Spartak Dynamo FC

14.5.15
Spartak 2, Valeview Shankill 3

As newly crowned league winners, Spartak did not do themselves justice in this ill tempered affair.

A red card to a Valeview player within 3 minutes, followed by two more red cards after 20 minutes (One to Conor Keegan for a reckless tackle) left this as a 10 v 9 contest for more than an hour.

Poor distribution from the back by Spartak made it easy for the visitors to soak up pressure, and despite two fine goals the Sky Blues somehow managed to concede three. In truth, these were conceded by poor goalkeeping combined with panicky defending.

The Sky Blues got two terrific goals, a great header by Jeff Gamble and a smashing free kick by Steve Grier. Tom O’Driscoll spurned 2 chances, while Jeff Gamble, late on, turned a super Ciaran Keane cross over the bar from close range.

Some poor defending and a shaky goalkeeping performance allowed the visitors to score three.

From Report
Jason Northey 4 Keith Kelly 5 Dave Browne 5 Paul Kinsella 4 Karl McCullough 5 Seamus McCahill 5 Conor Keegan 4 Jeff Gamble 6 Steve Grier 6 Graham Campbell 5 Tom O’Driscoll 5
Subs: Ciaran Keane 6 Neil McGowan 5 Mick Leslie 5

Player of the Year and Clubman of the Year awards will be presented on Sat night 23rd May in the Eden at 8.30.

In the running for clubman of the year there are a few candidates – Mick Leslie (for sterling water bottle service) Dave Browne, Steve Grier, Colm Reid, Gavin Johnson and the two hardy annuals Mick Greene and Paul McGowan.

Competition for the Sunday Player of the Year is very close. The first seven votes received were all for different players! The main contenders are Karl McCullough, Steve Grier, Steve Walsh, Neil McGowan and David Kernan.

On Saturday the votes are more closely bunched, with Niall “Skip” Lennon, Conor Canavan and Jeff Gamble the main contenders.

The over 35s nominations include Gerry Doran , Padraig Finnerty and Matt Grimes.

See You Saturday.

10.5.15
Glasnevin 2, Spartak 4

Spartak went into this game knowing that a point would be sufficient to land the title on goal difference from Dundrum. Glasnevin could also reach the same points total as Dundrum, so it was no end of season game for them.

It was a windy day in Albert College with a sticky surface following heavy rain during the week.

The Sky Blues began well, and Steve Walsh laid on a great chance for Dave Kernan, returning from injury, but he scooped his effort over the bar from 8 yards.

On 20 minutes, the ball fell to Neil Mcgowan 30 yards out and under challenge, but, left footed, he let fly. The ball struck the underside of the bar, bounced down and back up to the roof of the net. 1-0

Some really sloppy defensive work allowed Glasnevin to equalise with a shot from inside the area, and then, on 52 minutes, a cross was poorly defended by the Sky Blue defence, and it was a second goal for the home side.

2-1 Down. Cometh the hour, cometh the man. And his name was Love. Firstly, Stu won two tough battles to make progress before releasing a neat pass into Steve Walsh’s well timed run; Steve aimed the ball across the six yard box to a lurking Steve Grier, but the ball was turned in by a desperate defender in an attempt to clear. 2-2, but nervy, with just ubder a half hour remaining.

A quick free kick routine gave the home side a chance to restore their lead, but Jason Northey took off a fine save to push the ball on to the bar and away to safety.

Then a long ball by Paul Kinsella to sub Keith Kelly let Spartak break away. Without further ado Keith immediately transferred to Steve Walsh, who cut inside the defender to send a glorious left footer to the corner of the net.

That man Love featured again for the fourth goal, getting to the bye line before setting the fourth up on a plate for sub Jeff Gamble to finish from close range. 4-2, and the title was secured.

Form Report
Jason Northey 7 Dave Browne 6 Aodhan McCahill 7 Paul Kinsella 6 Karl McCullough 6 Stuart Love 8 Neil McGowan 7 Tom O’Driscoll 5 Steve Grier 6 Dave Kernan 5 Steve Walsh 7
Subs: Jeff Gamble 6,Keith Kelly 6

7.5.15
Woods Utd 0, Spartak 0

Spartak were left to rue their missed opportunities early in the game as Woods set up a very effective defensive screen. Woods were effective in occasional breakouts and Graham Campbell cleared off the Spartak line just before the break.

A Dave Browne pass sent Steve Walsh away after 10 minutes, and when his shot was blocked by the keeper he managed to retrieve the ball and cross , but Graham Campell’s header was not strong enough to foil the keeper, who pushed it away.

Steve Walsh then sent Graham Campbell through and his lofted effort beat the keeper but crashed against the bar. These were the best chances created in the first half, and gradually the Sky Blues became more and more frantic in an effort to break down the resilient Woods rearguard, who played deep and defended in numbers.

Steve Grier did head against the post in the second period, Stuart Love headed wide, while Neil McGowan had an effort cleared off the line, but often the approach play was not crisp enough or the final ball not quite good enough.

A frustrating evening.

Form Report
Jason Northey 6 Dave Browne 6 Aodhan McCahill 6 Seamus McCahill 6 Karl McCullough 6 Stuart Love 5 Neil McGowan 6 Tom O’Driscoll 5 Steve Grier 6 Graham Campbell 5 Steve Walsh 6
Subs: Paul Kinsella 6 Joe McCarthy 6 Mick Leslie 6

30.4.15
Spartak 4, Queens Park 0

An early Tom O’Driscoll goal, after a fine passing move, together with a brace form Stuart Love and a late goal by sub Graham Campbell saw off a tidy Queens Park outfit on a perfect spring evening in Marlay Park.

Just two minutes had elapsed when Neil McGowan sent Martin Costello away down the right, and his teasing cross was tucked home by the lunging boot of Tom O’Driscoll. Martin himself could have made it two shortly afterwards, but eventually ran the ball out for a goal kick.

Keith Kelly and Dave Browne were living dangerously at the other end, but in each case the ball was cleared. There were other chances at both ends, but just the one goal separated the teams at the break.

Five minutes after half time a neat piece of skill by Steve Walsh set up Stu Love to make it 2-0, and then Stu made it 3-0 with a header.

Both subs had an impact. Tom O’Driscolls slide rule pass sent Graham Cambell in to make it 4-0, and then Seamus McCahill spurned two gilt edged opportunities to add to the scoreline.

Form Report

Jason Northey 5 Dave Browne 6 Aodhan McCahill 7 Keith Kelly 5 Karl McCullough 7 Stuart Love 7 Neil McGowan 7 Tom O’Driscoll 7 Steve Grier 7 Martn Costello 5 Steve Walsh 7
Subs: S.McCahill 5 Graham Campbell 7

26.4.15
Spartak 11, Parkvale 0

A hapless Parkvale side, missing some key players, were put to the sword in Marlay on a perfect spring morning.

Leading 5-0 at the break, the game as a contest ended early.

Time after time, slick movement carved open their defence, and it was only when Dave Browne and Aodhan McCahill were pushed forward that the goal romp eased. Aodhan was around the keeper and stumbled, while Dave Browne seemed fearful of venturing too far in the direction of the opposition area.

There was a Paulo Di Canio type sporting moment by Steve Walsh, who, having rounded the keeper, and noticing that the keeper had pulled a muscle, deliberately walked the ball wide. Steve did help himself to 5 goals , with the others from Tom O’Driscoll (2) Steve Grier (2) and Martin Costello.

Referee Tony Clarke duly ended the contest slightly early in a merciful gesture.

Form Report
Jason Northey 6 Dave Browne 6 Aodhan McCahill 7 Keith Kelly 6 Karl McCullough 6 Stuart Love 6 Neil McGowan 7 Tom O’Driscoll 7 Steve Grier 7 Martin Costello 6 Steve Walsh 9
Subs: Ken Buckley 6 Dave Kernan , Paul Kinsella

23.4.15
Spartak 2, Marks 3

It is often true in football that if early, gilt-edged chances are not taken, there is a price to be paid later. This was the case on a warm midweek evening in Marlay.

Without playing at optimum level in the first half, Spartak had 5 great opportunities, ranging from one on one efforts to close in chances, none of which were successful, and instead the Sky Blues ended up trailing at the interval to a soft, near post goal. There were other half chances also, and yet the visiting keeper had a relatively quiet time of it, with most efforts either off target or directed straight at him.

When Seamus McCahill equalised before the hour mark, Spartak looked set to go on to win. Marks defended resiliently, and refused to capitulate under pressure.

Spartak had many attacks, but lacked the nous to create chances as clear cut as those in the first half. At the back, Jason Northey had a jittery game, and there were a couple of scary moments in rare visitors’ forays.

Substitutes Jeff Gamble and Graham Campbell added energy, but little in the way of controlled play.

A calamitous lack of defensive organisation at a set piece proved to be Spartak’s undoing, and, very much against the run of play, Marks took the lead with a headed goal in the 86th minute.

When a long range effort sailed in to make it 3-1 moments later, the game was up, and Steve Grier’s late, injury time goal was little consolation.

Form Report
Jason Northey 4 Dave Browne 6 Aodhan McCahill 6 Paul Kinsella 5 Karl McCullough 6 Stuart Love 5 Neil McGowan 6 Seamus McCahill 6 Steve Grier 5 Keith Kelly 5 Steve Walsh 5.
Subs: Jeff Gamble 5 Graham Campbell 5 Tom O’Driscoll 5

19.4.15

Dundrum 1, Spartak 0

A goal in the 84th minute settled this encounter at Meadowbrook in this clash of 2nd and 3rd in the league.

The goal came when, having lost possession, Spartak were caught out defensively by a long pass and a quick break.

Spartak will argue that a draw would have been a fair result, but the Sky Blues failed to put a score on the board, despite early dominance, and more chances.

Spartak forced a series of early corners, generally wasted by poor delivery. The first passing move involved Dave Kernan, Neil McGowan and Keith Kelly, but the latter’s shot was weak.

When Karl MCCullough flicked on a throw in, Tom O’Driscoll was inches from converting, and then a good Kernan and Kelly move saw Steve Grier’s fierce effort well saved by the home keeper.

Spartak’s best chance fell to Tom O’Driscoll, in the second period, but his right footed effort from Steve Walsh’s assist was too gentle. Neil MCGowan fired wide after a Steve Grier header, while Grier and McGowan combined to set up Walsh, whose effort was blocked.

Steve Walsh missed a couple of chances to round the keeper, but hesitation lost him the opportunities.

As Spartak pressed for a late equaliser, everyone was pushed up for a Paul Kinsella free. However the free fell short and Dundrum brokel, eventually being halted by a foul by Karl McCullough. The referee, many yards away, awarded a penalty although the foul took place yards outside the area.

Jason Northey saved the spot kick, maintaining his recent good record.

Spartak will be disappointed to be held scoreless in such a vital game.

Form Report
Jason Northey 7 David Kernan 6 Aodhan McCahill 6 Paul Kinsella 7 Karl McCullough 7 Ken Buckley 5 Neil McGowan 6 Tom O’Driscoll 5 Steve Grier 6 Keith Kelly 5 Steve Walsh 5
Subs: Dave Browne 6 Joe McCarthy 5 Ciaran Keane 5

14.4.15
Carriglea 0, Spartak 2

Spartak came out on top in this clash of promotion rivals in a hard fought encounter.

Well refereed, this was a tough battle from start to finish, with two inspirational moments deciding the result.

The first goal resulted from a corner by Tom O’Driscoll which went too deep beyond the goal along the back line; Seamus McCahill retrieved the ball and cleverly stood it up at the back post for Neil McGowan to head in.

The second goal came from a fine piece of free kick initiative by Tom O’Driscoll and Keith Kelly, which saw the latter finish to the bottom corner.

In between it was a war of attrition on a bumpy surface with the team who won most headers, Spartak, generally on top.

Carriglea had a great chance early on, after a mix up between Paul Kinsella and Dave Browne, while Martin Costello scuffed his effort when sent clear by Steve Grier.

With Spartak one goal to the good at the interval, Martin Costello had a chance to double the lead when sent down the left by Neil McGowan; but he blazed across goal and well wide.

Spartak defended really well in the face of Carriglea’s increasingly frantic efforts to get back in the game.

Near the end Graham Campbell had two efforts strike the crossbar.

Form Report
Jason Northey 7 Dave Kernan 7 Dave Browne 7 Paul Kinsella 7 Karl McCullough 8 Seamus McCahill 8 Neil McGowan 8 Tom O’Driscoll 7 Steve Grier 8 Martin Costello 7 Keith Kelly 7
Subs: Graham Campbell 7 Niall Lennon 6 Mick Leslie 6

12.4.15
Seaford 0, Spartak 6.

Spartak had the best of a one sided encounter in the pouring Blackrock rain against a weakened Seaford side, scoring some good goals in the process.

Just three minutes had elapsed when Steve Walsh floated in a free from 30 yards out; the ball was cleared back to him and he let fly first time to give Spartak the lead. A fine through ball by Tom O’Driscoll saw Steve Walsh show control and composure to make it 2-0.

A fine move then saw Tom O’Driscoll fire over from a great position and a Jason Northey kicking error caused some panic at the other end. Steve Grier sent Neil McGowan in and his shot was turned away for a corner.

The game was effectively over within a minute, when first Martin Costello ran through to lift over the keeper, and then, when the keeper’s poor clearance reached Neil McGowan he fired back over the goalie’s head for number 4.

The second half saw Steve Grier dispossess the centre half and score, but he was deemed to have fouled; the ref was probably influenced by the defender’s scream of agony – although he got up, unhurt, once the free was awarded.

Martin Costello teed up Neil McGowan for a long range goal to make it 5-0 on 65 minutes, while Jason Northey made a good save to keep out the home side.

Steve Walsh was now on the hunt for his hattrick goal and, after a few misses, he duly added his third. There was time for sub Mick Leslie to fire wide before the ref halted the proceedings with 8 minutes left on the clock.

Form Report
Jason Northey 6 Dave Kernan 7 Aodhan McCahill 7 Paul Kinsella 7 Karl McCullough 7 Ken Buckley 7 Neil McGowan 8 Tom O’Driscoll 6 Steve Grier 7 Martin Costello 6 Steve Walsh 8
Subs: Dave Browne 6 Keith Kelly 6 Mick Leslie 6