Spartak Dynamo FC

12.3.16
Seafordrock 4, Spartak 3

Spartak had to switch from Marlay and concede home advantage at the unusual saturday kick off time of midday for this Vere Deane cup tie.

Spartak, with Jeff Gamble arriving late from a his schoolboy managerial duties, nonetheless took an early lead with a fantastic finish by Niall Lennon. Some non-existent marking at the back post allowed Seaford to equalise, but good approach work by Darren Ritchie and Niall Lenon put Jeff Gamble in to restore Spartak’s lead.

However the defensive horror show continued, and Seaford, by the hour mark, had scored three unanswered goals, to turn a 2-1 lead fro Spartak into a 2-4 deficit. Ciaran Keane had a chance to reduce arrears, but blazed well over. Niall Lenon and Darren Ritchie continued to force the pace in attack , and Spartak had a a few half chances, Lennon volleying over the bar, and Conor Callis missing the chance to square from a good position.

Shane McInerney scored with a neat looping header from Dave O’Kelly’s free almost immediately on his introduction, but Spartak were unable to muster an equaliser which would have forced extra time.

Form Report
Greg Byrne 6 Dave O’Kelly 6 Chris hogan 4 Steve Browne 4 Fintan Grace 4 Mick Leslie 5 Conor Callis 4 Jeff Gamble 6 Darren Ritchie 7 Niall Lennon 8 Ciaran Keane 4
Subs: Shane McInerney 7 Ross Kelly 6

6.2.16
Spartak 3, Pormarnock 1

Spartak recovered from a disastrous start to come out on top against an industrious and tough tackling Portmarnock outfit, who took the lead from the spot after Shane McInerney was deemed to have fouled. Indeed the visitors should have extended their lead after some weak defending when they blazed wide.

Ciaran Keane equalised somewhat fortuitously after Mick Greene’s corner, half cleared, was returned into the area by Mick Leslie. Ciaran’s first effort squirted back to him off a defender, and he made no mistake with the second attempt.

It was pretty even for the remainder of the half, both sides having half chances but nothing clear cut.

Spartak pressed hard in the second period; Shane McInerney had a header cleared for a corner; Darren Ritchie struck the bar after a quick Chris Hogan free. The visitors meanwhile had one scrambled off the line.

It was not till the 81st minute that a fine Steve Browne pass sent Jeff Gamble clear to put the Sky Blues in the lead for the first time, and Jeff scored again after a Darren Ritchie assist.

Form Report
Greg Byrne 6 Chris Hogan 5 Mick Greene 6 Steve Browne 8 Fintan Grace 7 Mick Leslie 6 Rob Kennedy 6 Shane McInerney 6 Jeff Gamble 8 Darren Ritchie 6 Ciaran Keane 5
Subs: Leo Bradley 5 Thom O’Driscoll 6 Keith Kelly 6

20.2.16
Sallynoggin 4, Spartk 1

In poor conditions in Sallynogin, Spartak were denied a clear spot kick with the game scoreless, as Jeff Gamble was clearly fouled racing on to Mick Leslie’s pass.

Mick Leslie had a free kick saved, before the home side took the lead, courtesy of some poor play by both full backs. A long range effort made it 2-0 at the break.

Spartak worked hard to get back in the game; Niall Lennon missed at the back post, while Greg Byrne took of some fine saves at the other end.

In fairness, the pressure remained on the Spartak back four, who responded manfully in the mud, with Fintan Grace the pick of the bunch. A poor kick out was returned skilfully to the net to make it 3-0, and the both sided exchanged goals with Jeff Gamble scoring from close in after approach play by Shane McInerney and Niall Lennon.

What might have been, had that penalty been awarded.

Form Report
Greg Byrne 7 Chris Hogan 5 Mick Greene 5 Steve Browne 7 Fintan Grace 8 Shane McInerney 6 Niall Hanratty 5 Niall Lennon 7 Jeff Gamble 7 Mick Leslie 5 Ciaran Keane 5
Subs: Tony Kavanagh 6 Ross Kelly 6 Tom Maher 6

6.2.16
Pormarnock 1, Spartak 3

Two goals by substitute Keith Kelly, the second with the last kick of the match, decided his tie in Spartak’s favour.

The win was overshadowed by the arm injury to Mick Costello, sustained in a clash when punching clear. Mick tried to continue, before departing for hospital, and was replaced in goal by the ever reliable Mick Greene, who did a capable job of deputising.

The game featured a very open first half, with many chances to either side. Ciaran Keane had a goal disallowed for offside against a colleague, while Jeff Gamble, Ciaran Keane and Darren Ritchie all missed presentable opportunities. Slack play by Spartak allowed the hosts to create at will, and they took the lead. Portmarnock also forced Mick Costello into a number of saves, and missed some good openings.

Portmarnock gained the upper hand for a while, and, with more composure, might well have increased their lead. The equaliser for Spartak arrived just before the break, with Darren Ritchie prodding home Jeff Gamble’s knock down.

With Thom O’Driscoll and Niall Lennon taking more control in the middle of the park, Spartak began to set up more attacks in the second period, but all too frequently fell into the home side’s offside trap.

The introduction of Keith Kelly, for the injured Ciaran Keane, proved pivotal. Neither of his finishes could be called powerful, but both were on target. The first where Darren Ritchie’s touch sent him through; with Jeff Gamble square, Keith opted for the shot, and it trickled weakly under the keeper. The second, in injury time, saw Thom O’Driscoll’s free kick cleverly pick out Keith, who swiveled and fired a looping effort with his hitherto unused left foot which the keeper allowed dip over his head.

The home side had poured forward after Spartak took the lead, but the Spartak defence shook off their first half lethargy, and stood firm. The third goal permitted no comeback, as the ref blew for time as Portmarnock restarted.

A welcome three points and a boost before next week’s cup tie versus Seaford Rock.

All are hoping for a speedy recovery for Mick Costello, detained in hospital with a broken arm.

Form Report
Mick Costello 7 Dave Browne 6 Mick Greene 6 Steve Browne 7 Fintan Grace 7 Thom O’Driscoll 8 Martin Costello 6 Jeff Gamble 6 Darren Ritchie 6 Niall Lennon 7 Ciaran Keane 6
Subs: Keith Kelly 7 Tom Maher 6

9th and 10th Jan 2016

On Knocklyon Astro Spartak turned out in numbers for two weekend games.

Firstly the over 35s took on the saturday boys, who won 4-3, somewhat against the run of general play. The possession stats showed the senior men in control, but sharper finishing saw the younger crew come out on top. Goals from Ciaran Bermingham, Darren Ritchie, Ross Kelly and Niall Hanratty for the winners, while Ciaran O’Sullivan, Kevin Nolan and Gavin Johnson netted for the over 35s, who had a large squad in attendance.

The Sunday lads took on Tallaght City and came out the wrong side of a 5-3 scoreline. Steve Grier (2) and Ger Byrne were the scorers, with Neil McGowan and David Kernan missing a hatful of chances between them. The concession of 5 goals will be a talking point, some of which were soft in the extreme. Some of the Spartak players are to be congratulated on a wonderful Christmas period, especially Steve Grier who must have had a wonderful Yuletide!

League games resume on 16th/17th.

Form Reports
Saturday
Niall Hanratty 8 Chris Hogan 6 Mick Greene 7 Steve Browne 7 Tom Maher 6 Mick Leslie 7 Niall Lennon 7 Darren Ritchie 7 Ross Kelly 6 Conor Canavan 6 Ciaran Keane 6 Dave O’Kelly 7 Ciaran Bermingham 6

Sunday
Jason Northey 6 Dave Browne 6 Tom O’Driscoll 7 Mick Young 6 Karl McCullough 6 Kevin O’Toole 6 Neil McGowan 6 Dave Kernan 6 Steve Grier 6 Ger Byrne 6 Mick Leslie 6 Ciaran Keane 6

After resigning as Quiz master in a hissy fit, leaving poor Uncle Dex to pick up the pieces, Mick Greene has completed a massive U Turn and returns to his rightful spot on the podium next Thursday, 18th November, in Firhouse Community Centre.

Mick , after doling out questions on Dingbats, Counties of Ireland and other puzzles to tease the slightly sozzled members of the audience, will then lead the weary troops in the time honoured march into town, eventually leaving Coppers at an ungodly hour.

All club members expected to attend, and for €10 on a Thursday night, it can’t be bet for entertainment value.

The Quiz starts at 9.15, so aim for 9 O’Clock, unless your name is Steve Grier, in which case you would need to aim for the previous day. Chris “Tubes” Hogan is carrying on Gerry Doran’s tradition of always being last to everything. Dave Kernan may well travel through town , so could be delayed. Mick Leslie even might bring the water bottles for a special guest appearance.

So, for those not paying attention (that’s you Bobby Hayes and Jason Northey) its a 9.15 kick off on Thursday 18th November in Firhouse Community Centre.

7.11.15
Rush Athletic 4, Spartak 2

Spartak departed St Catherines Park in Rush feeling somehwat hard done by after a tough game against the locals.
The final scoreline here did not reflect the balance of play, as Spartak struck the frame of the goal three times. But individual errors at vital times gave the home side the key scores.

Almost straight from the kick off Spartak had one of the game’s best chances, when Ciaran Keane intercepted a stray pass. With a clear run to goal he opted for the early shot which flew well wide. Spartak’s nest chance came when good work by Ger Byrne and Steve Grier saw the latter’s attempt deflected into the path of Jeff Gamble, whose shot struck the post and rebounded into the grateful arms of the keeper.

Mick Leslie’s reluctance to strike with his right foot meant two half chances went a-begging., but approaching half time he collected from Jeff Gamble’s cross to put Ciaran Keane in on goal. This time Ciaran showed more composure and put the Sky Blues one up.

Rush gave early intent of their second half ambitions by crashing a free kick off the cross bar almost on the restart. Spartak almost increased the lead after a foul on Ger Byrne. Mick Greene’s free was headed goalwards by Jeff Gamble, but he was again thwarted by a combination of keeper and post.

Rush equalised following a run on the Spartak left and the cross was nodded in.

Spartak restored their lead when a Browne/Keane/Byrne move saw Jeff Gamble head in, but the Sky Blues were disappointed when Rush equalised from a free kick from 40 yards.

Rush took full advantage of Chris Hogan being caught in possession to go ahead for the first time with 17 minutes remaining, but Spartak raised fresh onslaughts on the home goal with substitutes Darragh Dnnelly and Conor Callis going close. It was from the latter’s shot that was pushed onto the crossbar that saw Rush clinch the game in comedic fashion when the resulting long clearance was missed by Bobby Hayes, who had raced far from his goal, to allow a walk in score.

Form Report
Bobby Hayes 5 Chris Hogan 5 Mick Greene 6 Steve Browne 6 Fintan Grace 6 Shane McInerney 7 Steve Grier 6 Jaff Gamble 6 Ciaran Keane 6 Mick Leslie 5 Ger Byrne 7
Subs: Conor Callis 6 Darragh Donnelly 6

24.10.15
Spartak 1, Sallynoggin 3

Who would be a keeper?

Having kept his team in the game with some fine saves for most of the first half, Bobby allowed a soft shot to elude him for the decisive third goal early in the second period.

Sallynoggin had most of the first half play, but Spartak were not without their chances; Ciaran Keanes’ run and cross gave Jeff Gamble a chance, but his reluctance to shoot with his left saw the chance evaporate.

Niall Lennon and Jeff Gamble combined but Darren Ritchie could not reach the latter’s cross.

Salynoggin took the lead when a cross from Spartak’s left was nodded in, and an unfortunate og by Fintan Grace just on half time doubled that advantage.

The Sky Blues strove to get back in the contest as the visitors were happy to defend their lead, and Fidel Benson reduced arrears on 54 minutes after good work by chris Hogan and Jeff Gamble. Conor Canavan fired straight into the keeper’e midriff from a couple of yards out, while Jeff Gamble had a couple of efforts, including a header just over.

Form Report
Bobby Hayes 6 Chris Hogan 5 Mick Greene 5 Steve Browne 5 Fintan Grace 5 Darren Ritchie 5 Conor Canavan 5 Jeff Gamble 6 Niall Lennon 5 Fidel Benson 6 Ciaran Keane 5
Subs: Evans Sarpong 5 Ciaran Bermingham 5 Stephen Bermingham 5

17.10.15
Spartak 3, Howth Celtic 6

A game that began so well for the Sky Blues ended up in a meek exit from the Leinser Junior Shield.

Early goals by Jeff Gamble and Mick Leslie saw Spartak in a strong position, but by half time Howth had registered four unanswered scores, none of which they had to work hard for, with some incompetent defending by the home side, coupled wih an inability of the Spartak midfield to retain or regain possession.

The second half saw Spartak attempt to get back in the contest with some decent goal efforts, mainly by the idefatigable Jeff Gamble and while Darren Ritchoe reduced arrears, Howth were always in control.

Form Report
Bobby Hayes 7 Chris Hogan 5 Mick Leslie 5 Steve Browne 5 Fintan Grace 5 Fidel Benson 6 Conor Canavan 6 Conor Callis 4 Ciaran Keane 4 Darren Ritchie 5 Jeff Gamble 8
Subs: Mick Greene 5 Tom Maher 5