Spartak Dynamo FC

In a rain interrupted season so far only a few players have played 10 or more games

Conor Maguire, Neil McGowan, Steve Walsh, Leon David, Paul McGrath, Tom Maher, Seamus McCahill , Aodhan McCahill and Niall Hanratty have all reached double figures.

On goals scored Conor Maguire leads on 7, with Graham McEnroe on 6. As Graham is now London based he is unlikely to add to this total, leaving Neil McGowan and Brendan Mooney, both on 4, as next best.

Full details on site.

13.1.13
Spartak 3, Larkview 1

There are not many games where both centre backs get on the scoresheet, but Messrs Grier and McCahill both featured, Steve with his first of the season, and Seamus with his first for many years on a frosty morning in Marlay. The visitors continually harangued the ref, and received numerous yellow cards, finally getting a red with ten minutes left. The Sky Blues were restrained in contrast.

Spartak took the lead on 10 minutes, when Steve Grier’s throw in was cleared back to him on the right. Stepping inside a defender he fired to the far corner with his left foot. 1-0.

A good break saw Neil McGowan and Conor Maguire combine to give Aodhan McCahill, racing forward from left back, a chance, but the baby of the team fired straight at the keeper.

Larkview equalised from a break after a Neil McGowan pass went astray; the defence was caught square and although Jason Northey raced out, blocked and forced the striker wide, his defensive colleagues did not have the presence of mind to cover the goal.

Conor Maguire struck the bar with a decent effort and a Steve Walsh free whistled past the post while Paul Kinsella and Neil McGowan combined to put in Niall Hanratty but he dragged his shot wide. Conor Maguire was having no luck with set pieces and fired some poor deliveries which were easily blocked.

On 40 minutes the Sky Blues regained the lead; mistakes in the visiting defence gave Neil McGowan a chance to lob the keeper from 30 yards; but his effort, miscued, turned into a perfect pass for Conor Maguire who fired home.

The visitors began the second half in determined mood; however they were thwarted both by Jason Northey’s good saves, sterling defensive work, and their own limitations.

On the hour Spartak added a goal. Neil McGowan’s corner saw Conor Maguire’s shot blocked. The ball fell to Seamus McCahill six yards out and he fired home for his first goal since records began! Or April 2011 to be precise.

That was more or less that and the home side kept their shape and discipline to see out the result.

Form Report
Jason Northey 8 Paul Kinsella 7 Aodhan McCahill 7 Steve Grier 8 Seamus McCahill 7 Derek Ruxton 7 Neil McGowan 7 Niall Hanratty 6 Dave Thomson 7 Conor Maguire 7 Steve Walsh 7
Subs: Stuart Love 6 Thom O’Driscoll 6

2.12.12
Spartak 3, Dundrum 0

A fine team performance on a cold and damp morning in Marlay with much to admire – apart from the time keeping!

Goals from Neil McGowan, Niall Hanratty and Steve Walsh sent Dundrum, who were in third place at kick off, home empty handed.

Some neat approach play by Dave Thomson, Aodhan McCahill and Steve Walsh gave Neil McGowan the chance to open the scoring with his right footed shot from 20 yards just too high for the keeper.

Spartak played some bright football in a tight contest and created chances for Steve Walsh, who saw his free saved, and Dave Thomson, who fired over.

More than anything, this game was a triumph for hard work and while Derek Ruxton epitomised the work ethic, his midfield colleagues toiled alongside to great effect. Dave Thomson had a fine outing while Niall Hanratty came strongly into the picture as the game wore on. The guile of Steve Walsh and Neil McGowan provided excellent support for frontman Conor Maguire, who did not score but nonetheless had one of his best days in Sky Blue.

After the interval a lapse in concentration by Dave Browne allowed the forward in, but he fired straight into the grateful arms of Steve Grier, deputising capably in goal. Dundrum began to press but could not find the final touch and Spartak were restricted to break outs.

Aodhan McCahill was continually capable of playing the out ball to relieve defensive pressure while big brother Seamus marshalled the defence and provided good distribution. Paul Kinsella was tigerish as he returns to form and fitness while Dave Browne won many head to head battles.

On the hour mark a throw in by Paul Kinsella was neatly controlled on his chest by Conor Maguire with his back to goal; he squeezed a pass through the crowded area where Niall Hanratty pounced gleefully to slot the ball into the corner. 2-0.

In the last minute a fine run by Conor Maguire and pass by Neil McGowan saw Steve Walsh finish insouciantly from the edge of the box to cap a fine morning’s work.

A highly satisfying team performance.

Form Report
Grier 7 Kinsella 7 A McCahill 8 S McCahill 8 Browne 7 Ruxton 8 McGowan 8 Thomson 7 Hanratty 7 Maguire 9 Walsh 8 O’Keeffe

25.11.12
Spartak 2 Liffey Valley 5

The Sky Blues met more than their match against a strong Liffey Valley side who lost no time in taking an early lead on 5 minutes when a Dave Browne clearing header was volleyed in. Spartak attacked and had shots blocked by McGowan and Walsh.

But on 36 minutes the visitors added number 2 and then almost immediately Aodhan McCahill conceded a penalty; however Jason Northey came to the rescue with a save.

Things went from bad to worse however and Liffey soon added to their total to lead 5-0; a humiliation was on the cards but some consolation was gained when Conor Maguire dispossessed a defender to go through and score, and then Derek Ruxton scored with a fine header from Steve Walsh’s corner.

A dismal display defensively.

Form Report
Northey 6 Kinsella 6 A McCahill 7 Browne 5 Kenny 6 Ruxton 8 McGowan 6 S McCahill 5 Hanratty 5 Maguire 6 Walsh 6 O’Driscoll 5

In the annual post Christmas games, the married men came out winners for the first time in many years against the singles. The spirit of seasonal giving was in evidence with the single mens defence repeatedly gifting passes to the married attackers, with John McCluskey and Neil McGowan scoring almost at will and racing into a four goal half time lead. Resistance from the single men was weak generally despite a fine save by Shane McInerney while the late arrival of Paul Kinsella steadied the ship somewhat.

The married men then played deep in the second half (Dave Mohan at centre half was almost on the tennis court behind the goal) and the single men staged a mini comeback, scoring twice from the spot with Coffey junior scoring a cracking goal. However Mark Byrne and Shea McClafferty added goals for the hen pecked to clinch the win.

Paul Kinsella then led the Drunks to an ignominious double figure defeat against the Sober Skunks in the second game, and got injured in the process to add injury to insult, with Dave Mohan’s sober men victorious including Stuart Love who was celebrating the arrival of son Jake and showing no ill effects from the ordeal.

Seamus McCahill patrolled the Drunks midfield like a much more relaxed Dimitar Berbatov while Tony Kavanagh was left regretting the failure of his earlier attempt to infiltrate the sober team.

Christmas games on 27th and 29th in columbas. Both at two o clock.
On 27th the annual titanic contest between the free and single and a thumb pressure selection.
Drunks v Skunks takes place on 29th.

The annual Christmas raffle took place in the Eden on 22nd Dec.

Thanks to those who donated prizes especially Fintan Grace, Derek Ruxton, Derek Keane, Ross Kelly,Neill Bolger, Mick Greene, Tony Kavanagh and Shane McInerney.

Most of the hard work on the night was done by Derek Keane, assisted by Dermot Dooley and Anto Doyle for ticket sales. Good work lads.

Big sellers of tickets were Tony Kavanagh, Neill Bolger, Jason Doyle, Derek Keane, Fintan Grace who all sold well above their quota. Well done.

Thanks and well done to all who sold tickets, and to those who didn’t – shame on you!

Results:

Signed Ireland Jersey – B Coghlan
Luxury Hamper – Barry Crowe
Drinks Hamper – Mary c/o Eden
€100 Voucher – Michael Healy
Wine Hamper – Tony Harris
Festive Hamper Michael Hogan
Meat Voucher – Gerry Keane
Vodka – Peter Brennan
Wine – Donal Breen
Wine – Fiona McCarthy

Thanks to all those who have already returned tickets and cash – Tony Kavanagh especially made a big effort with €120 worth of tickets sold.

To those who have not yet done so – if you could drop them in ahead of Saturday that would be a big help. As a last resort bring them Saturday.

We are in need of donations re hampers so let me know if you are in a position to help. Thanks to Mick Greene who was first in on this score.

Again, Thanks to all.

Details of Physio used recently and recommended by Thom O’Driscoll

We would like to offer all club members a consultation rate of €40 (Normally €60 per session)
Get in touch now! See our contact details below.
Kevin Sheerin BSc, MISCP, MCSP 087-27-27-287 kevinsheerin2@gmail.com
If you are interested in seeing the facilities at the clinic, please visit:
www.facebook.com/sheerinphysiotherapyclinic

Saturday 22nd Dec is the date for the Christmas night out, when we will also be staging our annual raffle. Should be a good night and some may venture into town later.

Please bring tickets and cash to friendly Sunday or to Kilians Tuesday for the first of he Christmas Matches.