Spartak Dynamo FC

27.11.14
Willows 2, Spartak 5

On a good pitch, heavy with wintry conditions, Spartak made a fine comeback. After a wasteful opening half, the Sky Blues had only one goal to show from superior possession, when Fidel Benson drove in from close range on the half hour mark when the ball dropped to him following Conor Keegan’s corner.

Mick Leslie risked the wrath of the locals by wearing white boots with pink studs, but put in a decent stint as a hard running front man. Conor Callis had a shot just over before departing the fray with an injury, and substitute Thom O’Driscoll made an immediate impression , firing in a shot which the home keeper struggled to parry for a corner.

Ciaran Keane lobbed onto the woodwork after being sent away by Niall Lennon, but in general Spartak’s approach play in the first period was laborious.

The home side came sharply to life after the interval, and after Mick Greene and Dave Browne made last ditch clearances, back up was not forthcoming and the locals fired in from outside the box. Worse was to follow with a Bobby Hayes error gifting the home side the lead.

However Spartak finally woke up and the influence of Niall Lennon and Fidel Benson in midfield began to gradually increase, while Conor Keegan provided excellent cover at the back. The equaliser came after a few opportunities had been missed when Barry Maguire fed Thom O’Driscoll whose long range effort left the keeper helpless. 2-2.

With 17 minutes remaining a great Mick Greene pass sent Fidel Benson away on the left; his cross was too high but Jeff Gamble fired in a the second attempt.

Spartak then finished strongly and added two goals in the closing minutes.

A Conor Keegan corner was headed onto the bar by Ciaran Keane and Jeff Gamble forced home. Then Niall Lennon capped a fine performance by racing on to a Jeff Gamble flick to surge towards goal and finish neatly.

A pleasing comeback.

Form Report
Bobby Hayes 5 Barry Maguire 6 Mick Greene 6 Conor Keegan 9 Dave Browne 7 Ciaran Keane 5 Conor Callis 6 Jeff Gamble 7 Niall Lennon 9 Fidel Benson 8 Mick Leslie 7
Subs: Thom O’Driscoll 7 Chris Hogan 6 Shane McInerney 6

2.11.14
Spartak 3, Dundrum 0

Spartak won this local derby with a convincing display.

The opening exchanges were even enough and it took a flash of excellence for Spartak to take the lead when, on 31 minutes, Jeff Gamble gave a super pass into the run of Steve Walsh and the ball was dispatched neatly to the net.

Spartak took heart and Steve Walsh rounded the keeper but Martin Costello missed the chance to convert the cross at the back post.

Controversy followed when Steve Walsh had what seemed a perfectly good goal disallowed for offside, while at the other end Dundrum claimed that Jason Northey had carried a cross over the line.

A neat Gamble – Walsh move presented Martin Costello with a chance but he mis hit.

Just past the hour Spartak finished the game as a contest with two quick fire goals. A ove by Dave Kernan and Jeff Gamble gave Steve Walsh the chance and he made no mistake, and then Kernan and Walsh combined to give Costello the chance to drive into the roof of the net from close in.

Dundrum had a spell of superiority but, with Steve Grier dominating midfield , the back four held firm and Spartak finished with a clean sheet.

Form Report
Jason Northey 7 David Kernan 8 Dave Browne 7 Paul Kinsella 7 Karl McCullough 8 Aodhan McCahill 7 Neil McGowan 7
Jeff Gamble 8 Steve Grier 8 Martin Costello 7 Steve Walsh 8
Subs: Graham Campbell 6 Fergus Burke 6 Ken Buckley 6 Lee Malone Marcel Bajors Mick Leslie

1.11.14
Spartak 8, Knockmitten 1

Spartak continued their recent improvement with a comprehensive defeat of Knockmitten on a wet and blustery day in Marlay.

Knockmitten contributed heavily to their own downfall by incurring two first half red cards; this effectively ended the match as a contest and indeed the referee blew the game up early on 75 minutes as the result was beyond doubt in the second half.

Jeff Gamble demonstrated his familiar array of talents and helped himself to four goals from a myriad of chances; skipper for the day Mick Leslie scored from left back, as did defender Conor Keegan, while Conor Callis helped himself to two goals. In addition to scoring eight times, Spartak struck the frame of the goal five times in a one sided encounter.

Another three points and a considerable goal difference improvement.

Form Report
Bobby Hayes 6 Mick Greene 6 Mick Leslie 7 Conor Keegan 8 Niall Hanratty 7 Ciaran Keane 6 Conor Canavan 7 Jeff Gamble 8 Graham Campbell 6 Conor Callis 7 Mick Costello 6
Subs: Evans Sarpong 5 Barry Maguire 5 David Kernan 5

25.10.14
Spartak 4, Rush 1

Spartak started well and were gifted a tonic start with a penalty and a keeper error allowing the Sky Blues to go two up almost immediately. When Jeff Gamble tumbled into the box it seemed the foul may have been committed just outside, but a spot kick was awarded and Mick Greene drove in for number one.

A fine through pass by Niall Lennon then saw Ciaran Keane and the keeper contesting the ball but the keeper erred and Ciaran had only to tap to an empty net.

Spartak suffered late cry offs with Adam Doran and Niall Hanratty reporting in with man flu while Shane McInerney was restricted to the subs bench nursing a knee injury.

Niall Lennon continued his excellent form in midfield, displaying a range of passing and also doing his fair share of defensive work while Conor Keegan and Dave O’Kelly combined well at the back with each making timely interceptions and strong challenges. Jeff Gamble was his usual lively self and had a hand in most forward moves.

First half failure to hold the ball up put some pressure on the Spartak defence. Ciaran Keane, Jeff Gamble and Mick Leslie were culpable in this regard. In midfield Conor Canavan was calm on the ball while Fergus Burke showed few ill effects from his season of nocturnal activities and put in an energetic performance. In fact the only ill effect shown was a bout of temporary deafness as a substitute was ready to come on!

Rush got back into the game just on half time; a corner kick struck the near post and rebounded to a Rush player who took advantage of the statuesque Spartak defence to score.

Graham Campbell’ free kick, after Jeff Gamble was taken down on the edge of the box, eluded the keeper for number three and Jeff put the icing on the cake with an injury time effort from 20 yards.

Form Report:
Bobby Hayes 7 Chris Hogan 6 Mick Greene 6 Conor Keegan 8 Dave O Kelly 7 Ciaran Keane 5 Conor Canavan 6 Jeff Gamble 7 Niall Lennon 8 Fergus Burke 7 Mick Leslie 5
Subs: Barry Maguire 5 Graham Campbell 7 Conor Callis 6

Training continues on Marlay Astro at 9 on Tuesdays and 8 on Thursdays.

Players are asked to be warmed up and ready to go on in time to avail of the full hour’s training.

There has been some confusion about times with Dave O Kelly arriving late on Thursday while Mick Leslie, Kevin Loftus, Dave Kernan and Neil McGowan have all been seen very early on Tuesdays!

No Training on Thursday 13th November. That’s set aside for Quiz night, some much needed fund raising, and possibly a few fizzy lemonades. Keith Kelly should beware of taxi doors in the aftermath.

ps – times are the same after the clocks go back!

18.10.14
Leinster Junior Shield
Clondalkin FC 2, Spartak 7

A clinical opening twenty minutes laid the ground work for this victory in a wind blown Collinstown Park.

Twice within the opening 15 minutes a combination of Chris Hogan and Jeff Gamble on the right saw Jeff produce inviting crosses which were gobbled up by Ciaran Keane for the first two goals and on 19 minutes a fine move starting with keeper Bobby Hayes and added to by Mick Greene, Conor Keegan and Niall Lennon saw Shane McInerney send Mick Leslie through on goal. Mick’s effort struct the base of the post but Ciaran Keane was on hand to complete his hattrick. 3-0.

The Sky Blues the relaxed somewhat and the home side mustered a few attacks; Chris Hogan’s back pass was short but the eventual shot was wide and the home side’s efforts paid off when a long range free caused panic leading to an easy tap in.

Some jittery defendng by Spartak saw the home side have a few efforts after the break. but a Ciaran Keane solo goal on the hour added to the Sky Blues’ tally before Shane McInerney, returning after a three game absence, punished the Clondalkin keeper’s poor fly kick by firing the ball straight home from 27.5* yards. A colllector’s item for sure.

A neat set up by Devereux Kesler saw Mick Greene send Jeff Gamble in for number six and then a second collector’s item finished the scoring – Niall Lennon heading in from Conor Keegan’s flag kick.

*(Distance verified by an astonished Mick Greene)

Form Report
Bobby Hayes 5 Chris Hogan 7 Mick Greene 7 Conor Keegan 8 Niall Hanratty 6 Ciaran Keane 8 Conor Canavan 7 Jeff Gamble 7 Niall Lennon 7 Shane McInerney 7 Mick Leslie 7
Subs : Conor Callis 6 Devereux Kesler 6 Barry Maguire 6 Dave O Kelly

12.10.14
Confey 0, Spartak 5

A trio of goals leading up to the break put this game beyond Confey’s reach.

With Spartak leading through a Martin Costello goal (he forced in Aodhan McCahill’s header from Steve Walsh’s free) the Sky Blues added quick fire scores from Martin Costello, Stuart Love and Steve Walsh.

In truth it was a lack lustre performance with the Spartak midfield lacking in drive and energy. Seamus McCahill nodded in Martin Costello’s cross for the only score of the second half, but contributed little to overall play, while brother Aodhan had a mystifying dip in form. Stuart Love carried an injury into the game, and could not see out the contest ( not very Raheem of him) while Neil McGowan departed the fray after just 15 minutes with an ankle injury.

Only Martin Costello displayed the required energy and desire while only occasional flashes were seen of Dave Kernan. Steve Walsh was subdued after a knock taken while scoring the fourth goal.

The home side started devoid of confidence but rallied in the second period to hit the bar and cause some discomfort to the Spartak defence.

Not one of Spartak’s best outings.

From Report
Kevin Loftus 6 David Kernan 6 Dave Browne 5 Steve Grier 6 Paul Kinsella 6 Stuart Love 5 Neil Mc Gowan 6 Aodhan McCahill 5 Seamus McCahill 5 Martin Costello 7 Steve Walsh 6
Subs: Ken Buckley 6 Mick Leslie 6 Karl McCullough 6 Jason Northey

5.10.14
Spartak 7 Carriglea 2

The scoreline does not reflect the true picture and is harsh on the visitors, who went a goal up as Spartak began the game poorly, lacking energy and displaying slow reactions.

It was close to the half hour beore Spartak mustered an equaliser, Dave Kernan drillling home after being set up by Stuart Love.

A Mick Leslie / Neil Mc Gowan move gave Steve Walsh the chance to give Spartak the lead and he made no mistake just before the break.

Steve Grier had a goal chalked off due to Niall Hanratty’s offside before a McGowan/Hanratty/Kernan move alowed Martin Costello to increase the lead and Stuart Love headed in soon after for number 4.

Carriglea recovered and reduced arrears before a late trio of goals added a flattering look to the scoreline; Steve Grier headed in from a corner, Kernan, McGowan and Costello set up Walsh for number six, and McGowan headed in after Costello flicked on Walsh’s corner deep into injury time.

A performance lacking in quality – despite the goal tally.

Form Report:
Kevin Loftus 6 David Kernan 9 Mick Leslie 6 Paul Kinsella 6 Dave Browne 6 Stuart Love 7 Neil McGowan 7 Ken Buckley 6 Seamus McCahill 5 Martin Costello 7 Steve Walsh 7
Subs: Niall Hanratty 6 Steve Grier 6 Jason Northey

4.10.14
Balbriggan 1 Spartak 1

Spartak were denied all three points by a late, late Balbriggan equaliser in the 4th minute of injury time. In truth it was a solid performance by a Spartak side that’s starting to gel after a rocky stat to the season, and the Sky Blues had enough clear chances to have put the game beyond the home sides reach.

The first half was an even affair with both sides having opportunities. The clearest for Spartak came after a Ciaran Keane/Mick Leslie move gave Jeff a chance from 8 yards but his effort was too high. Mick Leslie then had a tentative effort easily saved. Niall Hanratty and Aodhan McCahill were solid throughout in central defence and it was unfortunate that a late slip by Aodhan let the home side in.

The second half was much more in Spartak’s favour, although Mick Greene’s attempt at goal from the kick off fell somewhat short. On 49 minutes came the breakthough goal. Conor Keegan won possession and found Ciaran Keane on the left about 35 yards out. He appeared to mishit his cross, which the goalkeeper misjudged, and the ball popped off the crossbar onto the waiting head of the grateful Jeff Gamble, who nodded in from close range.

A number of Spartak moves were foiled by Jeff Gamble wandering offside, but Spartak created a number of chance, two of which were of the clear cut variety. The first was when Niall Hanratty’s free was nodded down by Aodhan McCahill to to Ciaran Keane at the back post, about four yards out. It should have been a tap in but Ciaran opted instead for an almighty thump to send the football into orbit. The second great opportunity saw Jeff Gamble square the ball across the six yard box for Mick Leslie, who gently flicked the ball wide from close in. Two close chances and neither hit the target.

The Spartak midfield were dominant for most of the half with Niall Lennon continuing his recent run of good form. Fidel Benson had a quieter game and Conor Keegan hustled the home midfield to good effect.

A satisfactory performance but tinged with the disappointment of that late goal.

Form Report:
Bobby Hayes 7 Chris Hogan 6 Mick Greene 6 Niall Hanratty 8 Aodhan McCahill 8 Ciaran Keane 6 Conor Keegan 7 Jeff Gamble 7 Niall Lennon 8 Fidel Benson 6 Mick Leslie 7
Subs: Mick Young 6 Conor Callis 6 Kevin O Sullivan, Rafal Sarwinski, Shane McInerney.

28.9.14
Spartak 5 Seaford 2

As Sven Goran Erikkson was fond of saying – first half good , second half not so good.

With Jason Northey injured, Adam Doran played in goal. Paul Kinsella started despite carrying a knock, while Neil McGowan, also injured, took a spot on the bench

Dave Browne made his first start of the season having returned from his many travels, missing the last three games. Steve Grier was on his own sojourn around South Dublin looking for his kit and missed the kick off, eventually making an undistinguished second half appearance. Boots, shin pads, socks. Its a heavy burden. He could be in line for the Rob Deering perpetual trophy!

Spartak began brightly, and after just five minutes a Steve Walsh cross found an unmarked Martin Costello, who firmly headed home.

Seaford regrouped and the number 7 took full advantage on the Spartak left, where Dave Browne seemed to be still on his travels. Better finishing would have seen an equaliser but Spartak broke on 24 minutes with Niall Hanratty and Dave Kernan combining to put Steve Walsh through and he added to the lead.

Paul Kinsella appeared to be fouled by the Seaford attacker who went on to shoot wide when through on goal, and Adam Doran took off a good save from that number 7 again. Once again Spartak broke well with Stuart Love giving Seamus McCahill a shooting chance. His shot, though weak, was fumbled and Dave Kernan regained possession to fire in number 3.

With Seaford pushing forward just on half time they were caught out by a drilled Dave Browne pass which sent Steve Walsh away to coolly round the keeper and slot number 4.

On 50 minutes Seaford reduced arrears and a couple of good Adam Doran saves prevented them from further closing the gap as Spartak were unable to maintain their earlier tempo.

Spartak were disjointed in the second half and the midfield area was conceded to Seaford . Seamus McCahill went on his own particularly quest in the second period, forgetting about team work and positional sense and concentrating on trying to get his name on the score sheet. Alas, he failed. He was not alone in playing a solo second half role and several players were guilty of over carrying and over elaboration, in stark contrast to the slicker first half attacking moves.

There were some nervous and indeed embarrassed moments among the Sky Blues when Seaford scored again with 12 minutes left but a fine individual effort by Steve Walsh, completing his hat trick, made it 5-2 after the same player had been refused a blatant penalty when toppled in the box.

Spartak can be happy with the three points but not the performance. The second half took a lot of gloss off after building a 4-0 half time lead.

Form Report
Adam Doran 7 Dave Kernan 6 Dave Browne 6 Paul Kinsella 6 Karl McCullough 6 Stuart Love 6 Niall Hanratty 6 Ken Buckley 6 Seamus McCahill 6 Martin Costello 6 Steve Walsh 8
Subs: Steve Grier 5 Mick Leslie 6 Kevin Loftus 5