Spartak Dynamo FC

Dave Mohan sadly passed away at 6.30 am this morning, 31st January 2014 following the effects of a heart attack last week.

The sense of shock and sadness among his clubmates is evidence of the esteem in which he was held.

Dave joined Spartak in 1987 and has been ever present, as current over 35s manager, as a player, helper, and general driving force.

A larger than life character, he was a tough opponent on the pitch and a magnificent tackler and header of the ball. A knee injury had restricted his appearances in recent times, but luckily never affected his pace! Dave also played regularly in goal, where he was proficient.

Dave won leagues and cups with the club, but undoubtedly the highlight of his playing career was scoring the winning goal in a 1-0 victory in the 1991 LSL Vere Deane cup final; not just the winner, but a 35 yard drive that saw the ball nestle in the top of the net, caught by the stanchion. Truly a Roy of the Rovers moment. A goal that many would have been proud to score.

On many club trips Dave was a popular and central figure, and was often the ringmaster behind a practical joke for the unwary!

However the lasting legacy Dave leaves with the club is his day to day drive and enthusiasm to get things done, whether arrange games, find refs, mark football pitches and all the other bits and pieces required but unnoticed by many.

He has left us at the all too young age of 44 and he will be sorely missed.

Sincere condolences to his Mam and Dad, wife Jill and children, brother Paul and sister Andrea from all connected to Spartak.

9 Nov Ballyfermot (away) -2-2
16 Nov Killinardden (away) 2-4
23 Nov Larkview ( home) 4-4
30 Nov Harding (away) 1-3
14 Dec Caragh Rangers 1, Spartak 4

After a fine burst of form , November was not a good month for the over 35s, starting with a draw against Ballyfermot and who let a two goal lead slip against Larkview while slipping up away to Harding and Killinarden.

However a fine away performance against Caragh on the windiest day of the year got back in the groove and the Over 35s now lie third in the division.

Brian Farrelly is top scorer for the Seniors with 10 so far, and Paddy Hughes with 8 and Brian Burgess with 6 are in close attendance. Gerr Doran’s goal against Caragh allows him to join son Adam on the goalscoring chart.

The leading club goalscorers as at the mid season break are:

11 Steve Walsh
10 Brian Farrelly
8 Paddy Hughes
6 Brian Burgess
6 Jeff Gamble
5 Thomas Gaynor
5 David Berry
4 Eugene Duff
4 Neil McGowan
4 Kevin O Connell
4 Stephen Barr

Friday 20th December in the Eden will see Spartak’s night out and of course the vital fundraising raffle.

A kick about prior to the social end of the night will take place on the Marlay Astro at 7pm.

Please make sure to get tickets and cash in well before the 20th so we can concentrate on the social aspect on the night.

7.12.13
Leicester Celtic 1, Spartak 1.

Another clash with table toppers Leicester, who have lost just one game all season.

Heavily beaten in Marlay earlier by the same opponents, Spartak set out to rectify the situation with grit and determination.

Stand in keeper Mick Costello’s bravery cost him dearly after 15 minutes, when a knee to the head forced him off; Mick Greene proved a capable deputy.

The centre back pairing of Sean Doyle and Stephen Barr were rock like in their determination to keep the hosts at bay; and Leicester were subdued for the first half. Indeed Spartak had better opportunities as Stephen Barr’s header from Sean Doyle’s corner came back off the bar, while earlier Dave Berry had lobbed over from Shane McInerney’s pass and Conor Keegan fired too close to the keeper after a fine passing move.

Leicester finally upped the tempo and eventually made te breakthrough mid way through the second half, but a thumping Dave O Kelly header from Sean Doyle’s flag kick levelled matters. Leicester had further chances, but Spartak maintained their attacking threat and Conor Callis and Jervis Mulhall were both fouled on the break in dangerous positions.

Overall a satisfying performance.

Form Report
Mick Costello 7 Dave O Kelly 7 Chris Hogan 7 Sean Doyle 9 Stephen Barr 9 Shane McInerney 7 Fintan Grace 7 Conor Keegan 7 Jervis Mulhall 7 Mick Leslie 7 Dave Berry 7 Mick Greene 7 Conor Callis 7

23.11.13
Moorfield 3, Spartak 0.

A lack lustre opening half on a bumpy surface in Clondalkin saw the home side in control, and fashion a succession of chances; some of these were self inflicted by a Spartak team which provided little in the way of midfield resistance, while David Marlow’s kicking was a source of advantage to Moorfield, who took a soft lead on 15 minutes to emphasise their superority.

Towards the end of the half Spartak fashioned a couple of chances from set pieces by Sean Doyle, but no luck.

Stephen Barr was thrown forward as the Sky Blues sought a way back into the game, but his shooting radar was off and he fired wide or over on quite a few occasions as Spartak roused themselves to the fray.

A Mick Leslie header was just wide with the keeper beaten but as the Sky Blues over committed in search of the equaliser, Moorfield broke to make it 0-2.

Sean Doyle’s effort looped wide and then he fired wide when well placed to take a steadying touch, while Stephen Barr and Conor Keegan both headed over.

A late third goal for the home side put the tin hat on a hapless afternoon for the Sky Blues.

Form Report
David Marlow 5 Dave O Kelly 5 Chris Hogan 5 Sean Doyle 7 Stephen Barr 6 Shane McInerney 5 Conor Keegan 5 Jervis Mulhall 5 Dermot Dooley 5 Eoin Kelly 5 Mick Leslie 5 Ken Buckley 5 Conor Canavan 5 Kevin Loftus 5

16.11.13
Spartak 4, Cloghertown 1

The Sky Blues began this game in earnest fashion, and really took the game to the visitors.

First chance fell to Cloghretown, however when Jason Northey saved well after a Sean Doyle error. Mick Leslie made a fine run and cross but Dave berry was wide on this occasion; but on 33 minutes a neat piece of skill by Jeff Gamble put Dave Berry in and he scored at the second attempt, the keeper blocking his first effort. Gamble and Berry were causing big problems to the visitors defence and it was no surprise when Jeff Gamble headed home from Dave Berry’s cross o the stroke of half time.

Perhaps Ballyoulster had a clear intention of mounting a comeback, but such notions were thwarted after just two second half minutes. A Sean Doyle free was headed on by Niall Lennon toJeff Gamble, and agin he provided the pass for Dave Berry to finish. 3-0 and Ballyoulster were stunned. Sean Doyle set up Dave Berry for his hattrick before Chris Hogan was extremely hard done by to concede a penalty, from which the visitors reduced the deficit. But there was no way back for them due to a fine Spartak performance.

Form Report
Jason Northey 7 Dave O Kelly 7 Chris Hogan 6 Sean Doyle 7 Stephen Barr 7 Shane McInerney 6 Jervis Mulhall 6 Niall Lennon 6 Dave Berry 8 Jeff Gamble 8 Mick Leslie 6 Conor Keegan 6 Eoin Kelly 6 Conor Canavan 6

9.11.13
Spartak 1 Ballyoulster 2

Ballyoulster looked the more determined and sharper side throughout this game, but Spartak, never on their best form, remained doggedly in the contest throughout.

The hosts had the upper hand in midfield throughout the game but the best early chance fell to Dave Berry whose effort cleared the crossbar. But from then on in the first period it was the visitors who had the clear chances.

An unfortunate touch by Chris Hogan, attempting to clear when possession was lost from his throw in, fell neatly for the visiting striker who made no mistake. Just on half time Mick Leslie was caught wrong side and Spartak went two down.

Spartak reduced arrears when Mick Leslie converted Stephen Barr’s free kick after 71 minutes, but despite a decent revival could not find an equaliser, while on the break David MArlow made a fine stop to keep the contest open till the last kick.

Form Report
David Marlow 7 Chris Hogan 5 Fintan Grace 6 Stephen Barr 7 Derek Gibney 6 Shane McInerney 5 Jervis Mulhall 5 Mark Brady 5 Dermot Dooley 6 David Berry 7 Mick Leslie 6
Subs: Niall Lennon 5 Eoin Kelly 5 Ross Kelly 5

Sean Lynam, former Spartak goalkeeper, passed away at home late on Nov 4th, 2013.

The sad news was relayed to the club by former Chairman Ian Leslie, whose wife Brigid helped take care of Sean during his illness.

Sean joined Spartak as a schoolboy, at Ian’s instigation, and made 373 appearances, and after many schoolboy games graduated to the senior side, featuring in league title winning teams in Div 2A LSL 1990 and Premier 1 1993.

Sean, a big man, was always an imposing figure in the Spartak goalmouth. Among the playing highlights were penalty saves to help win the cup final shoot out against Stillorgan in 1990 and keeping a clean sheet in the winning cup final the following year. He is also credited with once scoring a goal for the club, although details are shrouded in the mists of time!

Sean, and his close pals Frank O’Brien and Dave Keegan were a central feature of Spartak games for many years, and soldiered in successful and struggling sides with equanimity. These three were also keen cricketers, with Sean an aggressive and effective fast bowler.

Sean’s wife Trish always took an active part in Spartak affairs, not least in cajoling her brother, Joe Costello, to line out for Brian Mahon’s side during the 90s.

Sean was great company and possessed a dry sense of humour and was very popular with his team mates. Having missed the 40th club party, he declared he would be there for the real party on the 50th anniversary.

Just last Saturday Sean was able to have a few drinks with a few of his pals, including quite a few Sky Blues. Many sporting tales were retold and some had acquired extra detail over time!

All who knew him at Spartak will miss him.

Sincere condolences to Trish and to the Lynam and Costello families on their loss.

Quiz night is on Nov 7th in Firhouse Community Centre.

First round questions start at 9.30. Mobile phones will be binned for the duration!

Lets make it a good club social night as well as a decent fundraiser – over to YOU!

Spot Prizes required – all donations gratefully received.

st Round Leinster Junior Shield
12 October 2013

– Riverside 5 – 4 Spartak (aet)

Spartak made an early morning trip to Brickfields to play Riverside in the 1st round of the Leinster Junior Shield. This competition has been generous to Spartak in the past and last years finalists were out in the first round but not without a real battle.
With the scores 0-0 at half time Spartak made a disastrous start to the second half and found themselves 2-0 down on 47 minutes.
Michael Leslie pulled one back with a sweet left foot finish across the keeper. Substitute Stephen Barr made it 2-2 from a free kick on the edge of the box. Moments later he was sent off following a “discussion” with the referee over a mishit clearance which landed in Marlow’s hands. The referee gave the free kick from where the “back pass” was hit at the edge of the box.
Spartak got caught out when a break down the right was not cut out and found themselves 3-2 down but to their credit battled back with 10 men and ball broke to Shane McInerney to poke home from close range on 86 minutes.
Into extra time and Jeff Gamble made it 4-3 in the 1st minute with a powerful close range header from Niall Lennons corner. Spartak looked more likely to get a 5th but again got hit on the break and allowed Riverside to equalize and make it 4-4.
Neil Bolger forced a great fingertip save from the home keeper before a long range Derek Gibney free kick beat the keeper before bouncing off the crossbar. With the game looking set for penalties Riverside added a 5th two minutes into added time in the second half of extra time. It was a sickening blow for the visitors who battled so hard with 10 men for 55 minutes
Team – David Marlow, David O Kelly, Chris Hogan, Fintan Grace, Derek Gibney, Shane McInerney, Jeff Gamble, Barry Maguire, Jervis Mulhall, Niall Lennon, Michael Leslie
Subs – Stephen Barr (for Barry Maguire) Neil Bolger (for Jervis Mulhall), Jason Doyle, Mick Greene
Man of the match – Jeff Gamble with a notable mention for Niall Lennon