Spartak Dynamo FC

Players and supporters invited to join this season’s fantasy league.
Code is 1234333-284116.

Early training and friendlies have shown that numbers are tight due to a number of factors – emigration, injuries, advancing old age etc.

Accordingly new players of suitable standard are required.

Training Tuesday 30th July in St Enda’s Rathfarnham or log on to club web site or Facebook page to make contact.

Moher Celtic 1-1 Spartak – Moher win 5-3 on penalties

At 8 o clock on Saturday morning 11 Spartak lads made the trip to Liscannor Co. Clare for the first pre-season friendly of the 2013/14 season. Local side Moher Celtic provided the opposition. Incredibly despite the distance travelled no one managed to get lost on the way.

When the match started Spartak seemed to settle quickly and played some nice football creating a few half chances. The first goal came after 15 minutes when Keith Kelly finished from close range after a Ross Kelly effort was blocked. Spartak could have had a second when Keith crossed from the right and Niall Hanratty forced the keeper into a great save from a close range header. Moher equalised on 40 minutes when they attacked down their right and their centre mid hit a strike from 20 yards which took a horrible bounce in front of Conor in goal and went into his top left corner.

The second half produced some decent football from both sides but as the temperatures rose the pace slowed down. Both sides only had 11 players and tiredness started to show. Moher should have had a late penalty but the ref waved play on.

With the scores level after 90 minutes the game went to penalties. Moher went first and scored all 5. Conor got close to a few of them and was a bit unlucky. Adam Doran missed Spartak’s first before Keith Kelly, Mick Greene and Martin Costello scored for the visitors.

Afterwards we all went for a few mineral waters to discuss the game in detail. Talks continued long into the night!

Team – Conor Canavan, Dave O Kelly, Mick Greene Cathal Clancy, Martin Costello, Keith Kelly, Niall Hanratty, Dave Browne, Shane McInerney, Adam Doran, Ross Kelly

Trip to Clare now certain – some low cost overnight options available at 17 euro.

Contact Mick Greene to get your name down for the trip on 20th July.

Mick Greene has arranged a friendly against Moher Celtic in Liscannor, Co Clare on Saturday 20th July.

Those who wish to stay overnight can do so in Liscannor for around 45 euro per night but places are limited.

Alternatively, accommodation in Lahinch is more expensive at 75 euro.

Due to pitch sharing, the game will kick off at 11.30 am so that will mean an early start from Dublin.

Another option is that some may drive down and back on the day.

Those interested please comment here or contact Mick.

Votes have been received and counted for Player of the Year 2013.

First team saw five nominees; Aodhan McCahill , Seamus McCahill, Conor Maguire, Niall Hanratty and Jason Northey

Second team has six contenders- Martin Costello, Paul Byrne ,Sean Doyle, Stephen Barr, Fintan Grace and Dermot Dooley

Over 35s saw votes for Graham Johnston, Matt Grimes, Tom Maher.

For Clubman, the main contenders are Niall Hanratty Dave Browne Fintan Grace Dave Mohan Paul McGowan and Mick Greene.

24.5.13
Crumlin Utd under 19s, 5, Spartak 0

Spartak can have few complaints regarding defeat by a fine Crumlin side.

There are some mitigating factors; early injuries to Anto Doyle and Conor Callis disrupted the side somewhat, and Sean Doyle missed the game through suspension.

Having said that Crumlin enjoyed the majority of possession and the Sky Blue full backs or midfield could not get passes away, or have any time on the ball as Crumlin pressed with pace.

Accordingly Spartak players were mostly chasing the ball, which is exhausting, and on some occasions Sky Blue players lost the ball through opting to try to beat players instead of passing.

A very soft goal conceded on 26 minutes gave the advantage to Crumlin, when a cross following a corner was nodded in; under normal circumstances that cross should have been dealt with.

Spartak had their chances with Dermot Dooley shooting over and also heading a cross too close to the keeper. Paul Byrne also had a header just wide.

On 67 minutes the second goal arrived, and it was a screamer. Fintan Grace headed clear but the ball was hit first time from outside the box and soared into the top corner.

After that goal there was only going to be one result as Spartak wilted under pressure, and the scoreline duly grew to five as Crumlin utilised their bench.

So a comprehensive defeat to a good quality Crumlin side containing under age internationals

Now that the dust has died down we can look back on a good occasion and know that it ranks as a good achievement to reach a provincial final.

Learn and come back stronger.

Form Report
David Marlow 6 Anto Doyle 6 Chris Hogan 6 Martin Costello 7 Fintan Grace 6 Shane McInerney 6 Stephen Barr 6 Conor Callis 6 Dermot Dooley 6 Paul Byrne 6 John McCluskey 6
Subs Jeff Gamble 5 Glen Burke 5 Mick Costello 5 Niall Lennon Cathal Clancy Conor Canavan Ross Kelly

2.5.13
Spartak 0, Greenhills/GreenPark 1

A much changed visiting side gained revenge in the rematch which was critical in the race for the title.

A tight game ensued, much of which was contested in midfield, which was not surprising given the high stakes involved.

Greenhills had slightly the upper hand early on although Spartak also threatened at times.
Sean Doyle had a early effort cleared off the line, while Jason Northey came to the rescue with a good save when Shane McInerney was outpaced.

Probably the Sky Blues clearest chance arrived early on when a long ball from Sean Doyle sent Stephen Barr away but his shot was saved.

On 38 minutes the home side switched off at a corner kick which was finished inside the near post.

Spartak fought to get back into the game; Martin Costello and Dermot Dooley both fired just over; efforts were increased without too many clear chances being created.

The visitors continued to carry a threat and struck the post.

The last action saw Paul Byrne make a good run but the finish was too soft to trouble the keeper.

Form Report
Jason Northey 7 Anto Doyle 6 Chris Hogan 6 Sean Doyle 7 Fintan Grace 6 Shane McInerney 6 Stephen Barr 6 Conor Callis 6 Dermot Dooley 6 Paul Byrne 6 Martin Costello 6
Subs: Mick Costello 6 Steve O Hara 6