Spartak Dynamo FC

Training switched from Marlay to St Endas. 6.45 Tues and Thurs.

19.7.12
Balally Celtic 3, Spartak 0

A disappointing friendly result for the Sky Blues. The performance lacked nothing in effort, but passing was below par and possession frequently squandered.

Spartak started sluggishly and when Shane McInerney was caught in possession Bobby Hayes made a smart save. Spartak’s best move of the half saw Martin Costello put the energetic Dave Thomson through on goal; but in attempting to round the keeper he over ran the ball wide.

Just six minutes either side if half time decided the game. The local number 10 outpaced Cathal Clancy to score on 42 minutes; a penalty was awarded against Bobby Hayes, unjustly, for number 2 on 47 minutes , and just a minute later a third, very soft, goal was conceded.

Martin Costello struck the bar and Ross Kelly shot over as Spartak responded. Tony Kavanagh and Aodan McCahill played well at the back in a contrast of ages; Aodan is 17, Tony is over 21!

Form Report
Bobby Hayes 5 Conor Canavan 5 Aodan McCahill 7 Tony Kavanagh 7 Cathal Clancy 6 Shane McInerney 5 Dave Thomson 6 Dave O Kelly 6 Martin Costello 6 Mick Costello 5 Mick Greene 5

Pre season training starts on 10th/11th and 12th July in Marlay.

Yes, that’s three nights in a row to start – but no running for those who arrive on time.

In any event it will have been a long break for all.

We start at 6.45 each evening.

The over 35s don’t resume training until August.

A vote of thanks Rob Smith, a real Sky Blue legend, who played his usual heroic role in the end of season Swindon escapade; arranging matches, marking the pitch; washing out dressing rooms; arranging accommodation and taxis for all. Nothing was too much trouble, and he paved the way for another very pleasant weekend. Spartak’s first visit to Swindon was in 1997 and this was the 5th trip in all.

Spartak’s travelling party was depleted on the day of departure as Dave Thomson was prevented by the authorities from leaving the country and Seamus McCahill became the latest victim of the recession, so there was a travelling party of just 10 players, augmented by local ex Sky Blues Alan Kavanagh and Rob Smith and also Rob’s nephew Daniel Smith.

The Bacchanalian excesses of the previous year were not repeated and to their credit the Spartak lads were in good shape for the Saturday game, and up bright and early for the Sunday morning start.

The Saturday game was competitive, far from a friendly with some meaty challenges. Ge rByrne and Mcik Plunkett, among others, took a few heavy knocks. The visitors took a two goal lead before Spartak asserted superiority for the second quarter and spurned a couple of good chances through Ross Kelly and Colum O’Sullivan. Glen Burke turned neatly to finish and there was also a good shout for a penalty. The Sky Blues were -1-2 down at half time.

Anto Doyle was caught in possession to concede again immediately after a blatantly offside goal to allow the home side open the gap to 4-1 and then close range goals by Ger Byrne and Colum O’Sullivan kept the visitors in touch; but fresh substitutes, and injuries to Alan Kavanagh and Thom O’Driscoll, saw the home side clinch it at 6-3.

The Sunday morning game against a fresh team was always going to be a challenge and wasn’t helped by a particularly inept display by a certain Anthony Doyle, who was turned inside and out by the winger who ran at him straight from the kick off and scored after just 22 seconds. Anto failed even to give the winger a stern look! Alan Kavanagh was ruled out by injury and Ross Kelly had to go in goal, where he took off two astonishing saves.

The visitors battled away and Colum O’Sullivan blazed over while Glen Burke also went close but the home side were good value for a 5-0 win with Spartak running on empty.

Such a thin squad was never enough to beat a team like Moredon Cheney, who had roll on roll off subs and in any case were an excellent side; if anything a lot stronger than last year, and with a fresh team on Sunday.

Nonetheless there was no lack of effort and, after two physical contests on successive days, the Spartak players were left with only the scars of battle to show for their strenuous efforts.

Form Report:
Alan Kavanagh 7 Anthony Doyle 4 Mick Plunkett 7 Steve Grier 8 Rob Smith 7 Thom O’Driscoll 7 Colum O’Sullivan 6 Edo Maino 5 Ross Kelly 6 Glen Burke 8 Daniel Smith 7 Jason Doyle 5

Presentation Night is Friday 18th May in the Eden

Swindon trip is 25th May

The votes are in and counted.

Leading candidates for Sunday POTY in a tight contest are last year’s winner Peter O’Toole along with Seamus McCahill, Steve Grier and Alex Kenny, plus previous winners Glen Burke and Neil McGowan.

The main three contenders for the Saturday award, which will show a new name on the trophy, are:

Cathal Clancy, Conor Maguire, Steve Walsh.

The Seniors award will be between between last year’s winner Paul McGrath, Ken Byrne and Graham Johnston

And the coveted Clubman award could go to former winners like Shane McInerney, Dave Mohan , Barry Crowe, Rory Campbell or Paul McGowan , or possibly there could be a new name on the trophy such as Ross Kelly or Mick Greene.

All will be revealed in the Eden on Friday 18th.

Our Man in deepest Wiltshire has arranged the details of our games in Swindon: Rob Smith says –

One is a team called The Plough Inn. A good Sunday league team who have won their league last two years in a row. The other team is Moredon Cheney – the guys who whipped us on the Saturday last year. A revenge mission would be nice.

Acccomodation is in the luxurious Jurys Inn – at £25 per night its great value.

There is a good group going so far, always room for a couple of late entrants; flights are still at €59 to Bristol.

Player of the year trophies will be presented in the Eden on Friday 18th May.

A good night is anticipated, just a week before the Swindon trip.

The Chairman has arranged a bumper night, with hot and cold running women for the single lads, and a consolation drink for the married ones.

Can someone please bring a spare pair of shoes for Ross?

Text your Player of the Year for the Saturday team & Sunday team to Paul by Friday.

Over 35’s text Dave Mohan by Friday.

Also include your vote for the Club Man of the Year