Spartak Dynamo FC

1.9.18
Walkinstown 3, Spartak 0

A tough start to the season at a venue where the Sky Blues have been successful in recent seasons. But not this time.

A powerful home team held the whip hand in terms of possession and territory, but Spartak created the clearer chances in the first half, with Jason Fenlon having a couple of efforts saved.

The game turned in a single second half minute. A good Spartak move saw Jason Fenlon through on goal ten yards out, but he dragged his effort wide, and almost immediately at the other end Owen McCormack was penalised for a rash tackle in the box. Greg Byrne got a good hand to the resultant penalty, but it was forcefully struck and so the home side took the lead.

Spurred on by this, Walkinstown scored two fine goals. Spartak’s best chance came at 2-0 down when Amin Afsar’s curler beat the keeper and hit the post, but Mick Leslie was unable to force in the rebound.

Disappointing.

From Report
Greg Byrne 7 Ian Harmon 6 Steve Grier 6 Owen McCormack 5 Owen Marron 5 Stuart Love 6 Mick Leslie 5 Amin Afsar 5 Jason Fenlon 6 Jimmy Dawson 6
Subs: Dale Mullins 6 Shane McInerney 5

Friday June 1st sees the annual awards night in the Eden House.

Three players have reached the 200 game milestone, namely Stuart Love, Niall Hanratty and Chris Hogan (That’s Tubes to the uninitiated).

Club Man of the Year has the usual batch of previous winners in Jason Doyle, Mick Greene, Paul McGowan and Barry Crowe, with Ger Byrne, Chris Hogan and Stuart Love and Shea McClafferty also nominated

For Sunday Player of the Year, Ger Byrne and Stuart Love (again) along with Steve Grier, Jeff Gamble Dave Kernan and Dave Browne comprise the list of candidates

Saturday Player of the Year nominations are Greg Byrne, Mick Leslie, Cian Stenson, Sean Doyle and Chris Hogan, and a wildcard nomination for Gerry McGuinness.

6.5.18
Spartak 4, DAA 2

A third win in five games boosted the Sky Blues.

Despite having the minor share of possession and opportunities, Spartak took their chances admirably to garner three more valuable points.

However, the visitors will rue their lack of finishing power, and curse the goal line clearances made by Spartak defenders to deny them on several occasions. Spartak lived dangerously early on, but were lifted by a well taken Jeff Gamble goal. Collecting the ball from Jimmy Dawson, he shrugged off a defender before taking the chance early from 25 yards. An unmarked Dublin Airport player equalised and almost immediately added number two. Spartak were now under siege and defensive laxity allowed the visitors chances to extend their lead, as they grew in confidence. Occasional breakaways led by Ger Byrne and Jeff Gamble were the only respite. Against the run of play, however, Cian Stenson took advantage of a defensive error to equalise with a calmly taken finish just before the break.

Spartak settled well after the break and Stuart Love headed just over from Tom O’Driscoll’s corner kick. The lead goal came on the hour mark; an incisive Cian Stenson pass, some good work by Ger Byrne and then Tom O’Driscoll, hitherto quiet, shot powerfully home from the edge of the box for a belated first goal of the season.

DAA then missed an easy chance after Kevin Loftus raced out to head the ball clear, but got no distance. An even easier chance was foiled after Ian Harmon and Kevin Loftus were rounded, but Billy O’Neill somehow got back to clear off the line.

Spartak put the cream on the cake when Tom O’Driscoll released Cian Stenson on the right, and his cross was met with a fine Gamble header to seal the win. Jeff Gamble then had a credible penalty claim denied near the end.

Not the greatest performance, but four fine goals to remember.

Form Report
Kevin Loftus 6 Cian Stenson 8 Billy O’Neill 6 Ian Harmon 7 Dave Browne 7 Stuart Love 6 Conor Brady 6 Jeff Gamble 8 Jimmy Dawson 7 Ger Byrne 8 Tom O’Driscoll 6
Sub: Dave O’Kelly 6

27.4.18
Spartak 2, Sallynoggin 2

An injection of experience and craft from some of the Spartak seniors saw Spartak dominate a game against Sallynoggin. Three big calls went against the Sky Blues. A Ciaran Keane goal was incorrectly disallowed for offside; Spartak had the ball over the line but the ref did not agree; and the first Sallynoggin goal was clearly offside.

All these factors aside, this was a most satisfactory performance. A stunning opening goal by Terry Fallon, who controlled, turned and fired over the keeper from 35 yards, was the highlight, while a late equaliser when Sean Doyle forced in Conor Callis’s blocked effort was well deserved.

The visitors took an undeserved lead when Spartak failed to deal with a long ball, but Spartak came back relentlessly to gain a point.

The Sky Blues can reflect on a fourth place finish, product of a late surge which saw just one defeat in the last half dozen matches.

Form Report:
Owen McCormack 8 Chris Hogan 7 Cian Stenson 6 Sean Doyle 8 Kevin Murphy 6 Shane McInerney 6 Darren Ritchie 5 Gerry McGuinness 7 Stephen Barr 6 Ciaran Keane 5 Terry Fallon 7
Subs: Conor Callis 6 Dave Slevin 6 Collie Dunne 6

23.4.18
Mt Merrion Youths 2, Spartak 3

A chilly Monday night game in Rosemount saw Spartak emerge with full points, albeit after a late surge by the home side.

All went well for the Sky Blues early on, with fluent football and confident passing. The first goal took just two minutes to arrive, with Aodhan McCahill and Darren Ritchie combining before Cian Stenson sent Owen McCormack through for an assured finish. Darren Ritchie poked home following a corner to make it two nil. It was generally one way traffic at this point, although the home side caused a couple of flurries with wind assisted corner kicks. Chris Hogan probably deserves some kind of award for going down injured after a block, then some time later jumping up and kicking the ball away petulantly, receiving a quite unnecessary caution for his trouble.

A slick move by Aodhan McCahill and Owen McCormack saw Seamus McCahill in for a good chance, but, cutting inside, he shot over the bar when colleagues were well placed.

On the hour Spartak did go three up, when Darren Ritchie forced the ball through for Cian Stenson to take a touch before finishing confidently.

Merrion got back into the game when they scored via a deflection. Spartak had a few chances to close out the match by adding a fourth, but Owen McCormack chose wrong options on a couple of occasions, and Leo Behan shot straight at the keeper on another.

A second goal for the home side saw a tight finish, as Spartak went down to ten when, with all subs used, Greg Murphy fell awkwardly and dislocated his shoulder.

A resolute Sky Blue defence saw out the late challenge to secure the victory.

Form Report
Kevin Loftus 6 Chris Hogan 6 Aodhan McCahill 8 Sean Doyle 8 Kevin Murphy 6 Seamus McCahill 7 Leo Behan 6 Cian Stenson 8 Owen McCormack 7 Darren Ritchie 7 Mick Leslie 7
Subs: Shane McInerney 6 Conor Callis 6 Ciaran Keane 6 Greg Murphy 6

22.4.18
Spartak 4, Cabinteely 0

Spartak gained some measure of revenge for a cup exit at the hands of Cabinteely, but were somewhat flattered by the margin of victory.

An excellent solo goal by Ger Byrne gave Spartak the early lead, but the visitors struck back, shooting powerfully against the crossbar and then missing an easy chance.

Ger Byrne terrorised the Cabinteely back line throughout, and was unlucky to finish with only one goal, while also being denied a clear penalty when the keeper impeded him. The Cabinteely keeper played well and foiled him with good saves on at least three occasions.

Ger then provided the assist to the second goal, a flashing header from Dave Kernan. Dave was later awarded man of the match by the visiting LSL representative.

As Cabinteely faded, Dave Kernan sent Cian Stenson in to round the keeper and add number three, and Stuart Love finished the scoring after lashing in when Steve Grier headed down a free kick.

Form Report
Kevin Loftus 6 Ian Harmon 7 Darragh Logue 7 Seamus McCahill 8 Dave Browne 7 Stuart Love 8 Neil McGowan 7 Dave Kernan 8 Steve Grier 7 Ger Byrne 8 Tom O’Driscoll 7
Subs: Niall Lennon 6 Cian Stenson 7

23.4.18
Spartak 2, Mid Sutton/Sportslink 1

A somewhat fortunate win, in that both goals came from big Mid Sutton errors.

Nonetheless, Spartak came from behind at the interval to win. The visitors scored after a smart move and cross found the Sky Blues defence wanting. Up front Mick Leslie missed a couple of presentable chances in a tight first half.

Spartak found their rythm in the second period; Mikey Ryan and Mick Leslie combined to send Ciaran Keane in with a chance, he turned inside and clipped the top of the bar with his effort. Then the equaliser came after a scramble, during which any of Mikey Ryan , Mick Leslie or Leo Behan might have scored. All missed the opportunity until a visiting defender, attempting to clear, smashed the ball against Mick Leslie, and the ball looped high to the net over a helpless custodian. Mick was immediately in twitter contact with Harry Kane, who advised him to claim the goal.

Worse was to follow for the visitors. Sean Doyle’s cunningly flighted free kick was headed to his own net by a defender, who was under pressure from Kevin Murphy’s run. 2-1.

Spartak now opened up, buoyed by the goals, and played some nice football. Cian Stenson added a “third” but was ruled offside, and Ciaran Keane had a clear one on one chance, but shot at the keeper.

Spartak’ defence, ably marshalled by Sean Doyle, and with Owen McCormack an assured deputy for the injured Greg Byrne between the posts, held firm to clinch the win.

Form Report
Owen McCormack 8 Chris Hogan 6 Cian Stenson 7 Sean Doyle 8 Kevin Murphy 7 Jason Kelly 7 Shane McInerney 6 Ciaran Keane 6 Leo Behan 6 Tom O’Driscoll 6 Mick Leslie 6
Subs: Mikey Ryan 6 Conor Canavan 6 Gary Murphy 6

14.4.18
Enniskerry 3, Spartak 5

On a windy Astro in Enniskerry, Spartak claimed a victory, largely due to a wonderful early second half penalty save by Greg Byrne to prevent the hosts taking the lead.

Driven by a central midfield partnership of Seamus McCahill and Stuart Love, Spartak created plenty of opportunities in the first period. Darren Ritchie was around the keeper, but was robbed of possession by the cover. Darren and Ger Byrne combined to give Cian Stenson a chance, but the keeper pushed his indecisive effort on to a post. Mick Leslie beat the keeper with a high flick, but could not bring the ball down to finish. A neat one two saw Stephen Barr score after combining with Darren Ritchie.

Suddenly the hosts came alive, as Spartak dozed at a throw in, and the forward had plenty of space to fire home. A long range effort then gave Enniskerry the lead.

Stuart Love equalised early in teh second half as Spartak came out stronger, but then an undisputed handball from Chris Hogan gave the hosts the chance from the spot. Greg dived low to his right to thwart the taker, and also blocked the follow up.

Gradually the Sky Blues took command and Seamus McCahill scored form distance, before Stuart Love added an acrobatic second and Ciaran Keane the scored a trademark long range lob. The home side got a late consolation to make it 5-3.

Form Report
Greg Byrne 9 Chris Hogan 6 Leo Behan 8 Stephen Barr 7 Kevin Murphy 6 Stuart Love 8 Seamus McCahill 8 Cian Stenson 6 Mick Leslie 6 Darren Ritchie 6 Ger Byrne
Sbs: Ciaran Keane 6 Gary Murphy 6

25.3.18
Sallynoggin Pearse 0, Spartak 1

With a number of regulars missing through injury, Spartak travelled to Rochestown Avenue to contest this relegation battle on the undulating slopes of Pearse Park. Three players had succumbed to injuries at one unfortunate training session, and so Owen Marron, Niall Lennon and Neil McGowan were unable to play, although Niall, the ever reliable club man, togged out. Messrs Grier and Logue were away in exotic climes, while Billy O’Neill had succumbed to a deadly tummy bug. John Luke Hayes, a goalkeeper, was pressed into action on the wing, while Shane McInerney made a very effective first appearance of an injury ravaged season.

Despite these apparent handicaps, the Sky Blues opened brightly, making good use of the ball through Steve Walsh and Seamus McCahill, while Stuart Love gave an action man impression in centre mid.

A keeper error saw Jeff Gamble get an early opportunity, but he fired wide as the keeper tried to regain his position. Stuart Love sent Ger Byrne away, and his cross from the back line beat the keeper, but just eluded Jeff Gamble as he tussled with a defender. Stuart Love headed wide from the resulting corner.

Just on half time , it seemed Spartak had taken the lead. A lung bursting run down the right saw Jeff Gamble break clear, and, as the keeper advance, he squared the ball to the unmarked Ger Byrne, who slotted in. Astonishingly, the ref gave offside!

Sallynoggin, despite having less of the play, had a couple of chances of their own but were wide on two promising occasions.

Right at the start of the second period it seemed the home side must go ahead. The number 17 intercepted a goal kick, rounded Kevin Loftus, and then inexplicably blazed the ball hurriedly over the empty goal. An incredible miss.

A tussle on the half way line saw Ger Byrne yellow carded, with the opposing number 4 receiving a red for a retaliatory kick.

Spartak were again denied when Dave Kernan’s header from Steve Walsh’s corner was pulled back from over the line by the keeper, but then the breakthrough came midway through the half. A Dave Browne long throw caused a scramble in the goalmouth, Dave Kernan retrieved the ball ahead of the keeper, and Ger Byrne drove in the loose ball.

Sallynoggin, although a man short, played some decent stuff; Kevin Loftus made a good save, and a number of crosses drifted dangerously across the box. In general the Spartak defence held firm, but a long misplaced back pass by Tom O’Driscoll saw a big chance for the home side, but the effort was lobbed too high.

A fine move saw Ger Byrne and Steve Walsh combine to feed Jeff Gamble, who shot weakly instead of sending the unmarked Dave Kernan in on goal.
As injury time loomed, a poor Kevin Loftus kick caused a degree of panic and last ditch defending, before the ref blew a welcome final whistle.

Form Report
Kevin Loftus 7 Dave Kernan 7 Steve Walsh 7 Seamus McCahill 8 Dave Browne 7 Shane McInerney 7 Stuart Love 8 Tom O’Driscoll 7 Jeff Gamble 7 Ger Byrne 8 JohnLuke Hayes 6
Sub: Ian Harmon 7

24.3.18
Castleknock Celtic 6, Spartak 0

Despite a few absentees, Spartak, on paper at least, had a decent line up, against opponents who had succumbed in the reverse fixture in Marlay.

Unfortunately, the game was not played on paper, but on the dry and bumpy pitch at Porterstown Park.

Suffice to say the hosts were lively, energetic and accurate in their passing; qualities which were not exhibited by the Sky Blues on the day.

Form Report – a collective 4. Stinker.

Greg Byrne Cian Stenson Niall Hanratty Stephen Barr Ian Harmon Jason Kelly Conor Callis Mick Leslie Mikey Ryan Kev Nolan Ciaran Keane .
Subs: Conor Canavan Ross Kelly Alex Ionescu