore the Spartak defence apart but O’Toole made an astonishing save.
The solid defensive skills of Kevin O’Toole were sacrificed at half time in favour of the more attack minded Will O’Connell who added passing and energy to the mix. Spartak responded immediately and Breen’s header was just over. Meath were far from subdued and struck the woodwork again before, on 56 minutes, Burke volleyed home after good work by O’Connell to reduce arrears.
On 61 minutes Burke equalised from the penalty spot after Steve Grier was fouled following an amazing passage of play where somehow Meath had scambled clear a number of efforts.
Meath then had a goal disallowed which brought relief to the Spartak defence. Breen was fouled when through by the keeper but the ref chose not to award anything. A tiring Anto Doyle was replaced by Stuart Love.
On to extra time and the first half was relatively quiet – but the second period more than made up and yielded four goals. Fintan Grace came on at the start of the second period for Rob Mahon who had taken a knock. At this point both Tom Flanagan and Graham Breen were virtual passengers due to knocks.
Will O’Connell lost possession and Dave Browne rashly dived in but was beaten and the Meath player drilled home.
Not to be denied Fintan Grace headed down for fellow sub Stuart Love to force the ball home. 3-3.
The drama was not over yet, as with just a minute left Glen Burke, lagging behind , played on a host of Meath players and Spartak were 3-4 down.
Spartak pressed on desperately and were awarded an indirect free kick in the box in injury time in extra time and Grier drilled home to equalise again.
And so to penalties. Stand in skipper Fintan Grace crowned an impressive cameo by firmly converting, then the power of Steve Grier’s effort eluded the keeper’s fingers. When Graham McEnroe’s penalty was saved, Spartak were in trouble again.
Cometh the hour, cometh the man – Peter O’Toole saved the next two Meath penalties; meanwhile Tom Flanagan slotted home so it fell to Glen Burke to drill home the winning penalty.
So many villains, so many heroes! (and some were both!!) Spartak have reached their first final since 1991 when both first and second teams won cups on successive nights.
The final is against Dunboyne and will be played midweek of 17th May, probably Wednesday.
Form Report
Peter O’Toole 8 Glen Burke 7 Rob Mahon 6 Steve Grier 7 Dave Browne 6 Graham McEnroe 7 Tom Flanagan 6 Anthony Doyle 6 Ger Byrne 7 Graham Breen 7 Kevin O’Toole 6
Subs Will O’Connell 7 Stuat Love 7 Fintan Grace 7.
Phoenix 2, Spartak 1
Early and late errors gifted goals to the home side and negated the hard work done by a Spartak side that battled well if never producing anything approaching fluent football.
Within two minutes Phoenix were ahead when Shane McInerney’s pass back was intercepted by a home forward who poked the ball past the advancing Northey.
Spartak responded and Derek McGoldrick had an effort blocked and when the home keeper fumbled a scramble ensued but Tom O’Driscoll or Mike Hull could not force the ball home.
On 26 minutes Spartak equalised, Mick Greene achieving the feat of scoring from 70 yards with a punt when the bounce on the rock hard pitch eluded the home keeper.
Cathal Clancy was fortunate when caught wrong side of the attacker and fouled him that the ref issued only a yellow card.
A nice move involving TomO’Driscoll and Mick Costello saw Ross Kelly shoot over and Mick Costello also shot wide. At the other end Jason Northey flapped at a cross but the resultant effort was well off target.
Mark Bolger replaced the injured TomO’Driscoll up front at half time, but apart from one or two moments, did not display the energy required to trouble the home defence, and Spartak’s goal chances diminished.
The second half saw Phoenix enjoy almost total possession, however their shooting efforts were mostly of the barn door variey, and Northey dealt fairly comfortably with those which were on target.
On 93 minutes Spartak had their best chance of the half when Bolgers’ long ball was won by McGoldrick who set up Chris Hogan 15 yards out. His shot was well struck but inches over. Phoenix got the breakthrough a minute later when hesitancy by Martin Costello allowed their no 10 to score from close in.
Spartak worked hard but there were few with the ability to calmly pass and move. Hanratty got forward regularly but found little support. Greene played very deep and was content to thump the ball out. The wide midfielders, Hull and Kelly , could not prompt moves or get to the bye line. In central midfield Mick Costello’s passing at times was perceptive but he faded as the game went on. Shane McInerney put in a shift in closing men down but never featured as a creative force. Neither central defender was comfortable carrying the ball out.Up front both O’Driscoll and McGoldrick started despite hamstring injuries and gave their best.
Overall a below par performance by Spartak which will need to be greatly improved upon for Monday’s visit to Everton.
Form report
Jason Northey 6 Niall Hanratty 7 Mick Greene 5 Martin Costello 5 Cathal Clancy 5 Shane McInerney 5 Mike Hull 5 Derek McGoldrick 6 Ross Kelly 5 Tom O’Driscoll 6 Mick Costello 6
Subs: Mark Bolger 5 Chris Hogan 6 Dermot Dooley 6
