Sky Blues Win Exciting Duel

Filed under: General news, Sunday LSL team by: Paul McGowan

14.10.12
Spartak 4, Beechwood 2

Spartak produced a good performance gaining their first win in four games thanks to some clinical finishing and a spirited all round effort in a fast paced encounter on a rainy morning in Marlay.

The benefits of a squad closer to full strength saw fine impacts from the substitutes to clinch the win. With Keith Kelly , Paul Kinsella and Graham McEnroe all still to return the squad now looks in better shape for the tough battles ahead.

A high intensity start saw the Sky Blues immediately pressurise their opponents; Steve Walsh’s free was touched away by the Beechwood keeper, Niall Hanratty had a shot blocked, a sweeping move by Neil McGowan and Walsh put Conor Maguire away to shoot over; then Neil robbed a home defender to shoot home low right footed from the edge of the box. And that was just the first four minutes!

Almost immediately Stuart Love headed wide from close range but then the visitors got their act together and, combined with some defensive errors, came very close to scoring. There were several near misses and also a couple of scrambles which featured point blank saves by Jason Northey and goal line clearances by Hanratty. Beechwood were aided by the fact that the Spartak defenders’ distribution was often poor, sometimes alternating between too slow or just panicky.

Steve Walsh had a chance when put through by Neil McGowan but the keeper saved; Steve Grier’s free was saved after Stuart Love was fouled;and when Conor Maguire swung over the resultant corner Seamus McCahill missed a glorious headed opportunity. Beechwood then had a good move and finish but much to home relief the goal was disallowed for a marginal offside. Steve Grier then fired just over just before the break.

Amazingly there was only one goal to show for a half which saw some fine attacking play from both sides.

A neat move in the 47th minute saw Spartak extend their lead; Stuart Love passed inside to Neil McGowan who quickly fed Steve Grier on the burst; his sublime pass gave Conor Maguire the opportunity, and he showed great composure to finish.

On 56 minutes Beechwood got back in the game; With Spartak penned back, Neil McGowan’s clearance was short and when the ball was played back in he was turned in the box and the striker blasted home. Adam Doran then substituted for a hamstrung Neil McGowan to immediate effect. A neat move with Steve Walsh and Stuart Love saw Adam provide the “hollywood” ball, releasing Conor Maguire who neatly rounded the keeper before finishing.

Beechwood continued to press and the game looked far from safe; and when Aodhan McCahill fouled a player at the corner of the box they reduced arrears on 72 minutes. While the Spartak wall obediently lined up a good ten yards away the visiting player popped the ball into the far corner past a startled Jason Northey without waiting for a whistle. 3-2.

At that point the spread betters on the sideline were punting heavily on a Beechwood comeback.

However it was the Sky Blues who struck the decisive blow with the redoubtable Niall Hanratty playing a wonderful pass down the line to Derek Ruxton, who fired in a trademark cross. Seamus McCahill and Conor Maguire were lurking but the defender intevened with a handball. Conor Maguire stepped up to despatch the penalty and complete his hat trick on 81 minutes. Ken Buckley came in for Seamus McCahill to ensure Spartak closed the game out as the ref allowed 6 extra minutes.

Form Report
Jason Northey 7 Niall Hanratty 7 Aodhan McCahill 6 Steve Grier 7 Alex Kenny 7 Dave Browne 7 Neil McGowan 7
Seamus McCahill 7 Stuart Love 7 Conor Maguire 9 Steve Walsh 6
Subs: Adam Doran 7 Derek Ruxton 6 Ken Buckley 5

All Square in D4

Filed under: General news, Sunday LSL team by: Paul McGowan

7.10.12
Beech Hill 1, Spartak 1

With both sides idle from league duties, this proved a welcome run out on a perfect day for football.

Spartak should have taken the lead when combined play by Conor Maguire and Steve Walsh saw Stuart Love stab against the post from point blank range, with Ross Kelly’s follow up being blocked. Derek Ruxton had a shot pushed away by the keeper while Lee Dunne headed over from a corner.

A long ball saw a forward beat Jason Northey to the ball, but he then over ran the ball harmlessly, and luckily for Spartak, wide. Maguire then conceded a free kick which was despatched past Northey on 43 minutes.

The Sky Blues had an escape when Dave Browne was caught in possession, but a few minutes in the second half a move by Dunne and Maguire gave Steve Walsh an opening which he fired home, celebrating his elevation to skipper for the day.

Paul Kinsella went close as did Maguire and Kelly just failed to connect with Maguire’s fine pass as the Sky Blues pressed for a winner.

Form Report
Jason Northey 6 Paul Kinsella 7 Aodhan McCahill 7 Seamus McCahill 7 Dave Browne 7 Stuart Love 6 Niall Lennon 7 Derek Ruxton 6 Ross Kelly 6 Conor Maguire 7 Steve Walsh 7 Lee Dunne 6

Self Inflicted Defeat

Filed under: General news, Sunday LSL team by: Paul McGowan

30.9.12
Spartak 2, Sallynoggin Pearse 3

A gift goal 8 minutes from time gave the visitors the points after Spartak had made all the running in the second half.

Some games go to the team which has the fewer chances, and this was one of those.

Spartak were disrupted when Jason Northey pulled up in the warm up, and Steve Grier took his place between the sticks. While Steve took off a few good saves, this game will be remembered for his poor passing out from the back. The winning goal came when, taking a goal kick and trying to find Keith Kelly out wide, Steve mishit his pass to a forward, on the edge of the box, who duly capitalised.

The first goal was similar – Steve’s clearing kick travelled 30 yards and when the ball was lobbed back in towards the unprotected goal, Dave Browne’s header was directed centrally and went straight to another visiting striker, who had a simple task. On a positive note, Jason Northey has kindly offered kicking lessons to Steve.

This was Spartak’s best game so far for chances made; Conor Maguire was a constant menace up front and will hardly play as well again without scoring.

Spartak should have led early on but Conor Maguire’s effort which beat the keeper struck a defender and looped on to the top of the net. Steve Walsh fired wide and Graham McEnroe’s surge into the box was halted by a tackle. McEnroe’s cross was then turned in by a defender for the Sky Blues’ equaliser; but some weak midfield tracking allowed the visitors to play through for an effort which Steve Grier saved well but the rebound was converted.

It was a different Sky Blue team which emerged after the interval; the visitors were pushed back and the balance of play swung completely in Spartak’s favour. A first time pass by Maguire put McEnroe in for a sweetly struck equaliser; then Steve Walsh fired just wide.

Conor Maguire then fastened on to a long ball and from out wide wriggled his way past two defenders in a solo effort but was foiled by a good save from the keeper when a finish would have been a candidate for goal of the season.

Niall Hanratty’s blazing shot was goalbound but was blocked, at some personal expense, by a defender; then Hanratty shot just wide when teed up by Stuart Love. Maguire then had a good chance saved.

Then, in a pivotal moment, McEnroe opted not to put Steve Walsh in for a clear run at goal and the chance was lost.

Sallynoggin gave notice of their intent when hitting the post on a break, but they then got out of jail courtesy of that late goal.

The general display was good , particularly when dominating the third quarter, and Keith Kelly’s return to fitness is a welcome one.

The reality is that after three games, and nul points, the concession of soft goals makes the task of winning games doubly difficult. And this was one game which should have yielded three points.

Form Report
Steve Grier 5 Keith Kelly 7 Aodhan McCahill 7 Alex Kenny 8 Dave Browne 6 Ken Buckley 6 Graham McEnroe 6 Niall Hanratty 7 Stuart Love 6 Conor Maguire 8 Steve Walsh 6
Subs Paul Kinsella 5 Jason Northey

No Cup Romance

Filed under: General news, Sunday LSL team by: Paul McGowan

23.9.12
Spartak 1, Shamrock Rovers (Wexford) 5

The Leinster Junior Cup draw matched Spartak with the Wexford Premier Champs, one of the best junior sides in the country; and injuries, illness and other absentees made the Sky Blues task all the more difficult.

When faced with superior opposition it is always imperative that the underdog scores first; preferably after a decent scoreless time to build frustration in the favourites. Unfortunately the Wexford boys scored from a corner after just 7 minutes when the forward was able to stoop in the centre of the six yard box to head home after his run evaded the static home defenders.

The game ran upon predictable lines, with the visitors no.9 and no.6 in a class apart; having said that the goals were conceded by elementary defensive mistakes, clinically punished, rather than by brilliant play. The second came directly from a stray defensive pass; the third was another clever run by the no.9 and the fourth from another stray pass by the overworked Spartak defence.

The Sky Blues pulled one back when Dave Browne’s throw was fed to Graham McEnroe by Dave Thomson and Graham’s through ball was expertly converted by the lively Conor Maguire.

A last minute penalty, after a comical mix up, completed the visitors’ scoring.

The work rate and endeavour of the Sky Blues showed a good spirit; and losing to a superior side is never a disgrace; but the real tests for this re-shaped side lie ahead in the League. There were encouraging signs of determination but defensive qualities need to be strengthened to avoid the basic mistakes of recent games.

Training Times

Filed under: General news, Over 35 team, Saturday LSL team, Sunday LSL team by: Paul McGowan

Training for the coming weeks will be

Tuesday – 8.45 St Kilians, Roebuck Road Clonskeagh

Thursday – 9.15 St Columbas College Whitechurch

Grey Day for Sky Blues

Filed under: General news, Sunday LSL team by: Paul McGowan

16.9.12
Spartak 1 Lakelands 4.

A game in which the Sky Blues did not do themselves justice.

Spartak imploded in this League clash. Two goals in the final minute of the first half killed off the game as a contest, making it 4-0 at half time. Lakelands scored also in the 19th and 35th minutes, and their forwards gave the Spartak back four a torrid time.

Alex Kenny had an uncharacteristic nightmare match, culpable for three of the goals. Alex had been warned early on when dispossessed and Jason Northey made a good save. In midfield Seamus McCahill and Dave Thomson were well below par, and unable to match the pace and tempo of the visitors. Neil McGowan provided some energy with covering tackles while Niall Hanratty also toiled to provide some respite for the defence in which only Aodhan McCahill played anyway close to potential. Conor Maguire worked diligently up front, and came close to scoring on a couple of first half occasions.

Lakelands eased off somewhat in the second period, allied to extra effort for the Sky Blues, and Steve Walsh pulled a goal back with 15 minutes to go. Conor Maguire was unlucky not to reduce arrears further as he intercepted and poked goalwards, but the ball was cleared.

With so many changes from last season’s line up the team is clearly still a work in progress, despite the injection of youth, as many Spartak players have not prepared fully for the season and certainly some took preparations for this match a little lightly to say the least.

Form Report
Jason Northey 6 Paul Kinsella 5 Aodhan McCahill 6 Alex Kenny 4 Steve Grier 5 Seamus McCahill 5 Neil McGowan 6 Niall Hanratty 6 Dave Thomson 5 Conor Maguire 7 Steve Walsh 5
Subs: Keith Kelly 5 Ken Buckley 5 Derek Ruxton 5 Dave Browne

Gift Goal turns close match in Vincents favour

Filed under: General news, Sunday LSL team by: Paul McGowan

9.9.12
St Vincents Hospital 2, Spartak 0

A dogged home side took advantage of a gift goal and defended well as Spartak chased the game; a second goal a few minutes from time, as the Sky Blues went gung-ho for an equaliser, clinched the tie.

Overall it was a tight game , well controlled by the ref, with Vincents combative and certainly more match fit. Space was denied as both sides worked hard.

Spartak had by far the greater number of chances in the first half and took the game to the home side; and yet Vincents were ahead at the break. A free kick on 28 minutes from half way drifted to the net past Brian O’Keeffe for a howler, and something which gave the home side defensive purpose.

Seamus McCahill might have put Spartak a couple of goals in front but headed first off target and then straight at the keeper. Derek Ruxton fired a snapshot just over.

Spartak pressed from the start of the second half and a turning pointcame when the home keeper took off a snap save from Neil McGowan’s effort. Spartak spared nothing in the chase for an equaliser and Dave Thomson headed over, Conor Maguire was just short of reaching Keith Kelly’s cross, Steve Grier, stretching, poked just wide as desperation mounted.

Steve Grier was pushed forward with a few minutes remaining but the 3 man defence were unable to prevent Vincents converting a cross to settle the game.

With an influx of younger players who were prominent in the match Spartak can take positives from the game; Aodhan McCahill had a good game on his debut; Steve Walsh gradually got to the pace of the game, as did Paul Kinsella. Conor Maguire foraged well in attack, but lacked sufficient support.

Form Report
Brian O’Keeffe 4 Nial Hanratty 5 Aodhan McCahill 7 Steve Grier 7 Paul Kinsella 6 Ken Buckley 5 Neil McGowan 7 Seamus McCahill 5 Steve Walsh 6 Conor Maguire 7 Derek Ruxton 5
Subs : Keith Kelly 5 Dave Thomson 5 Dave Browne 5 Anto Doyle Jason Northey

Training on Astro only from next week

Filed under: General news, Over 35 team, Saturday LSL team, Sunday LSL team by: Paul McGowan

Tonight, 6th Sept, is the last night in St Enda’s. Gates close at 8 so be sure to park outside!

From next week training is on

TUESDAY – St Kilians German School, Roebuck Road at 8.45

THURSDAY – St Columba’s College, Whitechurch, at 9.15

Astro shoes only please – no boots permitted.

Leinster Cup Draws

Filed under: General news, Over 35 team, Saturday LSL team, Sunday LSL team by: Paul McGowan

Spartak have pulled two home draws in the initial Leinster competitions.

Shamrock Rovers Wexfor are the visitors in the Leinster Junior Cup. They are the current Wexford Premier League Champions. A tough and challenging draw!

Glasnaoin 3rds from Ucfl Div 3b will come to Marlay for the opening round of the Shield as Spartak try to repeat (or improve on!) last year’s long run in the competition.

Silly goals conceded

Filed under: General news, Saturday LSL team, Sunday LSL team by: Paul McGowan

2.9.12
Spartak 3, Park Celtic U19s 4

Conceding two bizarre goals in quick succession after hauling back a two goal deficit was the key to losing this friendly contest at sun baked Marlay Park, which saw Spartak complete their pre season outings. Another useful run out which will help prepare for the league challenges ahead.

A first half performance devoid of energy saw the Sky Blues go two down; failure to pressurise opponents saw Park take full advantage with two smart finishes. Shane McInerney alone was willing to take the fight to the enemy before tiring in the second period.

Spartak attacked sporadically; indeed the forward play was the best aspect of the home team’s game. Conor Maguire had missed a chance when Derek Ruxton played him in, and both Derek and Conor Callis had opportunities.

There was an improvement after the interval. Niall Lennon’s pass sent Conor Maguire away on a fine run and his cross left Graham McEnroe with a simple task to pull a goal back. A penalty conceded by Seamus McCahill was then smartly saved by Jason Northey and Steve Walsh equalised on 68 minutes when his free kick deceived the keeper.

Then came those goals. Niall Lennon was adjudged to have fouled about 55 yards from goal; while the Sky Blues argued the toss and switched off, Park raced in for the lead goal. Then a Park corner, low to the near post was missed by two Spartak players before hitting the post and neatly presenting a goal to a visiting forward.

Again the Sky Bues rallied. Maguire and Ruxton were running hard at the defence and causing consternation, while Steve Walsh rekindled some of his old form. Derek Ruxton drove a free just wide and was then tripped in the box after a fine run. Seamus McCahill’s penalty lacked power and precision and was easily saved. Ruxton and McEnroe then combined beautifully in the game’s best move to lay on a goal for Conor Maguire but it was just too late.

Form Report
Jason Northey 7 Shane McInerney 7 Steve Walsh 7 Aodhan McCahill 6 Paul Kinsella 6 Ken Buckley 5 Seamus McCahill 6 Graham McEnroe 7 Dara Comerford 5 Conor Maguire 8 Derek Ruxton 8 Conor Callis 5 Lee Malone 6 Niall Lennon 5