Spartak Dynamo FC

EID 4, Spartak 2

Some late resurgence by a resolute Spartak side might have yielded more had finishing been better against a very strong all Brazilian EID side.

Once again EID were found wanting on th organisation side, with porrly marked pitch and no match footballs. Neither had they bothered to make the usual contacts, all the work falling on Jason Doyle.

A skilful EID side knocked the ball around and Spartak were compact and defended well, with Steve Browne and Ross Kelly (until injured) working hard up front. A rash challenge by Cathal Clancy led to the breakthrough from the penalty spot and Mick Costello was caught by surprise by a long range shot for number 2. Rob Deering, when fouled on the edge of the box, did not go to ground as easily as the home side and the ref waved play on. 

Just after the break, Martin Costello put through his own goal, having been pushed, and the goal was allowed to stand. 

Spartak suffered somewhat from injuries – as well as Ross Kelly going off in the first half with a hamstring strain, Tom O Driscoll, carrying a knock , was not as effective as usual and had to be subbed.

Spartak pulled one back when Steve Browne shot high to the net from the edge of the box. Unfortunately a fourth was conceded all too easily.  Niall Hanratty diverted Mick Greene’s free kick to again reduce arrears and Girel Nji had a glorious opportunity when put through by Browne but he shot tamely straight at the keeper. 

Spartak overall stuck to the task, despite minimal possession, and a performance as resolute as this one would have yielded points against most sides.

Form report:

Mick Costello 5 Niall Hanratty 6 Dave O Kelly 7 Martin Costello 7 Cathal Clancy 5 Shane McInerney 6 Rob Deering 5 Tom O Driscoll 5 Steve Browne 7 Ross Kelly 5 Dave Williams 5 Subs Mark Bolger 5 Girel Nji 5 Mick Greene 5

Knockmitten 1 SDFC 0

Spartak over 35’s suffered their second defeat of the season away to Knockmitten on Saturday. The home side applied a lot of pressure for much of the game but for sheer will and effort Spartak deserved to take something from the game. Playing against a strong breeze in the first half the best chance fell to Frank McNamee who headed over an empty goal following a very good move and perfect cross from Gerry Doran.

It remained scoreless until midway through the second half when Knockmitten broke down the right, applied a good cross and the striker’s finish to the top of the net left Leo Gartlan (playing very well) with no chance. Spartak to their credit never gave up and a good long range effort from Barry Crowe was the closest the team came to an equaliser.

The Spartak back four were excellent all through, midfield competed well and overall the effort was good.  Unfortunately poor finishing cost the team on the day. It was also disappointing to see that Knockmitten were happy to breach the spirit of the over 35 competition by playing at least three underage players.

The spartak panel was Leo Gartlan, Tony Kavanagh, Dave Mohan, Tom Maher, Gerry Doran, Ken Byrne, Brian Stafford, John Hallihan, Barry Crowe, Frank McNamee, Rory Campbell, Mark Byrne, Leon David, Jason Doyle.

A €50 prize for the month of October fantasy football winner – provided annuals up to date. So get cracking, and keep an eye on Glen!

The presentation for the victorious LSL Sunday team will take place in conjunction with the club table quiz next Thursday 8th October in Firhouse CC, 8.30pm. Presentation for FF and IKS monthly winners will also take place.  Please make an effort to come along and support.

With another high score this week Brian Stafford has pipped Mick Greene and taken the €50 for September in the I know the score league.

Spartak 3 Manortown 3

Somehow Spartak contrived to dominate the first half in terms of chances and finish the half two goals down. Some profligate finishing and simple defensive errors were the main cause.

Spartak had very clear first half chances the best of which were when Browne’s effort was cleared off the line, Neill Bolger lobbed harmlessly wide from a great position and  Hanratty headed over . Hanratty also hit the post and the rebound was finished by Dave Williams, who was ruled offside.

It was a different story at the other end however when from a throw in, Greene and Williams were left standing and the cross was finished at the near post where Northey, and particularly Clancy, might have done better to avert the danger. Greene enjoyed (if that’s the right word) a testing return to league action after injury and another cross from Spartak’s left looked to be drifting away from danger until Hanratty’s  miscued  clearance to the edge of the box was drilled home.

Spartak began the second half in better spirits and began to test the vistors defence. Browne shot wide, and in one incredible sequence Hanratty again hit woodwork, only for Deering to hit the bar iwith the follow up and Cummins fired over from three yards. Browne latched onto an O’Driscoll through ball to reduce arrears and when a clearance was returned by a McInerney header, Deering sneaked in to head in the equaliser.

An injury to Costello reduced the home side to ten and disaster struck when the vistors broke to score in the 92nd minute. Testament to the fighting qualities of the Spartak lads was evident in the manner of response, with all out attack and a fine through ball from Deering producing  the equaliser for Browne to finish clinically on 95 minutes.

 Northey 5 O Kelly 7 Greene 4 Costello 7 Clancy 6 McInerney 6 Hanratty 6    O’Driscoll 6 S Browne 7 N Bolger 6 Williams 5

Subs Cummins 5 Deering 7 Mouhad 5 Subs not used, Girel Nji, Chris Hogan.

Fettercairn 6 , Spartak 2

A facile win for the home side, who won very much as they liked against a Spartak side who put up very little resistance.

Spartak failed to get out of the blocks and were soon behind, when Burke gave away possession in a deep position and the home side, with a telling pass, cross and finish, went one up. The second goal was scored on 20 minutes when the left winger rounded Kevin O Toole and Fintan Grace to drill home from an angle.   Goals numbers 3 and 4 came on 36 and 40 minutes. Burke seemed in control but allowed his opponent to spin and shoot home. A terrible mix up involving Tom O Driscoll and Peter O Toole epitomised the lack of communication evident throughout and allowed a home player to drift on to a long ball and score almost unnoposed. In truth, Fettercairn could have scored a few more. O Toole made a couple of good stops and some last ditch tackling averted danger on one or two occasions.

Spartak finally roused themselves and Flanagan and Cibirka created a chance for Breen, but he fluffed his one on one, gently shooting at the keeper.

In the second half, Spartak, although hampered by injuries, showed some degree of fight and got back a goal when Grier’s throw was flicked on by Breen and Cibirka finished at the back post. Burke then had a chance but shot too close to the keeper and his effort was tipped over. Any hopes of a revival were extinguished when Kowal was caught in possession and Fettercairn ran through  to score from a decidedly offside looking position. Spartak’s second followed approach work by Burke and Cibirka and Breen finished from close range. However an unwise back heel by Mahon in the penalty area opened up a close range opportunity which was taken for number 6.

Just on time Spartak were awarded a penalty when Kowal was pulled back. Cibirka’s shot was too close to the keeper and he blocked the effort.

A tame exit from the national cup competition.

P O Toole 5 K O Toole 4 Mahon 4 Grier 5 Grace 4 T Flanagan 5 McEnroe 5 Cibirka 5 Burke 4 Breen 5 O Driscoll 4

Subs R Flanagan 4 Kowal 5 . Sub not used McGowan

Sorry Graham but your prediction proved to be correct. Glen Burke came with a late rally to win the €50 for September by 2 points. A hugely impressive 101 points from Glen this week jumped him from 20th to first position, well done.   A big talking point here will surely be the other end of the table. What is going on here Paul? Has some imposter hacked your account and messed around?

Spartak 3 Ashbourne Utd 1

Spartak recorded their first league win at home on Saturday against a determined Ashbourne side. Although the first half was a pretty tight affair Spartak were slightly on top and did create a few openings. Barry Crowe, Ray Grady and Tom Maher all had half chances but failed to break the deadlock.

The game opened up in the second half with both teams tiring somewhat. Spartak opened the scoring early in the half when a neat passing move resulted in a tap in for Mark Byrne.  Despite loud protests for offside by the opposition, the goal stood.  A few minutes later a harmless cross bounced awkwardly and struck Dave Mohan on the arm resulting in the referee awarding a harsh penalty which was converted.  Spartak pressed for a winner and were rewarded when Barry Crowe scored with a good finish.  The points were made secure in the 90th minute when a free kick from Barry Crowe deflected off Tom Maher to make it 3-1. Just reward for Tom having hit the post with an excellent header earlier in the half.

An unfortunate hand injury to Jimmy Browne early in the game was the only downside in what was a very good performance all round. Greg Callan deputised to good effect between the sticks.

The spartak panel was Jimmy Browne , Tom Maher, Dave Mohan, Leon David, Greg Callan, Ken Byrne, Gavin McLaughlan, Brian Stafford, Stephen Carr, Frank McNamee, Ray Grady, Paul Burke, Mark Byrne, Aaron Doran.

Tough times out there but if anyone knows of a company willing to sponsor a new set of gear please let us know. €500 will cover it including sponsor name/logo on jersies. We also need polo shirts and bags so any interest welcome.