Spartak Dynamo FC

31.7.25

VEC 4, Spartak 1

Perfect conditions prevailed as Spartak returned to the pitch on which the Shield was won back in May. However this time they faced a strong VEC side , bolstered by the recruitment of a son of former SDFC chairman Shea. A clear lack of parental influence!

Overall a game of many substitutions, with VEC avoiding a red card for a last man foul on Cian, with friendly rules applied.

Spartak created plenty of chances , but converted only one, when a slick interpassing move between Luke S and Alex saw Tim force home the latter’s cross. Tim had a header well saved, while James, Jack, Cian and Brian could have all been on the scoresheet. Uncertainty spread through the Sky Blues , with some underhit passes; a couple of bookings showed frustration, and a tame free kick delivery from Lochlainn was typical of general endeavours, while a corner from Adam was deemed to have passed out of play before arriving in the box.

There was no lack of effort, with plenty of huff and puff, but very little in the way of smooth passing and interchange. James strove manfully up front and had a WWF type relationship with the home centre back, but was clearly at pre season tempo.

Defensively Spartak were not alert to the threat from set pieces and quick through balls. VEC scored from a corner and as well as two long passes, one from a free, with runners not tracked.

Definitely a good work out, but a disappointing performance and a clear incentive to sharpen up for next time out.

Form Report

Stephen 8 Chris 6 Lochlainn 6 Ian 7 Tim 8 Stuart 6 Luke P 6 Adam 6, Luke S 7 , James 6, Cian 6. Ben M 6 Karl 6, Avi 6 , Jack 7, Alex C 7 Brian 6

14.12.24

Griffeen Valley 1, Spartak 2

An injury time goal, well taken by Jonny Phair, secured all three points for the Sky Blues in Peamount. It was a feisty encounter with yellow cards dished out to both sides early on. The game was well controlled by ref JJ Walsh, but was hard fought throughout.

The home side played the more controlled football, but the Spartak defence, and stand in keeper Mick Leslie, were equal to all thrown at them in the first half, while Spartak were dangerous in attack. Brian Long had a header saved, James Burke had several outrageous attempts from long range before James Flynn rounded the keeper to open the scoring.

The second half followed the same pattern, Fergus Flynn and Brian Long indefatigable in the middle of the park while Avi and Denis marshalled the back four. Griffeen had a fine chance after some dilatory play by the Sky Blues, but blazed over.

Man of the match Leslie produced some good stops before being finally beaten for the equaliser as the Sky Blues momentarily lost concentration.

At the other end Flynner tried everything to add to the score but to no avail. Finally as the game entered deep into injury time Glen Burke floated a free into the box; it was cleared only as far as Brian Long who promptly found Jonny Phair and his swivel and looped shot nestled in the net for a dream finish.

Form Report

Michael Leslie 9 Glen Burke 7 Eoin Grogan 6 Avi Lugassi 7 Denis Teeling 8 Brian Long 8 James Burke 7 Aaron Chandler 5 Fergus Flynn 8 James Flynn 8 Jonny Phair 8 James Paterson 6 Chris Clarke 5 Alex Ionescu 6

Spartak 8, Portmarnock 2

Spartak ran riot as good approach play was regularly converted. Cian with 4 , Steve, Stuart, Mick and James got the goals in a big win.

One of those days when a lot went right. And a lot went wrong for the visitors.

Best for Spartak were Ciaran, Cian, James and Stuart.

6.10.24

Arklow Celtic 4, Spartak 5

Rain soaked Arklow was the venue for this Shield fixture; and never was a “game of two halves” mor appropriate.

Spartak were fast out of the blocks and played at a fast pace; the goals flowed – James, Keith (2) Neil and Cian before the visitors reduced the deficit.

The second half saw a very open contest with the conditions deteriorating; In turn, Arklow scored followed by a very scorable Spartak chance. Some chances missed were causing Paul Mohan some distress on the sideline as Arklow gradually got back to a one goal gap.

From having a very comfortable opening period, Spartak nerves were ragged by the end. a fine comeback attempt by Arklow, but the first half display by the Sky Blues proved enough.

Ian, Luke and Neil were best for the Sky Blues.

Palmerstown 1, Spartak 2

29.9.24

The Sky Blues turned the tables on Palmerstown in the reverse fixture; goals from Keith and Jack gave Spartak a tonic start and more goals could have followed, good approach play not matched by finishes.

The back four of Tubes, Steve, Ian and Luke were solid throughout and it was not until injury time that the locals reduced arrears.

A nice 3 points after last weeks disappointment.

Man of the match ; Steve

Spartak 2, Palmerstown 4

22.9.24

Spartak finally got started in the league after Comet delays were resolved.

However the Sky Blues were thwarted by their inability to take their chances , and were reduced to 10 late on when the unfortunate James Tomlin, newly on as substitute, suffered a broken arm; and the vistors took full advantage with late goals to seal the win.

When Spartak did score it was from a penalty from Neil and an own goal.

Best for Spartak were Luke, Ciaran and Keith.

VEC 3, Spartak 4

13.8.24

On a perfect summer’s evening the Sky Blues visited Terenure for a pre season friendly.

The home side began much the stronger and were particularly dangerous from corners, and it was from this source that they opened the scoring. Gradually Spartak came to life and, following a corner of their own, Mick finished calmly from close range to equalise.

VEC were a good deal better after the interval, scoring again from a good cross to a back post left free to an incoming home player who made it 2-1. Ciaran went in goal at the interval allowing Derek to play up top, to some effect. Some sloppy playing out from the back by Spartak allowed VEC to score again but two set piece efforts by Derek saw Spartak claw back to 3.3. Steve fired wide and Marco had two good headed efforts go close, Derek then added a neat finish after a good attacking move.

A worthwhile workout , but one which exposed fitness issues for some. Roll on/Roll off not available in the league!

Form Report

Derek 9 Chris 7 Luke 7 Ian 7 Keith 7 Stu 6 Neil 6 Ciaran B 6 James 6 Cian 6 Mick 6 Steve 7 Marco 6 Ciaran N 7 Dave 6

Greenhill Boys 3, Spartak 3

30.7.24

Spartak struggled for numbers with this game, former player Kevin Murphy switched sides to ensure the Sky Blues had 12 – Greenhills had 26 players!

Spartak were sprightly in attack and some rather rugby-like tactics were employed to stop Cian and James at times. From one free awarded Cian struck the crossbar, but Mick was unable to direct the rebound onto the goal, and Mick then shot weakly when James sent him through on a tight angle.

A poor pass out of defence gave the home side the opportunity, which they took to make it one nil.

Spartak gained more frees as Cian and James were baulked but from one effort Steve’s free was well over. Greenhills worked their way almost without hindrance from the Spartak defence to make it two on the stroke of half time.

Spartak reduced arrears when Cian pounced when the goalie parried an effort, but Greenhills responded with a free kick to the top corner. The Sky Blues now began to play with more precision and the passing quality improved greatly. Opportunities began to come Spartak’s way. Mick fired a good opportunity over and James could not force Cian’s cross over the line.

A fumble by the home keeper saw James pounce, only to be hauled down by a combination of defender and keeper. It seemed a clear spot kick , but the ref did not agree.

Stuart was fouled ( not for the first time) and Ste’s free was forced home by Stuart himself. 2-3.

Cian had a shot blocked, before the indefatigable Stuart recovered a loose ball on the left to cross; the headed clearance reached Steve on the edge of the box and he fired in a deserved equaliser.

A good workout.

Form Report

Craig 7 Chris 6 Luke 6 Ryan 6 Steve 8 Ste 8 Stuart 8 Marco 7 James 8 Cian 8 Mick 6. Guest Kevin 7

18.2.24

Spartak 5, Portmarnock 3

A very welcome win in which Spartak turned around a half time deficit with a flurry of early second half goals.

A typical Stuart Love short range effort put the Sky blues ahead early on, but the visitors rallied forcefully and by half time they were in command with a 2-1 lead.

The deficit was turned around in a devastating five minute spell at the start of the second period. Spartak responded with three goals during this spell; Neil McGowan’s corner kick was fumbled to the net before Gary Weafer broke through and finished with a delicious lob from 30 yards to put the home side in front.

The fourth goal came from a most unlikely, but most welcome, source when Dave Browne’ touchline free kick sailed into the net to make it 4-2.

These three goals were sandwiched by another opportunist close range finish by Stuart Love , before Portmarnock replied with a late consolation spot kick.

All action Stu Love .was man of the match

Form Report

Craig Howard 7 Chris Hogan 6 Dave Browne 7 Steve Grier 7 Ian Harmon 6 Stuart Love 8 Neil McGowan 7 Brian Long 6 Gary Weafer 7 Fergus Flynn 6 Ollie McStravick 6 Glen Burke 6

8.10.23
Gorey Rangers 1, Spartak 0 (AET)

A depleted Spartak squad travelled to Wexford in the Leinster Junior Shield, only to fall to a goal scored with just four minutes of extra time remaining.

The pitch was in perfect condition for the afternoon kick off and the hosts looked dangerous in attack from the off.
Tackles by the home team were sharp and a less lenient referee might have brandished more cards.

Steve Grier stepped in as emergency keeper and handled well throughout. The home team tended to shot from distance and many of their efforts were off target. The remainder were competently dealt with by Steve, ably assisted by his defensive colleagues.

The Sky Blues put in a spirited performance against a speedy and spirited home team and worked hard right through the match and defended resolutely, with Rangers having the territorial advantage for most of the contest.

For Spartak, the best opportunities were when Stu Love looped an attempt on to the woodwork, Brian Long shot wide when Aaron put him through and then Mick Leslie’s powerful effort forced a good parry from the home keeper.

As energy faded and injuries kicked in, Spartak, with just one substitute, found themselves shorn of fit players and were holding out for the penalty contest; this was foiled by the late score. With just seconds remaining, and all Sky Blues in the box for a set piece, the ref blew for a handball infringement in the six yard box. Unfortunately it was against a Spartak player, and the final whistle blew immediately.

Form Report
Steve 9 Ollie 7 Andy 7 Ian 8 Niall 7 Stu 8 Neil 7 Aaron 8 Gary 7 Brian 7 Mick 7 Sub: Alex 6.