20 have booked flights so far. 24 went last time we were there. Can we beat the record?
Looks like a good trip in prospect. More cry ons than cry offs! Trap is jealous…..
+ Rob Smith and Alan Kavanagh already over there!
Lads,
Rob Smith, our man in Swindon, is arranging games on weekend of 11th /12th June.
Plan is to fly out on Friday 10th June and return on Sunday 12th.
Flights are €62 at present (to Bristol) and rooms in Holiday Inn are £50 per night. That’s only £25 per head.
So cost per head per weekend would be less than €130. Cheap as chips!
Swindon has been a big success on previous trips – we have been there 3 times before.
Need indication of interest by this Friday. Log on here or on Facebook to make your comment.
15.5.11
Pioneers 2 Spartak 1
Spartak had to arrange this one themselves to complete the league programme. With promotion already sealed, there was for once nothing at stake in terms of league or cup.
Peter O’Toole dropped an early cross and when Paul Kinsella and Glen Burke could not clear, Pioneers shot wide from close in. Glen Burke was repeatedly caught in possesion each time the play was switched out to him and put paid to a few attacks.
Tom Flanagan and Seamus McCahill started brightly enough, although Seamus faded later on, but the front two of Ger Byrne and Graham Breen were still suffereing a cup final hangover, with both in listless form.
A long ball on 43 minutes caught out Burke and O’Toole, with forward alllowed two chances to finish, which he duly did.
On 51 minutes a blind back pass by Fintan Grace gifted number two to the home side, and it was only after this that the Sky Blues reacted and began to play ball. Substitute Keith Kelly, making a near miraculous recovery from the injury which ruined his cup final, added some energy to proceedings.
Tom Flanagan converted Breen’s low cross to reduce arrears, and Glen Burke volleyed against the post as Spartk came back strongly. Some eccentric clearances by Dave Browne gave Pioneers a few chances on the break, and they hit the bar with one effort.
In the last minute, with pressure mounting and Pioneers short of cover, Byrne conceded a free in the six yard box, and the home side survived.
Form Report
Peter O’Toole 5 Paul Kinsella 6 Fintan Grace 5 Steve Grier 6 Dave Browne 4 Tom Flanagan 7 Seamus McCahill 5 Glen Burke 4 Stuart Love 5 Graham Breen 5 Ger Byrne 5
Subs Neil McGowan 5 Keith Kelly 6 Niall Tilley Thom O’Driscoll Anto Doyle no show
7.5.2011
Spartak 0, Pegasus 2
Spartak lost the cup final in the most frustrating manner possible, by simply not performing on the day. For the first time this season, Spartak failed to score, and created fewer chances than in any game all year.
The first goal in a cup final is always vital and having got off the hook when Peter O’Toole saved a penalty on 32 minutes (conceded by Steve Grier for second final in a row) Spartak fell into arrears following a corner in the 38th minute.
The Sky Blues never got going at all in the first half, and with Keith Kelly carrying an injury into the game and replaced early in second half, Spartak never got a grip in midfield. In three appearances against Pegasus Keith has had to depart early in each case. Distribution from the back was poor and very little in the way of constructive play in evidence. An over reliance on the long throw, easily dealt with by Pegs, meant that Spartak simply forgot to play the ball on the carpet. A fatal mistake
A slight improvement in the second half gave some hope, with a few half chances following the introduction of Stuart Love, until the red card for Kevin O’Toole dealt a killer blow. When Anto Doyle was caught in possession on 82 minutes Pegasus took full advantage to score number 2.
Form Report
Peter O’Toole 8 Composed performance, penalty save, always in command, Peter rounded off an excellent season and should have been rewarded with the man of the match trophy.
Glen Burke 5 One of “those” days from Glen, who defended well enough but lacked composure on the ball, and tended to panic in possession.
Paul Kinsella 6 Strong tackling defender who finished the season as well as he started it, after injury disrupted much of his season.
Steve Grier 6 Decent performance, but failed to vary his throws when they were clearly easy meat for Pegs defenders.
Dave Browne 4 Occasion seemed to get to him, never looked in command and stood too far off his man.
Keith Kelly 4 Should not have started, injured, and made no impact until substituted.
Neil McGowan 5 Had a couple of half chances, one from a free, but persistent injury has reduced his effectiveness.
Seamus McCahill 4 Ineffective on the day. Never got going at all, and a very disappointing performance overall.
Kevin O’Toole 4 His red card effectively nobbled any chance of a late comeback.
Graham Breen 4 Was dominated by the Pegs centre backs, and could not impose himself on the game
Ger Byrne 5 No shortage of energy, but lacked composure and his touch and hold up play were poor
Thom O’Driscoll 4 His normal excellent touch deserted him and he fatally delayed his shot in what was probably Spartak’s best chance.
Stuart Love 6 Unlucky not to start, showed composure and energy to inspire Spartak’s best spell.
Anto Doyle 4 Went on to help search for equaliser, but caught in possession and Spartak were two down.
Fintan Grace, Neilll Bolger, Niall Tilley.
Pegasus v Spartak in the Tom Cullen Cup Final in Kilnamanagh’s ground at 2.30 on Saturday 7th May.
All support very welcome.
Spartak 6 , Esker Celtic 0.
With a three goal burst between the 33rd and 39th minutes, Spartak settled this contest early against a sporting Esker side, who did not resort to underhand methods when well beaten.
Showing 5 changes from Sunday’s defeat, Spartak looked fresh and sharp and the defence was untroubled with Steve Grier and Kevin O’Toole in no mood to concede ground.
Fluidity of movement from O’Driscoll, Byrne and Breen caused endless first half trouble to the visitors defence and forced a penalty on 16 minutes, despatched by Keith Kelly. A brilliant turn by Seamus McCahill gave Breen a chance but the keeper saved; McCahill shot over and Ger Byrne, running on to O’Driscoll’s pass , saw his shot blocked.
On 33 minutes a quick Burke throw sent Breen away and Byrne sidefooted home from his cross. An O’Driscoll corner on 35 minutes was headed goalwards by Breen but the ball bounced up off the “mound” and struck the bar; Byrne finished off the rebound.
The fourth was scored by Breen from Grier’s assist.
Graham McEnroe added number five after good work from Byrne , and O’Driscoll’s corner was nodded in by McCahill to complete the scoring.
A satisfactory return to winning ways.
Form Report
Peter O’Toole 6 Glen Burke 7 Paul Kinsella 7 Steve Grier 8 Kevin O’Toole 8 Keith Kelly 7 Seamus McCahill 7 Thom O’Driscoll 7 Will O’Connell 7 Graham Breen 7 Ger Byrne 7
Subs: Graham McEnroe 7 Tom Flanagan 5 Anto Doyle 5 Fintan Grace Stuart Love
Colmcilles 3, Spartak 2
A tepid first half display deeply damaged Spartak’ league chances in what was essentially a title decider. Spartak’s 14 game unbeaten run was ended by a sore defeat. The Sky Blues were handicapped when Neil McGowan had to go off after a reckless tackle in the 3rd minute, and Graham Breen came in for some rough house treatment. Nonetheless Spartak did not settle and were outplayed for the first half.
Colmcilles took the lead when Stuart Love was all too easily beaten in the penalty area and the shot beat Peter O’Toole.
Spartak had a couple of efforts, a long range effort from Breen just over and Steve Grier had a fine volley from Dave Browne’s free just wide.
Colmcilles second goal on 30 minutes was highly controversial. A ball reached a clearly offside player via a defelection from Fintan Grace. Most refs would have blown, but not this time, and it was 2-0.
Keith Kelly moved to midfield at the break and with an all action display almost single handedly dragged the Sky Blues back into the game; unfortunately a miscontrolled ball by Fintan Grace gave Colmcilles no.3
Ger Byrne had a chance from Tom Flanagan’s pass, and Glen Burke’s surging run almost yielded results.
When Grier was fouled in the box, Kelly stepped up to score and he repeated the trick when Burke was fouled as Spartak mounted pressure after a dismissal left Colmciles down to ten men. Kelly also had an effort tipped over by the keeper. Unfortunately the numerical advantage did not last long as Dave Browne followed for a second yellow.
Time ran out for the Sky Blues as they finally began to perform.
Form Report
Peter O’Toole 6 Keith Kelly 8 Fintan Grace 4 Steve Grier 7 Dave Browne 5 Tom Flanagan 4 Neil McGowan 4 Stuart Love 4 Will O Connell 5 Graham Breen 5 Ger Byrne 5
Subs: Anto Doyle 4 Glen Burke 7 Seamus McCahill 6 Paul Kinsella Kevin O’Toole Thom O’Driscoll Graham McEnroe
12.4.2011
Mourne Celtic 2 Spartak 3
Spartak almost paid dearly for defensive lapses in a game in which they dominated in terms of goal chances. At 2-0 and 3-1 up, errors allowed Mourne back into a game which should have been closed out.
Firstly, poor a lapse of concentration between Steve Grier and Paul Kinsella allowed the speedy local no.9 through to score; then Fintan Grace, tempted to tackle in the box, rashly obliged and conceded a penalty.
With Graham Breen dominant in the aerial battles, Spartak had the attacking edge and when he nodded down Thom O’Driscoll’s corner kick, Neil McGowan swivelled neatly to finish from close range. Glen Burke pounced to prod in the rebound from McGowan’s effort off the bar for number 2. A good half time lead, despite a poor performance.
Spartak’s third arrived when Breen flicke on Steve Grier’s throw and McGowan headed in at the back post.
Ger Byrne missed a great chance close in and Spartak had a goal by Breen disallowed as he finshed off Seamus McCahill’s atempt.
An unnecessarily nervous finish to the game, which should have been wrapped up.
Form Report
Peter O’Toole 6 Glen Burke 5 Fintan Grace 5 Steve Grier 6 Paul Kinsella 6 Keith Kelly 6 Neil McGowan 7 Kevin O’Toole 6 Will O’Connell 5 Graham Breen 8 Thom O’Driscoll 6
Subs: Ger Byrne 5 Anto Doyle 6 Seamus McCahill 5 Dave Browne Stuart Love
10.4.2011
Pegasus 2 , Spartak 2
A brilliant goal line clearance by Glen Burke, recovering from his own mistake, saved a point for Spartak with the last kick of an end to end tussle on a very tight pitch at Terenure.
Spartak started the game like the proverbial house on fire, and could have had three before Ger Byrne turned in Seamus McCahill’s cross in the third minute. Keith Kelly hit the bar and then later Byrne had a weak effort when Graham Breen put him though.
At the other end Pegasus gradually found their feet and Burke and Browne were under some pressure, the latter getting booked for a rash challenge. Neil McGowan’s poor marking allowed the No. 9 a free header which he missed from close range. Seamus McCahill was not providing a suitable amount of cover on the right and Pegagus took full advantage. Neither McCahill nor Love could provide any attacking impetus or composed play along the flanks, and with midfield struggling, Spartak were over reliant on long balls and set pieces. Keith Kelly, often in the wars, and Neil McGowan could not gain purchase in central midfield.
A super volleyed attempt by Seamus McCahill at the start of the second half struck the post, but gradually Pegasus began to dominate.
A series of errors began to creep in; Burke headed weakly clear when he could have volleyed, and in the resulting sequence McGowan fouled at the edge of the box. Pegasus struck the post with Peter O’Toole beaten.
The home side equalised when Steve Grier was caught in possession, and then Browne headed the crossfield pass out for a throw. Both centre backs were out of position as a quick throw allowed the No10 to easily turn Burke and cross for a close range tap in.
Pegasus, on the surge, then had a goal disallowed, before Thom O’Driscoll’s corner was touched by Will O’Connell into Breen’s path to give Spartak a 2-1 lead.
All too soon Pegasus were level when Grace was outpaced and the cross turned in despite the close attention of Stuart Love.
The points dropped by both sides will act as a boon to Colmcilles, and both now lose ground in the chase for promotion.
Pegasus, much the more experienced side, have now scored 6 against the Sky Blues in the two games to date and will feel unlucky not to add a second victory, and must now be strong favourites for the Tom Cullen Cup.
From Report: Peter O’Toole 6 Glen Burke 5 Fintan Grace 5 Steve Grier 5 Dave Browne 5 Keith Kelly 5 Neil McGowan 5 Seamus McCahill 5 Stuart Love 5 Graham Breen 6 Ger Byrne 5
Subs: Kevin O’Toole 5 Will O’Connell 5 Thom O’Driscoll 6 Niall Tilley Paul Kinsella
3.4.2011
Spartak 2, Liffey Valley Rangers 1
Spartak successfully negotiated the semi final hurdle despite a number of injury problems. In the run up there were injury doubts regarding a number of players, with Glen Burke unable to start and Tom Flanagan lasting only 10 minutes with recurring hamstring problems. Keith Kelly, Neil McGowan and Steve Grier made it though the game. We won’t even mention that wonder of medical science that is Graham Breen!
A late Liffey goal made for an edgy finish but on the balance of play the home side were the better team in a nervous encounter. Spartak, featuring only four of last year’s cup winning side in the starting line up, played well in the first half, but faltered somewhat in the second period. A number of players did not play to their potential. Ger Byrne was off colour, while neither Dave Browne nor Seamus McCahill showed true form.
Spartak territorially dominated the opening half with a barrage of corners and long throws that led to a few scrambles but no breakthrough. McGowan, Keith Kelly and Stuart Love all had efforts at goal to no avail.
The breakthough opening goal on 40 minutes was a cracker, as Neil McGowan picked up a clearance with his back to goal, cleverly tricked two defenders before lashing a shot to the net from the edge of the box.
Liffey had looked dangerous on the break and the Sky Blues were grateful for one offside decision.
Spartak attacks in the second 45 were more sporadic; McGowan volleyed over, Breen looped a header over the bar and a fine move between Ger Byrne and Breen left Seamus McCahill clear but he pulled his effort just wide of the post.
The insurance goal came when Breen flicked on Browne’s throw and Ger Byrne headed in on 81 minutes.
There was still time for Liffey to reduce arrears , although the goal featured three players who were offside.
Tenacious defending by Grier and Fintan Grace, particularly in the air, were vital to the win.
One semi down, two to go: here’s hoping the Saturday boys, old and young , follow through to their finals also!
Form Report:
Peter O’Toole 7 Keith Kelly 7 Fintan Grace 7 Steve Grier 7 Dave Browne 5 Tom Flanagan 4 Neil McGowan 7 Seamus McCahill 5 Stuart Love 6 Graham Breen 6 Ger Byrne 5.
Subs: Will O Connell 6 Anto Doyle Kevin O Toole Paul Kinsella Glen Burke Thom O’Driscoll.
