Spartak Dynamo FC

25.10.15
Spartak 4, Dundrum 1

Spartak took the honours in a game that was closer than the scoreline would suggest.

Two identikit goals just before the break saw Karl McCullough head home successive Steve Walsh corner kicks gave the Sky Blues a 2-0 half time advantage.

Earlier chances had been missed, most notably after brilliant work by Steve Grier and Dave Kernan had sent Steve Walsh in on goal, but two attempts were not sufficient to score. Dundrum struck the crossbar, and Kev O’Toole made a strong savin tackle when a score looked certain.

Spartak virtually clinched the points when a first time Neil McGowan pass sent the ovelapping Martin Costello clear on the left. He jinked past the advancing keeper but was forced very wide. Nonetheless he produced the perfect cross amid a cluster of covering defenders for Ger Byrne to shoot into the unguarded net.

This appeared to be the signal for Spartak to relax and for Dundrum to come strongly into the game.

A quickly taken free saw Dundrum reduce arrears and Dundrum had several atempts to close the gap, but Spartak were grateful to Greg Byrne for some fine stops, including tipping one shot onto the post.

Spartak made the game safe when a super through ball b Tho O’Driscoll sent Steve Walsh in, and he finished at the second attempt.

Form Report
Greg Byrne 8 Dave Kernan 7 Martin Costello 6 Karl McCullough 8 Kevin O’Toole 8 Ken Buckley 6 Neil McGowan 6 Tom O’Driscoll 6 Steve Grier 6 Ger Byrne 7 Steve Walsh 6
Sub: Neil Walsh 5

18.10.15
Spartak 1, Sallynoggin 2

Dropping all three points here was a painful experience for the Sky Blues, who surely should have at least equalised in the last minute when Steve Walsh sent Alan Farrington clear on the right. Inexplicably, Alan failed to make proper contact with the ball, and his effort trickled harmlessly wide from six yards.

Ealier, Neil McGowan, taking some time out from best man duties, came on as a sub to crisply fire in an equaliser after Steve Grier’s cross broke to him at the edge of the box.

Greg Byrne continued his fine run of form in goal, with one great save and several good ones.

A bad challenge on Steve Grier early on was not properly punished by that recidivist referee who ruins games for all teams.

Sallynoggin scored on the turnover in the first half when Alan Farrington, receiving the ball in space, turned inside into trouble and wwas dispossessed. Kevin O’Toole was caught under the ball as he pushed out, 0-1.

The Sallynoggin winner came on 82 minutes as Spartak pushed on; Steve Grier kept the ball in play as Sallynoggin broke, only for possession to switch. A clever through ball saw the striker beat Greg Byrne.

Form Report
Greg Byrne 8 Keith Kelly 5 Dave Browne 5 Paul Kinsella 8 Kevin O’Toole 6 Alan Farrington 5 Seamus McCahill 5 Ken Buckley 5 Steve Grier 7 Ger Byrne 5 Steve Walsh 6
Subs: Dave Kernan 6 Neil McGowan 7 Neil Walsh 6

Spartak 0, Pioneers 5

Five second half scores saw the visitors leave Marlay Park comfortable winners.

Despite dominating the first half completely, Pioneers had nothing to show for their first half toils, with some last ditch defending from Paul Kinsella and Kevin O’Toole keeping he attack at bay, while Greg Byrne made some notable saves. Spartak took a blow when Kinsella went down with a hamstring strain after one interception. Spartak’s only first half chance came when Steve Walsh and Neil McGowan combined to setup Alan Farrington, but his shot lacked power and accuracy and sailed harmlessly over.

Neil McGowan headed over from a Spartak corner early in teh second period, before Pioneers took the lead with a header from a flag kick. They added to the lead on 52 minutes when Ken Buckley could not cover for some absent defenders.

Then came a pivotal moment whe a long ball by Dave Browne was added to by Ken Buckley to give Ger Byrne a chance close in but he lifted the ball over the bar. Ger might have converted a Steve Walsh free, and then Neil McGowan saw his point blank effort saved.

That was the end of the short Spartak revival and Pioneers added three more in the last 15 minutes in circumstances too embarrassing to recount.

Form Report
Greg Byrne 8 Keith Kelly 4 Dave Browne 4 Paul Kinsella 7 Kevin O’Toole 6 Ken Buckley 5 Neil McGowan 6 Steve Grier 5 Alan Farrington 4 Steve Walsh 4 Ger Byrne 5
Subs: Thom O’Driscoll 4 Mick Leslie 4

4.10.15
Terenure Rangers 2, Spartak 6

A powerful second half burst by the Sky Blues saw three goals scored without reply in the opening 15 minutes; this effectively sealed the points.

Spartak’ defence began poorly with some careless passes, and it was from one of these that the home side took the lead.

With Jason Northey injured, Martin Costello took the gloves and had a fine display.

The Sky Blues created a few chance, and Ger Byrne, Neil McGowan and Steve Walsh all had attempts at goal. However it took some composed play on the wing by Ger Byrne to tee up Steve Grier at the edge of the box to fire in a deflected equaliser.
Just a minute later, Steve Walsh fired in a second from Paul Kinsella’s pass. Terenure equalised from a corner right on half time.

Spartak took the lead when Dave Browne won a challenge and fed Steve Grier; Stev’e first attempt was blocked, but he showed good balance and composure to fire the second attempt low beyond the keeper from the edge of the box.

Ger Byrne robbed a defender before coolly and unselfishly setting up Steve Walsh for an easy tap in, and Neil McGowan then scored form 20 yards via the foot of the post to make it 5-2.

During this period the Spartak defence showed composure and aggression to keep the locals at bay, as Terenure fought to prevent the game slipping away from them.

Ger Byrne then rounded off the scoring with a rare right footed effort when put through by Steve Walsh.

A fine second half performance, and the only downside was the injuries a number of players; Dave Kernan took a knock which precipitated his withdrawal and several others were carrying injuries by the end.

Form Report
Martin Costello 8 Keith Kelly 7 Dave Browne 7 Paul Kinsella 7 Kevin O’Toole 7 Ken Buckley 7 Neil McGowan 8 Dave Kernan 7 Steve Grier 8 Ger Byrne 9 Steve Walsh 7
Subs: Mick Leslie 6 Ciaran Keane 6

20.9.15

Spa Utd 5, Spartak 1

The Sky Blues long trek to Johnstown , Co Kilkenny, was an unrewarding journey.

A disastrous start against able opponents saw Spartak ship three goals in 17 minutes, with Spa making it 4 before Steve Grier reduced arrears near the break.

The second half saw a more even contest, with the nly score coming from a disputed penalty near the end for the home side, after Spartak had carved out several decent scoring chance.

Form Report: A collective 5

13.9.15
Tymon Bawn 4, Spartak 4.

Spartak faced into this game without key players from the last win over Dundrum; Paul Kinsella suspended, Karl McCullough hamstrung, and Martin Costello, who was away at a hen party. Stuart Love, whose operation to repair a torn cruciate ligament is due, continues to be missed for his consistent

Not only that, goalkeeper Jason Northey tweaked his hamstring on his first run, after just 17 minutes, so Kevin O’Toole volunteered to go in goal. With so many forced changes to the Sky Blues defence, it was unsurprising that Tymon were able to score four. Spartak led four times, but could not close out the deal.

Several players had a sleepy start to proceedings, Steve Walsh, Keith Kelly, David Kernan and Steve Grier taking some time to realise they were in a game. A dull first half was enlivened when a half cleared corner was expertly turned back in by Tom O’Driscoll for Steve Grier to head in.

One nil at the interval, but then followed a goals avalanche.

Tymon equalised, and continued to do so after each Sky Blues score. Goals from Alan Farrington, Steve Walsh and Steve Browne were duly cancelled out

In the final 15 minutes, Spartak created opportunities to snatch a winner; Neil McGowan’s header from a deflected cross was just over, and Ger Byrne, just 6 yards out,stretched into an inviting cross but shot over.

Marks?
Preparataion?

Form Report
Jason Northey 5 Keith Kelly 5 Dave Browne 6 Steve Grier 6 Kevin O’Toole 6 Alan Farrington 6 Neil McGowan 7 Dave Kernan 7 Tom O’Driscoll 7 Ger Byrne 6 Steve Walsh 7
Subs: Steve Browne 6 Jeff Gamble 6

1.9.15
Dundrum 0, Spartak 1

In a tight game of few chances on a murky midweek evening, the better opportunities fell to the Sky Blues, who could have increased the margin of victory. In the Spartak goal, Jason Northey was well protected and had a routine evening, with safe handling and a couple of saves, particularly in the hectic closing stages as the home team pressed for an equaliser against a reduced Spartak complement.

Spartak went into this match without the ever industrious midfield services of Stuart Love, who had the misfortune to incur a cruciate ligament knee injury in the final friendly. A full recovery by Stu will be a big boost to the club.

The breakthrough goal came on 27 minutes when Steve Grier received a throw in from Dave Browne on the right, swivelled and then drove the ball into the corner left footed from 18 yards.

Spartak broke continually; Martin Costello overlapped and put in a great cross which just eluded the Spartak attackers. Keith Kelly made a fine run, was fouled, and from Steve Walsh’s free kick , Steve Grier’s stooping header was fractionally wide. Kelly and Grier had long range efforts off target, while Steve Walsh tried to lob the keeper, but his effort was comfortably saved.

At the other end some defensive slips caused some concern, but Dundrum’s shooting was always within Northey’s grasp.

Early in the second half a great move by Grier, Walsh and Ger Byrne saw Dave Kernan with a close range angled opportunity; his shot was marginally too high and struck the bar. Again Grier and Byrne combined to give Alan Farrington a chance to turn and shoot from close in, but he opted for an attempted lay off and the opportunity evaporated.

Paul Kinsella broke from defence and forced a corner from which Martin Costello shot wide.

Spartak had played two days previously on the Sunday while their opponents had not, therefore it seemed like a good idea (at the time) to utilise the substitutes. Having done so, with 15 minutes remaining, Karl McCullough had to go off with a hamstring injury having been jostled at full pace, while Keith Kelly also went off for a while, reducing the Sky Blues temporarily to 9 men.

It was then that Spartak showed their mettle, defending for their lives; indeed a break out following a corner saw Paul Kinsella lead an overload of Sky Blue attackers; however his pass to Jeff Gamble was not ideal and the home keeper, 40 yards from goal and with no defenders available, was able to block. A more precise pass and a second goal would have been a certainty.

Paul then foolishly reacted verbally to earlier physical intimidation and was dismissed with 5 seconds of the game remaining, the ball out of play and with a goal kick awarded to Spartak.

Form Report
Jason Northey 7 Dave Browne 7 Martin Costello 7 Paul Kinsella 7 Karl McCullough 6 Alan Farrington 6 Keith Kelly 6 Dave Kernan 7 Steve Grier 8 Ger Byrne 7 Steve Walsh 7
Subs: Neil McGowan 6 Jeff Gamble 7 Thom O’Driscoll 6

30.8.15
Benbulbin United 2, Spartak 5

Spartak began this game in jittery fashion; passes went astray, touches were poor, tackles were missed, 50/50 balls were poorly contested. In contrast the home side swept the ball around almost as they pleased, without creating too many clear chances.

A free conceded by Paul Kinsella saw Benbulbin hit the top of the crossbar. Then a big chance fell to a locals but the shot was easily stopped by Jason Northey.

On 15 minutes, against the run of play, the Sky Blues fashioned a lightning break. Dave Kernan and Steve Walsh exchanged passes before Kernan’s cross was bravely met first time by Ger Byrne to open the scoring at the near post. The lead did not last long, and possession was conceded and followed by poor defending to allow the equaliser.

As half time approached, Spartak began to settle, and scored twice. Steve Grier’s header sent Ger Byrne clear and he took advantage of the keeper’s error to slot in. Steve Walsh then embarked on a coruscating run, beating several players before squaring to Dave Kernan, who was unceremoniously upended. Steve Walsh slotted home the spot kick.

Again a lapse of defensive concentration allowed the home side to score in the 6th minute of first half injury time, after a free kick had been harshly awarded against Steve Grier.

Steve Walsh might have added another early in the second period but his touch was heavy when through on goal. Jason Northey’s poor throw gave the home side a chance but the shot was weak and easily saved.

The home side had a burst of pressure and Spartak had to scramble a few clearances, including one off the line, before an Alan Farrington shot from Steve Walsh’s pass made it 4-2. Dave Kernan came close to adding another after Alan Farrington’s effort was blocked.

Benbulbin continued to press, pushing men forward, and Jason Northey fumbled a free kick around the post for a corner.

Spartak added number 5 on 81 minutes in a fine move involving Martin Costello, Jeff Gamble and Steve Walsh which presented Steve Grier with a straightforward chance.

Not the finest performance overall, but good spirit shown together with some sharp finishing made it a satisfying opening to the season.

Form Report
Jason Northey 6 Dave Browne 6 Martin Costello 8 Paul Kinsella 8 Karl McCullagh 7 Thom O’Driscoll 6 Alan Farrington 6 David Kernan 7 Steve Grier 7 Ger Byrne 8 Steve Walsh 8
Subs: Keith Kelly 6 Jeff Gamble 6 Ken Buckley 6

16.8.15
Newlands Celtic 1, Spartak 2

A bumpy surface in Corkagh Park did little to make it easy to play good football, but a decent display by Spartak’s back four – apart from one lapse – laid the foundation for what was a more comfortable win than the scoreline suggests.

Alan Farrington, who had earlier missed a straightforward chance, converted a penalty after Dave Kernan’s surging run was stopped by a foul. Steve Browne scrambled a second before missing an easier chance to put the game to bed.

Some poor defending at a set piece saw the locals reduce arrears, but Spartak played the game out comfortably.

Form Report
Jason Northey 6 Dave Kernan 8 Dave Browne 7 Keith Kelly 7 Karl McCullagh 7 Stuart Love 6 Alan Farrington 6 Tom O’Driscoll 5 Ken Buckley 6 Conor Canavan 5 Steve Walsh 6 Steve Browne 6 Kevin Loftus 5

13.8.15
Celtic Park 1, Spartak 3

A desultory performance on a warm summer’s evening in Beaumont, which saw Spartak do just enough to win, building up a decent 3-0 adavantage before fading badly in the final 20 minutes as the heat and lack of fitness told.

An adroit finish by Ciaran Bermingham topped off a neat Love/Leslie/Kernan move to give Spartak a half time lead. Steve Grier’s snapshot made it two, and a McGowan/Kernan move saw the latter’s fine cross converted at close range by Martin Costello.

A small step towards match fitness.

Form Report
Bobby Hayes 6 Chris Hogan 5 Mick Greene 5 Martin Costello 7 Dave Browne 7 Stuart Love 7 Neil McGowan 7 Kevin Loftus 5 Dave Kernan 7 Ciaran Bermingham 6 Mick Leslie 6 Steve Grier 6 Ciaran Keane 5