Spartak Dynamo FC

22.11.13
Larkview 3, Spartak 2

Spartak almost snatched an unlikely victory against the runaway league leaders on a freezing Friday night in Larkview.

The talking points mostly relate to the last 8 minutes, when Spartak were, up to then, resolutely defending a 2-0 half time lead.

On 82 minutes, Adam Doran , immense in goal in the absence of Jason Northey, tried to take a quick free but slipped and gifted the home forward a goal. Much worse was to follow as the ref, well in control up to that point, began awarding a string of free kicks the home side’s way; Stephen Barr for once missed the header from one such free and a home forward had lots of time at the far post to equalise; another free and the home centre half rose to nod home the winner.

A sickening end to a wonderful 80 minutes from Spartak, who defended with discipline, attacked with impunity and made the most of their chances. In truth until the unfortunate Doran error, Larkview had largely run out of ideas.

Against the run of play Fergus Burke played in Steve Walsh on 40 minutes to secure the lead; on the stroke of half time Stephen Barr and Steve Walsh played in Keith Kelly; without waiting to run on he arrowed a fine volley to make it 2-0.

Just after half time Barr nodded just wide from a Niall Hanratty free kick.

While the form is improving, points are elusive despite great efforts.

Form Report
Adam Doran 8 Dave Browne 6 Paul Kinsella 8 Martin Costello 8 Stephen Barr 9 Fergus Burke 8 Neil McGowan 7 Niall Hanratty 7 Derek Ruxton 7 Keith Kelly 7 Steve Walsh 8 Lee Malone 5 Dave O Kelly 5
Subs: Lee Malone 5 Dave O Kelly 5

3.11.13
Meath Rangers 4, Spartak 3

Its always sore to lose a game which should have been sewn up; this was one of those games.

Despite Meath starting sharper on a near perfect Stannaway pitch, Spartak created enough to win. An error by Ken Buckley gave the hosts an early opportunity, but Jason Northey pulled off a fine save; then Niall Hanratty, Derek Ruxton and Dave Browne got into a mess but the home forward missed the proverbial opener. It was no surprise when Meath took the lead on 16 minutes.

It took just two minutes for Spartak to respond, with Fergus Burke winning the ball and feeding Derek Ruxton on the right. The cross fell neatly for Steve Walsh to finish.

A Ken Buckley pass put Stu Love in on the left and his cross cum shot fell to Steve Walsh with the goal gaping, but the usually reliable winger put it over from a couple of yards. Then a Buckley pass allowed Walsh to unleash a stinging shot, which was pushed over by the keeper.

A faulty offside appeal let Meath in again but Martin Costello made a great saving tackle.

A Niall Hanratty handball gave a free kick opportunity, which Jason Northey touched onto the bar.

On 52 minutes Spartak took the lead as Stu Love released Steve Walsh to round the keeper and score and Spartak were reasonably comfortable, defending well and looking for a third on the break.

But on 74 minutes Stu Love was harshly adjudged to have handled and, the penalty scored, Meath had fresh impetus.

A couple of bad errors gave away two quick goals before the Sky Blues could regain their composure. from 2-1 to 2-4 in a matter of minutes.

Spartak responded. Thomas Gaynor voleyed two efforts over the bar; Stu Love could not force the ball over the line under challenge; finally a penalty award allowed Neil McGowan to bring it back to 3-4.

Despite a wave of attacks, Meath held on.

Form Report
Jason Northey 7 Niall Hanratty 5 Dave Browne 5 Seamus McCahill 6 Martin Costello 6 Fergus Burke 6 Neil McGowan 6 Stuart Love 7 Ken Buckley 5 Derek Ruxton 5 Steve Walsh 7
Subs: Thos Gaynor 5 Mark Brady 5

10.11.13
Ballybrack 1, Spartak 0

Any neutral viewing this game would find it hard to believe Spartak are struggling in the league while Ballbrack lie a comfortable second.

One long range effort beat Jason Northey for the decider; but for the second half Spartak had things their own way but could not grab that elusive goal.

Sean Doyle and Martin Costello made an effective centre back pairing while subs Gaynor, Doran and O’Driscoll all made a positive impact.

An O’Driscoll free was nodded just wide by Neil McGowan; Derek Ruxton blazed over when through on goal; Steve Walsh was foiled by last minute interventions on a few occasions; indeed Spartak could have taken the lead after a fine Walsh rn saw his effort deflected onto a post by a despairing defender’s dive, with Paul Kinsella just failing the force in the rebound.

An excellent performance without reward.

Form Report
Jason Northey 6 Paul Kinsella 7 Dave Browne 6 Sean Doyle 8 Martin Costello 8 Fergus Burke 6 Neil McGowan 6 Derek Ruxton 5 Ken Buckley 5 Stuart Love 5 Steve Walsh 7
Subs : Adam Doran 7 Thomas Gaynor 6 Thom O Driscoll 6

Sean Lynam, former Spartak goalkeeper, passed away at home late on Nov 4th, 2013.

The sad news was relayed to the club by former Chairman Ian Leslie, whose wife Brigid helped take care of Sean during his illness.

Sean joined Spartak as a schoolboy, at Ian’s instigation, and made 373 appearances, and after many schoolboy games graduated to the senior side, featuring in league title winning teams in Div 2A LSL 1990 and Premier 1 1993.

Sean, a big man, was always an imposing figure in the Spartak goalmouth. Among the playing highlights were penalty saves to help win the cup final shoot out against Stillorgan in 1990 and keeping a clean sheet in the winning cup final the following year. He is also credited with once scoring a goal for the club, although details are shrouded in the mists of time!

Sean, and his close pals Frank O’Brien and Dave Keegan were a central feature of Spartak games for many years, and soldiered in successful and struggling sides with equanimity. These three were also keen cricketers, with Sean an aggressive and effective fast bowler.

Sean’s wife Trish always took an active part in Spartak affairs, not least in cajoling her brother, Joe Costello, to line out for Brian Mahon’s side during the 90s.

Sean was great company and possessed a dry sense of humour and was very popular with his team mates. Having missed the 40th club party, he declared he would be there for the real party on the 50th anniversary.

Just last Saturday Sean was able to have a few drinks with a few of his pals, including quite a few Sky Blues. Many sporting tales were retold and some had acquired extra detail over time!

All who knew him at Spartak will miss him.

Sincere condolences to Trish and to the Lynam and Costello families on their loss.

Quiz night is on Nov 7th in Firhouse Community Centre.

First round questions start at 9.30. Mobile phones will be binned for the duration!

Lets make it a good club social night as well as a decent fundraiser – over to YOU!

Spot Prizes required – all donations gratefully received.

27.10.13
Spartak 5, Knockmitten 3

Spartak’s spirit refused to let this game slip away and a flurry of four late goals saw the Sky Blues come back from 1-3 to win.

Spartak began brightly but the final pass was lacking. The visitors then found their feet and Jason Northey was the busier keeper for most of the opening period.

Knockmitten scored after just seven minutes; Aodhan McCahill was caught out of position initially and when the cross came in there seemed plenty of home bodies to defend – however it was an easy finish for the striker as the Sky Blue defenders stood still.

A deflected Steve Walsh shot equalised following a fine pass from Fergus Burke, but then an error by Niall Hanratty, who opted to plead for offside, allowed a run on goal which led to number two.

Stuart Love had a well hit drive but too close to the keeper. Just before half time Spartak had a glorious chance to level matters when Aodhan McCahill raced through to spring the offside trap. With support inside he chose to shoot, but hit the side netting.

Spartak began the second half in determined mood; Dariusz Cismas had an effort cleared off the line and then on 51 minutes, Steve Walsh won a rather soft penalty, which he opted to take himself. A poor effort was far too close to the keeper who got both hands to it to push it away.

A further setback came on 63 minutes when Niall Hanratty, urged to clear it, opted to try to beat his man; he was dispossessed and a quick pass led to number three. 1-3 rather than 2-2!!

It was now all hands to the pump as the Sky Blues sought to get back in the game. Ken Buckley, Derek Ruxton and Ben Fallon all came on to add drive and energy and Seamus McCahill pushed on from the back. Seamus fed Neil McGowan with a good pass; Neil finished but was adjudged offside. Derek Ruxton then blazed a decent chance over the bar.

With time running out Neil McGowan slotted in to pull one back. A near disaster then when a Ruxton misplaced pass sent a Knockmitten forward away; Ben Fallon pulled him back and was lucky to receive just a yellow.

Seamus McCahill was fouled as he pushed down the right with five minutes left; Steve Walsh’s left footed free from the right needed only the faintest touch and Seamus was on hand to supply it to glance to the corner. Two minutes later on 87 minutes Ben Fallon gave Steve Walsh the chance to shoot. A drilled shot but straight at the keeper, who fumbled as Neil McGowan, anticipating the error, raced in to lift the ball over him and put Spartak in the lead for the first time in the game.

With Knockmitten now shell shocked Steve Walsh slotted a neat score from a narrow angle to put the icing on the cake.

Form Report:
Jason Northey 7 Niall Hanratty 5 Aodhan McCahill 5 Seamus McCahill 8 Paul Kinsella 6 Fergus Burke 8 Neil McGowan 8 Dariusz Cismas 5 Stuart Love 6 Martin Costello 6 Steve Walsh 8
Subs: Derek Ruxton 6 Ben Fallon 6 Ken Buckley 6

20.1.13
Spartak 0, Balbriggan 4.

A deeply disappointing result from a Spartak side lacking form.

Jason Northey was the busier goalkeeper throughout as the Sky Blues struggled to gain ascendancy.

The visitors had the first opportunity after Niall Hanratty switched off but Northey saved, and this pattern continued, with Paul Kinsella and Conor Keegan picking up yellow cards attempting to stem the flow.

A big opportunity for the home side came when Neil McGowan’s pass released Steve Walsh but his effort lacked his usual conviction and was saved.

The visitors then scored in the 41st and 42nd minutes. The first came when a careless throw in by Aodhan McCahill allowed Balbriggan to break; Martin Costello, attempting to intercept, could only direct the ball to another forward and Northey was helpless. Moments later a mix up between Northey and Kinsella gave Balbriggan an easy second.

The second period was more even but late goals, sloppily conceded, sealed the result. Derek Ruxton let his man away to tap in a free kick crossed into the box, and then a rebound saw the visitors react to score. Again the best chances of the period fell to Steve Walsh but he was foiled by the keeper.

Form Report:
Jason Northey 6 Conor Keegan 6 Aodhan McCahill 4 Martin Costello 5 Paul Kinsella 5 Ken Buckley 5 Neil McGowan 5 Niall Hanratty 4 Mark Brady 4 Stephen Barr 5 Stephen Walsh 5
Subs: Fergus Burke 5 Derek Ruxton 4 Dariusz Cismas 5 Dave Browne Thom O Driscoll Stuart Love

13.10.13
Spartak 4 Fassaroe 7

Scoring four goals at home is usually enough to win the points; not in this case where all but one of the visitors’ scores were gifted.

An early Neil McGowan follow up header from Steve Walsh’s cross put the Sky Blues ahead and Walsh scored again before half time. However Fassaroe got three easy goals to lead at the break.

The mercurial Steve Walsh equalised before a series of defensive collapses let Fassaroe take command. Steve Walsh completed his hat trick to top a fine performance, but to no avail.

Form Report
Jason Northey 5 Conor Keegan 6 Paul Kinsella 5 Martin Costello 5 Aodhan McCahill 4 Niall Hanratty 5 Mark Brady4 Fergus Burke 6 Steve Walsh 7 Ken Buckley 4 Neil McGowan 5
Subs: Dave Browne 5 Jonathan Lane Shane McInerney

29.9.13
Spartak 2 Dundrum 2

A sparkling first half display should have seen the Sky Blues clinch all three points before the interval but a number of missed chances, allied to a drop in intensity in the second half, allowed Dundrum to share the spoils; indeed the visitors had a goal ruled out near the end, while the home side could muster little in the way of threat as players tired.

Spartak began in bright fashion, Neil McGowan squaring for Martin Costello ten yards out, but the keeper blocked with his feet. Seams McCahill forced a save at the back post and just after was put through on goal; his first touch was heavy and the keeper smothered the ball. Dave Browne sent Martin Costello away on a one on one, but he dragged his effort wide. A fine move involving several players saw Martin in a good position on the left but his attempt to find the unmarked Neil McGowan was blocked. Steve Walsh had a fine chance when put through by Neil, and the rebound fell to Martin 20 yards out with the goal open; his shot was off target.
A fine ball by Niall Hanratty sent Steve Walsh in for goal number one on 25 minutes, and two minutes later a long throw by Dave Browne was diverted in by a defender.

The visitors regrouped at half time and forced substitutions through injury, together with a lack of fitness, saw the Spartak side run low on energy. Confusion at the back post saw a hesitant defensive reaction from Spartak , and Dundrum took full advantage to reduce arrears on 64 minutes. They equalised when a gentle header from a long throw bounced into an empty after Jason Northey came out to join central defenders all trying to win the first touch .

Seamus McCahill saved a number of threatening situations with timely interceptions and tackles. Spartak’s only real chance of the second half came when a looping Thom O’Driscoll shot drifted wide.

A third goal, or a repeat of the first half performance, would have clinched the win; by the end Spartak were the more relieved with the point.

Form Report
Jason Northey 5 Conor Keegan 6 Aodhan McCahill 6 Seamus McCahill 8 Dave Browne 6 Ken Buckley 6 Neil McGowan 6 Niall Hanratty 5 Lee Malone 5 Martin Costello 5 Steve Walsh 6

22.9.13
Spartak 3, Fort Rangers (Kilkenny) 4

A belated start to the season saw Spartak’s first team just pipped by a sharper visiting side in Marlay in a sporting contest well refereed by Michael Dolan.

A stray pass by Paul Kinsella and poor positioning by his back four colleagues saw Fort take the lead in a fast breakaway on 9 minutes, the shot going in off a post. This was just after Niall Hanratty forced the visiting keeper into a fine save. Spartak shot back two minutes later, Eggy finishing after a fine run by Steve Walsh.

Spartak settled and played some decent football, with Fergus Burke and Conor Keegan prominent and with Martin Costello working hard in the lone frontman role. Niall Hanratty was strong in possession while Steve Walsh’s runs caused problems for the visitors. At the back Seamus McCahill and co gradually came to grips with pacy forwards after a shaky start; improvement will arrive as fitness and sharpness return.

A powerful header from a corner on 27 minutes gave Fort the lead again which they held till the interval.

On 49 minutes Steve Walsh was again the provider as Martin Costello equalised at the second attempt, his first effort striking the post. However the lead was short lived as the Sky Blues conceded again from a corner when a forward had time to turn and score on the six yard line.

On 78 minutes a poor pass by sub Jeff Gamble left Conor Keegan in a tussle for possession which led to the fourth goal for the visitors but Conor made amends by starting and finishing a fine move with a neat header. 3-4.

Now the chase was on for the equaliser but despite frantic efforts Fort held out.

Man of the Match: Fergus Burke