Spartak Dynamo FC

1.9.15
Dundrum 0, Spartak 1

In a tight game of few chances on a murky midweek evening, the better opportunities fell to the Sky Blues, who could have increased the margin of victory. In the Spartak goal, Jason Northey was well protected and had a routine evening, with safe handling and a couple of saves, particularly in the hectic closing stages as the home team pressed for an equaliser against a reduced Spartak complement.

Spartak went into this match without the ever industrious midfield services of Stuart Love, who had the misfortune to incur a cruciate ligament knee injury in the final friendly. A full recovery by Stu will be a big boost to the club.

The breakthrough goal came on 27 minutes when Steve Grier received a throw in from Dave Browne on the right, swivelled and then drove the ball into the corner left footed from 18 yards.

Spartak broke continually; Martin Costello overlapped and put in a great cross which just eluded the Spartak attackers. Keith Kelly made a fine run, was fouled, and from Steve Walsh’s free kick , Steve Grier’s stooping header was fractionally wide. Kelly and Grier had long range efforts off target, while Steve Walsh tried to lob the keeper, but his effort was comfortably saved.

At the other end some defensive slips caused some concern, but Dundrum’s shooting was always within Northey’s grasp.

Early in the second half a great move by Grier, Walsh and Ger Byrne saw Dave Kernan with a close range angled opportunity; his shot was marginally too high and struck the bar. Again Grier and Byrne combined to give Alan Farrington a chance to turn and shoot from close in, but he opted for an attempted lay off and the opportunity evaporated.

Paul Kinsella broke from defence and forced a corner from which Martin Costello shot wide.

Spartak had played two days previously on the Sunday while their opponents had not, therefore it seemed like a good idea (at the time) to utilise the substitutes. Having done so, with 15 minutes remaining, Karl McCullough had to go off with a hamstring injury having been jostled at full pace, while Keith Kelly also went off for a while, reducing the Sky Blues temporarily to 9 men.

It was then that Spartak showed their mettle, defending for their lives; indeed a break out following a corner saw Paul Kinsella lead an overload of Sky Blue attackers; however his pass to Jeff Gamble was not ideal and the home keeper, 40 yards from goal and with no defenders available, was able to block. A more precise pass and a second goal would have been a certainty.

Paul then foolishly reacted verbally to earlier physical intimidation and was dismissed with 5 seconds of the game remaining, the ball out of play and with a goal kick awarded to Spartak.

Form Report
Jason Northey 7 Dave Browne 7 Martin Costello 7 Paul Kinsella 7 Karl McCullough 6 Alan Farrington 6 Keith Kelly 6 Dave Kernan 7 Steve Grier 8 Ger Byrne 7 Steve Walsh 7
Subs: Neil McGowan 6 Jeff Gamble 7 Thom O’Driscoll 6

30.8.15
Benbulbin United 2, Spartak 5

Spartak began this game in jittery fashion; passes went astray, touches were poor, tackles were missed, 50/50 balls were poorly contested. In contrast the home side swept the ball around almost as they pleased, without creating too many clear chances.

A free conceded by Paul Kinsella saw Benbulbin hit the top of the crossbar. Then a big chance fell to a locals but the shot was easily stopped by Jason Northey.

On 15 minutes, against the run of play, the Sky Blues fashioned a lightning break. Dave Kernan and Steve Walsh exchanged passes before Kernan’s cross was bravely met first time by Ger Byrne to open the scoring at the near post. The lead did not last long, and possession was conceded and followed by poor defending to allow the equaliser.

As half time approached, Spartak began to settle, and scored twice. Steve Grier’s header sent Ger Byrne clear and he took advantage of the keeper’s error to slot in. Steve Walsh then embarked on a coruscating run, beating several players before squaring to Dave Kernan, who was unceremoniously upended. Steve Walsh slotted home the spot kick.

Again a lapse of defensive concentration allowed the home side to score in the 6th minute of first half injury time, after a free kick had been harshly awarded against Steve Grier.

Steve Walsh might have added another early in the second period but his touch was heavy when through on goal. Jason Northey’s poor throw gave the home side a chance but the shot was weak and easily saved.

The home side had a burst of pressure and Spartak had to scramble a few clearances, including one off the line, before an Alan Farrington shot from Steve Walsh’s pass made it 4-2. Dave Kernan came close to adding another after Alan Farrington’s effort was blocked.

Benbulbin continued to press, pushing men forward, and Jason Northey fumbled a free kick around the post for a corner.

Spartak added number 5 on 81 minutes in a fine move involving Martin Costello, Jeff Gamble and Steve Walsh which presented Steve Grier with a straightforward chance.

Not the finest performance overall, but good spirit shown together with some sharp finishing made it a satisfying opening to the season.

Form Report
Jason Northey 6 Dave Browne 6 Martin Costello 8 Paul Kinsella 8 Karl McCullagh 7 Thom O’Driscoll 6 Alan Farrington 6 David Kernan 7 Steve Grier 7 Ger Byrne 8 Steve Walsh 8
Subs: Keith Kelly 6 Jeff Gamble 6 Ken Buckley 6

16.8.15
Newlands Celtic 1, Spartak 2

A bumpy surface in Corkagh Park did little to make it easy to play good football, but a decent display by Spartak’s back four – apart from one lapse – laid the foundation for what was a more comfortable win than the scoreline suggests.

Alan Farrington, who had earlier missed a straightforward chance, converted a penalty after Dave Kernan’s surging run was stopped by a foul. Steve Browne scrambled a second before missing an easier chance to put the game to bed.

Some poor defending at a set piece saw the locals reduce arrears, but Spartak played the game out comfortably.

Form Report
Jason Northey 6 Dave Kernan 8 Dave Browne 7 Keith Kelly 7 Karl McCullagh 7 Stuart Love 6 Alan Farrington 6 Tom O’Driscoll 5 Ken Buckley 6 Conor Canavan 5 Steve Walsh 6 Steve Browne 6 Kevin Loftus 5

13.8.15
Celtic Park 1, Spartak 3

A desultory performance on a warm summer’s evening in Beaumont, which saw Spartak do just enough to win, building up a decent 3-0 adavantage before fading badly in the final 20 minutes as the heat and lack of fitness told.

An adroit finish by Ciaran Bermingham topped off a neat Love/Leslie/Kernan move to give Spartak a half time lead. Steve Grier’s snapshot made it two, and a McGowan/Kernan move saw the latter’s fine cross converted at close range by Martin Costello.

A small step towards match fitness.

Form Report
Bobby Hayes 6 Chris Hogan 5 Mick Greene 5 Martin Costello 7 Dave Browne 7 Stuart Love 7 Neil McGowan 7 Kevin Loftus 5 Dave Kernan 7 Ciaran Bermingham 6 Mick Leslie 6 Steve Grier 6 Ciaran Keane 5

VEC – Willie Kissane Memorial tournament
8.8.15
Spartak 0, CYM 1
Spartak 0, VEC 2
Spartak 0, Leicester Celtic 0
Spartak 0, Sandford Ath 0

Missed chances were the order of the day as Spartak failed to score in all 3 30 minute games. Alan Farrington will rue firing wide of an empty goal against finalists Leicester Celtic in the pivotal game , while Conor Canavan blazed over from four yards against Sandford.

A tough workout , which should improve fitness and match sharpness.

Form Report
Mick Costello 7 Dave Kernan 6 Mick Leslie 5 Paul Kinsella 7 Martin Costello 7 Stuart Love 8 Glen Burke 5 Alan Farrington 5 Thom O’Driscoll 5 Steve Browne 5 Ciaran O’Brien 5 Dave Browne 5 Steve Walsh 5 Conor Canavan 5 Ken Buckley 5

Following a hard fought series of games a Rory Campbell managed team won the final against James Byrne’s squad, who progressed well in earlier rounds.

The qualifying groups were hard fought with just a single goal between trophy semi final qualification and elimination from both cup and shield.

Greystones second string ran out Shield winners in the secondary competition, making it a double celebration fro the visitors.

Well done to all participants.

On Sunday 26th July, at the Postal Club in Kiltipper, the second annual Dave Mohan Memorial tournament takes place.

Last year saw 16 teams take part and the day was a big success, enjoyed by all.

Another fine day’s football in prospect.

The season just past saw some notable achievements.

In goalscoring, two players exceeded the 30 goal mark for the first time in the club’s history, with Jeff Gamble (38) and Steve Walsh (31) achieving this landmark. Previously, only John McCluskey, Martin McGorian, and Tony Little (6 times!) have reached the 30 goal mark.

Tom Maher made his 800th appearance, while Dave Browne finished on 199, so is next up for the 200 club.

Mick Leslie (36) Jeff Gamble (33) and Ciaran Keane (31) made the most appearances in a season which saw 93 players turn out in the club colours.

The Sunday team notched 98 goals in total in a double winning season.

For the over 35s, Padraig Finnerty made the most appearances (19) while James Byrne, with 5 goals, was top scorer, with their 46 goals being spread around many players.

Mick Greene was the only player to turn out for all three sides, and added 4 goals to his total in the process.

At the presentation night on 23rd May, the following won the seasonal awards:

Sunday player of the Year – Karl McCullough

Saturday player of the Year – Jeff Gamble

Over 35s Player of the Year – Padraig Finnerty

Clubman of the Year – Mick Leslie

Tom Maher received an award making 800 appearance for the club.

Well done to all.

23.5.15
Spartak 3, Marks Celtic 0

Spartak put in a pleasing performance on a hot day in Wayside’s wonderful ground to claim the Lynch Cup.

An early goal after just 4 minutes allowed the Sky Blues to settle down quickly. An Adam Doran clearance was flicked on by Martin Costello for Steve Walsh to race in and place a right footed effort which went in off the post.

On the half hour a neat flick by Neil McGowan sent Stuart Love down the left, and his measured cross was driven in by Martin Costello.

A moment of madness by the Marks keeper saw him lash out at Steve Walsh – an instant red card, just before the break.

Spartak were content to protect their lead, and attack on the break in the second period.

On 76 minutes, substitute Keith Kelly retrieved a ball that appeared to be running wide, and his cross from the right gave Stuart Love the chance to take a touch before firing across the keeper into the far corner.

That clinched it , and Neil McGowan lifted the Cup to end a satisfying season.

Form Report
Adam Doran 7 Dave Browne 7 Aodhan McCahill 8 Paul Kinsella 8 Karl McCullough 7 Stuart Love 7 Neil McGowan 7 Dave Kernan 7 Steve Grier 8 Martin Costello 7 Steve Walsh 7
Subs: Keith Kelly 7 Seamus McCahill 7 Tom O’Driscoll 7