Spartak Dynamo FC

11.4.15
Spartak 3, Balbriggan 2

Spartak made hard work of a game which seemed comfortably in their grasp, and ended up battling to save the three points.

The turning point came just past the hour mark when Stephen Harris was red carded for a challenge in the area, and a penalty awarded. Mick Costello, just on as sub, went in goal, and he could not be faulted for the goals conceded. Mick showed composure in a difficult situation and had a steadying influence on the ten men with cool handling and good kicking.

The opening phase of the game was dull with neither side taking the initiative, with some tentative moves from Spartak. Conor Callis had an effort blocked from a corner, and Ciaran Keane looped a shot which was easily saved. Ciaran Keane missed two opportunities to play team mates in with poor attempts at a through ball.

The opening goal came when a pass from Joe McCarthy eluded both its intended recipient and the covering defender; Jeff Gamble was quickest to the loose ball and fired low to the corner from a tight angle for a well taken goal.

Conor Callis then produced a bit of wing magic close to the byline, with his cross reaching Jeff Gamble, but his effort was deflected for a corner.

A miskick by Stephen Harris left the home goal unguarded, but a recovery tackle by Conor Canavan gave the defence time to complete the tidy up.

Right on the stroke of half time Spartak were awarded a free on the left, just inside the Balbriggan half. Undeterred by the 50 yard distance to goal, Derek Gibney’s run up showed deadly intent, and sure enough the ball flew past a startled keeper at pace to the top of the net, to give Spartak a slightly flattering two goal advantage.

The game was quite even early on in the second half; Stephen Harris made a decent save , while at the other end Ciaran Keane passed up an acceptable chance. One fine move involving Keane, Mick Leslie, Niall Lennon and Conor Canavan saw Jeff Gamble’s effort saved. Later a quick break initiated by Harris’ throw saw Shane McInerney and Ciaran Keane set up Jeff Gamble, but his effort was weak.

Following the penalty, Spartak, down to ten men, rallied and scored the decisive third on 75 minutes. Joe Mc Carthy’s pass released Ciaran Keane, revitalised after a stodgy first half performance, and he went on to score in typically persistent fashion.

Balbriggan pulled one back after 89 minutes, but it was too little, too late.

Form Report
Stephen Harris 5 Barry Maguire 6 Mick Leslie 7 Joe McCarthy 7 Derek Gibney 7 Ciaran Keane 7 Conor Canavan 8 Jeff Gamble 7 Niall Lennon 7 Shane McInerney 7 Conor Callis 6
Subs: Conor Keegan 6 Mick Costello 8

28.3.15
Spartak 1, Willows 2

Too many players performing below optimum level saw Spartak suffer a disappointing defeat at home to Willows on a bumpy Marlay pitch.

Early errors by Niall Lennon and Barry Maguire gave the visitors chances which were safely held by Stephen Harris. Misplaced passing was the order of the day with the usually tidy Niall Lennon suffering the most. Chris Hogan had a number of chances to cross from the right, but failed to deliver anything that his forwards could work with.

Jeff Gamble made a great burst and crossed but Ciaran Keane fired wide from close range. Conor Callis showed great skill to turn his man but his shot was snatched and struck the post.

The visitors took the lead on the half hour from neat move, but just before the break Jeff Gamble showed strength and skill to smash in an equaliser.

Stephen Harris made a good save after a Maguire error but then on 48 minutes Joe McCarthy unwisely dived in close to the centre circle, missed, and willows extracted full punishment from an unbalanced defence.

Ciaran Keane then missed the opportunity to equalise when he blocked a clearance with the ball rolling towards an empty goal, but he hesitated in the follow up and the ball was cleared off the line.

Conor Calis made a few good runs, but too often chose the wrong final option; however on one occasion he wriggled free down the left and laid on a chance for Mick Greene. However a moment’s hesitation by Mick saw the chance evaporate.

Form Report

Stephen Harris 7 Barry Maguire 5 Mick Greene 5 Joe McCarthy 6 Dave O’Kelly 6 Ciaran Keane 5 Conor Canavan 6 Jeff Gamble 7 Niall Lennon 5 Chris Hogan 5 Conor Callis 6

21.3.15
Spartak 4, Loughshinny 1

A fine first half display in Marlay saw Spartak gain the three points, with just the minor blemish of conceding an injury time goal spoiling the clean sheet in a sporting contest.

Spartak took an early lead when Jeff Gamble drilled home a free kick to the top corner of the net, after he had been impeded, eschewing his usual sidefooted efforts.

A fine Canavan press and pass released Mick Leslie, and he transferred to Ciaran Keane whose cross just eluded Jeff Gamble.

Dave O’Kelly made a terrific saving tackle before a goalkeeping error by the visitors’ custodian, who lost the ball in the sun, gave Ciaran Keane a tap in.

Loughshinny continues to press and had a header just over, while Steve Harris also made a decent stop.

Quick thinking and a throw in from Barry Maguire gave Jeff Gamble the chance to make it three nil with a low shot.

The second period saw Loughshinny press hard to reduce arrears but the Spartak defence was sound, with Joe McCarthy making some good tackles and interceptions.

At the other end Mick Leslie, Jeff Gamble ,Conor Callis and Mcik Greene all had opportunities but it was not till the 82nd minute that Ciaran Keane showed composure in adding a fourth goal,

A sliced clearnace by Kevin Loftus gave the visitors an injury time corner, and poor organisation saw them reduce tha margin.

Form Report
Stephen Harris 7 Barry Maguire 7 Mick Greene 6 Joe McCarthy 8 Dave O’Kelly 7 Ciaran Keane 6 Conor Canavan 8 Jeff Gamble 8 Niall Lennon 7 Darren Browne 6 Mick Leslie 6
Subs: Kevin Loftus 5 Conor Callis 6

14.3.15
Spartak 0, Sallynoggin Pearse 3

In tough conditions in Marlay a Spartak side, somewhat weakened by injuries, went down to the league leaders.

With plenty at stake, Sallynoggin displayed early nerves and Spartak spurned a number of early chances, the best two of which fell to Ciaran Keane, but a poor touch foiled his first chance, and he fired wide with the second, very presentable, opportunity.

When Sallynoggin took the lead, it appeared Joe McCarthy had been impeded in his attempt to clear before the loose ball was fired in. A quick break on the half hour saw the lead doubled.

A good move early second half saw Joe McCarthy burst forward before releasing Jeff gamble down the right. His cross looked good but Mick Leslie fired over.

Ciaran Keane did get the ball in the net from Niall Lennon’s pass, but was given offside when clearly on.

There was no lack of endeavour by the Sky Blues, but poor execution let them down.

Form Report
Mick Costello 7 Chris Hogan 5 Mick Greene 6 Joe McCarthy 7 Dave O’Kelly 6 Ciaran Keane 5 Conor Canavan 6 Jeff Gamble 7 Niall Lennon 6 Shane McInerney 7 Mick Leslie 6
Subs: Barry Maguire 5 Darren Browne 5

The AGM will take place in the Eden on Tuesday 31st March at 7pm.

Members paid up according to rule may attend and vote.

7.3.15
Cherryfield 8, Spartak 1

When Spartak reduced arrears and made it 1-3 with 11 minutes remaining, there was at least a faint hope that they might get something from a game, albeit against the run of play. However, in an abject last few minutes, Spartak conceded 5 unanswered goals to record a humiliating defeat.

The first half began badly when Chris Hogan failed to clear a cross and Spartak went one down. Chances which fell to Mick Leslie, Ciaran Keane and Jeff Gamble were all spurned before Cherryfield added to their total when Mick Leslie was dispossessed. Injuries to Daniel Sage, who had started well, and also to Jeff Gamble hindered the Sky Blues, and it was no surprise when Cherryfield added number three on the hour.

Again Spartak created a few chances, but Conor Callis and Ciaran Keane did not hit the target, befor Ciaran Keane converted Joe McCarthy’s cross.

Then came the shameful collapse.

Form Report
Stephen Harris 5 Chris Hogan 4 Mick Greene 4 Daniel Sage 7 Joe McCarthy 6 Ciaran Keane 4 Conor Canavan 4 Jeff Gamble 5 Niall Lennon 4 Evans Sarpong 4 Mick Leslie 4
Subs: Conor Callis 4 Thom O’Driscoll 4 Barry Maguire 4

28.2.15
Rush Athletic 4, Spartak 1

With injuries an issue, Tony Kavanagh was pressed into action in this game and rolled back the decades in a solid display.
Overall the performance was satisfactory, but Spartak were holed under the waterline late in the first half by two poor refereeing decisions, just after Evans Sarpong had a “goal” ruled out for offside, and Ciaran Keane had eschewed a close range chance by blazing wildly over from a great position.

Ushering the ball over the end line, Tony Kavanagh was blatantly pushed over with the forward allowed to run in and score. Almost immediately a high tackle was ignored as the home winger drove in number 2.

Steven Harris was pressed into action and made some good saves, while controlling his area well, despite carrying a troublesome injury. Joe McCarthy played the 90 for the first time and put in an impressive performance. Overall the work rate could not be faulted.

The Sky Blues who came strongly into the game in the second period and Kevin Loftus and Ciaran Keane gave Jeff Gamble a good chance, but his close range effort was saved. ten minutes after the break Ciaran Keane got a touch to Mick Greene’s corner and Jeff Gamble fired in to reduce arrears.

Just past the hour mark and Mick Greene had a nightmare couple of minutes; deflecting in a corner to make it 3-1 to the home side, and almost immediately missing a penalty, and the rebound, when Jeff Gamble was tumbled in the box.

When Ciaran Keane was caught in possession with 10 to go, the home side got number 4 to clinch the points. Mick Leslie fired over as he Sk Blues continued to attack, but the gap could not be closed.

It did bot feel like a 4-1 game; those crucial, late, first half goals proved decisive.

Form Report
Steven Harris 7 Mick Greene 6 Mick Leslie 7 Tony Kavanagh 7 Joe McCarthy 8 Ciaran Keane 6 Shane McInerney 6 Niall Lennon 7 Evans Sarpong 7 Jeff Gamble 8 Niall Quinn 6 . Sub Kevin Loftus 6

21.2.15
Spartak 0, Tymon Bawn 2

A 2 goal salvo on the half hour mark gave the visitors full points on the best surface Marlay has seen since the summer. The Sky Blues have little to complain about as their goalscoring efforts and approach play fell way short.

A scrappy start by the Sky Blues saw Chris Hogan repeatedly caught in possession and stand in keeper had to make a couple of smart saves.

Spartak broke repeatedly, but Ciaran Keane was wayward with a succession of crosses while Mick Leslie looked livelier than of late in a centre forward role, working hard for his team. Lee Malone found himself in a good shooting position, but failed to get power in his effort.

A bad foul on Daniel Sage caused disruption, and the visitors took advantage to fire in number 1, and Tymon added number 2 five minutes later.

The second half saw Spartak attack, but without conviction in the final ball.

Mick Leslie, racing in from the left, fired just wide as the second period got under way. Then a couple of poor free kick efforts by Mck Leslie and Daniel Sage saw Spartak spurn the opportunity to test the Tymon keeper.

A disappointing performance.

Form Report
Mick Greene 6 Chris Hogan 5 John Hanratty 6 Daniel Sage 7 Dave O’Kelly 6 Niall Lennon 5 Lee Malone 5 Mick Leslie 6 Ciaran Keane 5 Conor Canavan 6 Jeff Gamble 6
Subs: Conor Callis 5 Joe McCarthy 5 Gavin Curtis 6

7.2.15
Earl Celtic 1, Spartak 0

Spartak crashed to defeat on a grassy and bumpy pitch in Brickfields, where the home team show a greater level of desire and urgency.

With Spartak on a good run, and Earl having won just once all season, this looked like an away win on paper. The way the game turned out could hardly have been more different. Earl, with decent finishing, could have been out of sight at the break. Spartak had the chance to regroup and work up a head of steam, but remained lifeless and listless.

A poor start by the Sky Blues proved a harbinger for things to come, and play never really improved.

An injury to an Earl player, who collapsed off the ball, held up proceedings mid match while an ambulance arrived. The player was, thankfully, later discharged from hospital.

Earl scored on the hour, and might have added one or two more, but it was their first half profligacy which cost them a greater margin of victory.

Among the few chances created by the Sky Blues were efforts by Mick Leslie, Ciaran Keane and Conor Callis, none of which carried the necessary conviction.

With the reverse fixture to follow next week, Spartak will need to improve greatly to get anything from the return fixture.

From Report
Bobby Hayes 4 Chris Hogan 4 Mick Greene 5 Daniel Sage 6 Dave O’Kelly 5 Ciaran Keane 5 Conor Canavan 5 Conor Callis 4 Niall Lennon 5 John Hanratty 5 Mick Leslie 4 .
Subs: Niall Hanratty 5 Gavin Curtis 4 Joe McCarthy 4.

31/1/15
Spartak 6, Peamount 1

It was with some level of trepidation that Spartak faced this fixture against an in form Peamount side. With five enforced changes from the previous game risking an unwanted level of disruption and might have justified some fall off in performance. However the visitors, apparently , were in the same boat, with players missing, and Spartak saw them off after a solid first half followed by some flamboyant attacking play in the second period.

Mick Greene, with some fine interceptions and passing, played really well in the first half; Niall Lennon, later to make a goal for Jeff Gamble with a sumptuous pass, took responsibility in the centre and tested the keeper early on with a long range effort. Conor Canavan showed good game intelligence with drilled passes to release the speedy Conor Callis on the right, who hit the post and also supplied a series of crosses. Ciaran Keane had the best of the first half chances, but did not take advantage.

Nil all at half time, and a satisfactory show so far. But nothing on what was to come!

Conor Callis, having lost the ball to the full back, won it back , closed in on goal and blasted the ball past the keeper from a narrow angle to give Spartak the lead; after Ciaran Keane had wasted a good chance made by Mick Greene, Peamount broke quickly to equalise.

Their joy was short lived. The Sky Blues then went on a spree, scoring four in a ten minute spell.

Ciaran Keane went on one of his mazy runs, this time opting to take the ball with him, and drilled a great low cross which went across the six yard box; Conor Callis passed the ball back inside to enable Shane McInerney to finish neatly from close range; Shane had only just come on as sub, having taken more time than a debutante to get ready!

Dave O’Kelly’s pass was then deflected into the path of Jeff Gamble, who lashed the ball inside the far post. McInerney and Lennon then combined to allow the latter to produce the pass of the game for Gamble to beat the keeper.

A Chris Hogan cross, which looked goalbound, was deflected to the net by Ciaran Keane’s chest, from all of half a yard out to make it 5-1.

Ross Kelly came on for his seasonal debut but lacked the sharpness to finish some promising opportunities.

As the game moved towards its inevitable conclusion, McInerney released Gamble down the right and he unselfishly laid on the easiest of finishes for Keane.

A highly satisfying second half.

Form Report:
Bobby Hayes 6 Chris Hogan 6 Mick Greene 7 Daniel Sage 7 Dave O’Kelly 6 Ciaran Keane 6 Conor Canavan 7 Jeff Gamble 8 Niall Lennon 8 Lee Malone 6 Conor Callis 8
Subs: Shane McInerney 7 Ross Kelly 5