Spartak Dynamo FC

A strong Spartak squad took part in the annual Willie Kissane tournament organised by VEC. Organised in two groups of 4, games lasted 40 minutes, each team playing three games on the Saturday with the top two teams in each group qualifying for the semis on Sunday.

Spartak began well against a tough tackling Terenure side, but suffered an early blow when Mark Bolger had to go off with an ankle injury, ending his participation in the event.  A pass by Neill Bolger sent Steve Browne in for the winner.  A reshuffled Spartak defence looked comfortable in keeping a clean sheet.

Against VEC , Spartak played well and created numerous chances. However Steve Browne did not have his shooting boots on and missed several chances including two one on ones. A fine second half finish by Gintaras Cibirka, who broke from midfield on to a move started by Stuart Love and Tom O Driscoll, broke the deadlock.  A game that should have been put well beyond VEC hung in the balance and Spartak were grateful to Jason Northey for an excellent save in the final minute when VEC looked certain to equalise.

The third game aginst Aston Village finished 0-0, with Spartak topping the group, however an injury to Jason Northey in goal meant a stint between the posts for Martin Costello and then Gintaras uncharacteristically drove a softly awarded penalty kick wide.

For Sunday , Mark Bolger and Neil McGowan were unavailable, however Graham McEnroe and Tom Kowal joined the panel.

A bright start by Spartak against Lower Crumlin (who featured players formerly of Rafters Celtic)  led to a good chance falling to Steve Browne but the keeper pushed it away for a corner. The bright start soon dissipated however and Spartak began to concede time and space to the opposition and suddenly were second to every ball. Warning bells rang when Crumlin missed a glorious chance just before the half.

The game swung on two offside decisions, early in the second half, both of which went against us  – Dave Thompson was played through but called back and within seconds a Crumlin player was allowed a run at goal from a seemingly offside position, and he duly finished. A vey soft second goal clinched the gaame, although Tom Kowal shot just wide when well placed and Spartak had a strong penalty claim turned down. Steve Browne was sent off for disputing the penalty decision a little too strongly. His Dad Jimmy had earlier been sent from the line by the ref following some vociferous remarks after a stamping incident. Father and son shared the ignominious distinction of being red carded at the same game.

Spartak missed out on the final which was won by Knocklyon, who dealt more efficiently with the physical challenge, and are left to reflect on what might have been. Too many players went missing when a goal down and too many wrong ptions were taken in the attacking third.

Form Report – Sat/Sun

Jason Northey 7.5/6 Dan O Connell 5/7.5 Dave O Kelly 6.5/4                               Martin Costello 7/ 6 Shane McInerney 7.5/5 Fintan Grace 7.5/6 Mark Bolger 6/- Neil McGowan 7.5/- Dave Browne 6/4 Tom Flanagan 6.5/ 5 Stuart Love 6 /5 Dave Thompson 6.5/ 5 Neill Bolger 6.5 /- Steve Browne 7 /4 Tom Kowal -/5 Graham McEnroe -/5 Gintraras Cibirka 7.5/5 Tom O Driscoll 6/5

One Response to “Willie Kissane Tournament – so near, so far…”