Spartak Dynamo FC

Training continues on Marlay Astro at 9 on Tuesdays and 8 on Thursdays.

Players are asked to be warmed up and ready to go on in time to avail of the full hour’s training.

There has been some confusion about times with Dave O Kelly arriving late on Thursday while Mick Leslie, Kevin Loftus, Dave Kernan and Neil McGowan have all been seen very early on Tuesdays!

No Training on Thursday 13th November. That’s set aside for Quiz night, some much needed fund raising, and possibly a few fizzy lemonades. Keith Kelly should beware of taxi doors in the aftermath.

ps – times are the same after the clocks go back!

12.10.14
Confey 0, Spartak 5

A trio of goals leading up to the break put this game beyond Confey’s reach.

With Spartak leading through a Martin Costello goal (he forced in Aodhan McCahill’s header from Steve Walsh’s free) the Sky Blues added quick fire scores from Martin Costello, Stuart Love and Steve Walsh.

In truth it was a lack lustre performance with the Spartak midfield lacking in drive and energy. Seamus McCahill nodded in Martin Costello’s cross for the only score of the second half, but contributed little to overall play, while brother Aodhan had a mystifying dip in form. Stuart Love carried an injury into the game, and could not see out the contest ( not very Raheem of him) while Neil McGowan departed the fray after just 15 minutes with an ankle injury.

Only Martin Costello displayed the required energy and desire while only occasional flashes were seen of Dave Kernan. Steve Walsh was subdued after a knock taken while scoring the fourth goal.

The home side started devoid of confidence but rallied in the second period to hit the bar and cause some discomfort to the Spartak defence.

Not one of Spartak’s best outings.

From Report
Kevin Loftus 6 David Kernan 6 Dave Browne 5 Steve Grier 6 Paul Kinsella 6 Stuart Love 5 Neil Mc Gowan 6 Aodhan McCahill 5 Seamus McCahill 5 Martin Costello 7 Steve Walsh 6
Subs: Ken Buckley 6 Mick Leslie 6 Karl McCullough 6 Jason Northey

5.10.14
Spartak 7 Carriglea 2

The scoreline does not reflect the true picture and is harsh on the visitors, who went a goal up as Spartak began the game poorly, lacking energy and displaying slow reactions.

It was close to the half hour beore Spartak mustered an equaliser, Dave Kernan drillling home after being set up by Stuart Love.

A Mick Leslie / Neil Mc Gowan move gave Steve Walsh the chance to give Spartak the lead and he made no mistake just before the break.

Steve Grier had a goal chalked off due to Niall Hanratty’s offside before a McGowan/Hanratty/Kernan move alowed Martin Costello to increase the lead and Stuart Love headed in soon after for number 4.

Carriglea recovered and reduced arrears before a late trio of goals added a flattering look to the scoreline; Steve Grier headed in from a corner, Kernan, McGowan and Costello set up Walsh for number six, and McGowan headed in after Costello flicked on Walsh’s corner deep into injury time.

A performance lacking in quality – despite the goal tally.

Form Report:
Kevin Loftus 6 David Kernan 9 Mick Leslie 6 Paul Kinsella 6 Dave Browne 6 Stuart Love 7 Neil McGowan 7 Ken Buckley 6 Seamus McCahill 5 Martin Costello 7 Steve Walsh 7
Subs: Niall Hanratty 6 Steve Grier 6 Jason Northey

28.9.14
Spartak 5 Seaford 2

As Sven Goran Erikkson was fond of saying – first half good , second half not so good.

With Jason Northey injured, Adam Doran played in goal. Paul Kinsella started despite carrying a knock, while Neil McGowan, also injured, took a spot on the bench

Dave Browne made his first start of the season having returned from his many travels, missing the last three games. Steve Grier was on his own sojourn around South Dublin looking for his kit and missed the kick off, eventually making an undistinguished second half appearance. Boots, shin pads, socks. Its a heavy burden. He could be in line for the Rob Deering perpetual trophy!

Spartak began brightly, and after just five minutes a Steve Walsh cross found an unmarked Martin Costello, who firmly headed home.

Seaford regrouped and the number 7 took full advantage on the Spartak left, where Dave Browne seemed to be still on his travels. Better finishing would have seen an equaliser but Spartak broke on 24 minutes with Niall Hanratty and Dave Kernan combining to put Steve Walsh through and he added to the lead.

Paul Kinsella appeared to be fouled by the Seaford attacker who went on to shoot wide when through on goal, and Adam Doran took off a good save from that number 7 again. Once again Spartak broke well with Stuart Love giving Seamus McCahill a shooting chance. His shot, though weak, was fumbled and Dave Kernan regained possession to fire in number 3.

With Seaford pushing forward just on half time they were caught out by a drilled Dave Browne pass which sent Steve Walsh away to coolly round the keeper and slot number 4.

On 50 minutes Seaford reduced arrears and a couple of good Adam Doran saves prevented them from further closing the gap as Spartak were unable to maintain their earlier tempo.

Spartak were disjointed in the second half and the midfield area was conceded to Seaford . Seamus McCahill went on his own particularly quest in the second period, forgetting about team work and positional sense and concentrating on trying to get his name on the score sheet. Alas, he failed. He was not alone in playing a solo second half role and several players were guilty of over carrying and over elaboration, in stark contrast to the slicker first half attacking moves.

There were some nervous and indeed embarrassed moments among the Sky Blues when Seaford scored again with 12 minutes left but a fine individual effort by Steve Walsh, completing his hat trick, made it 5-2 after the same player had been refused a blatant penalty when toppled in the box.

Spartak can be happy with the three points but not the performance. The second half took a lot of gloss off after building a 4-0 half time lead.

Form Report
Adam Doran 7 Dave Kernan 6 Dave Browne 6 Paul Kinsella 6 Karl McCullough 6 Stuart Love 6 Niall Hanratty 6 Ken Buckley 6 Seamus McCahill 6 Martin Costello 6 Steve Walsh 8
Subs: Steve Grier 5 Mick Leslie 6 Kevin Loftus 5

21.9.14
Hartstown Huntstown 3 , Spartak 2

With a squad depleted by injuries and absentees it was not the ideal day for players selected at numbers 8,9, and 10 not to put in an appearance. Bad Form, Messrs Hanratty, Malone and Doran. With Paul Kinsella and Neil McGowan out injured, and Martin Costello, Seamus McCahill, Fergus Burke and Dave Browne otherwise engaged, the missing trio made it nine players out and placed an unbearable final strain on resources.

Evans Sarpong, who responded at short notice and Jason Northey, renewing his outfield career, started on the wings, with Mick Greene and Shea McClafferty, also responding to calls, arriving as substitutes.

So not the perfect preparation to meet the unbeaten league leaders on their own turf.

Far from being cowed or overrun, the Spartak outfit put in a compelling performance, with stellar contributions from several players,aided by a hard working supporting cast, and were unfortunate not to gain at least a share of the spoils.

Stuart Love, playing centrally, had one of his finest performances, tirelessly closing men down and finding time to set up attacks.

Spartak had seen a Steve Grier throw deflected on to the bar before the home side found their feet and a lack of cover saw Hartstown take the lead on the counter before a towering header from Steve Grier, who powered in a Steve Walsh free, equalised for the Sky Blues, following a foul on Dave Kernan.

The second goal for Hartstown stemmed form a free kick harshly awarded against Evans Sarpong (it was a dive) and Kevin Loftus was clearly nudged as the ensuing cross floated into the far corner.

Close things then for both sides as Hartstown had a goal ruled out and a flick on by Jason Northey rolled harmlessly across an unguarded Hartstown goal. A fine pass by Evans Sarpong sent Steve Walsh through only to be foiled by a combination of defender and keeper.

The second half saw some fine football by both sides in an open contest.

A typically persistent Stuart Love sent Steve Walsh in for a shot but he pulled it wide. Then Ken Buckley and Steve Walsh combined but the cross was just ahead of Mick Leslie, arriving at the far post.

A foul by Dave Kernan led to a third for the home side, with Kevin Loftus getting no marks for defensive wall construction following the ensuing free kick.

Dave Kernan, although handicapped by having goals nicked from him by Neil McGowan, scored for the third game in a row to be joint top scorer; not bad for a right back. On this occasion he coolly beat the keeper from close range after Mick Leslie had headed the ball down to him.

Mick Greene’s first time pass gave Steve Walsh the opportunity to set up Steve Grier, but he shot first time and wide from the edge of the box , when a touch might have made sure.

A fantastic piece of skill by Steve Walsh gave Mick Leslie a chance from a narrow angle on the right, but the keeper blocked at the expense of a corner.

As the Sky Blues went all out for an equaliser, some gaps at the back were inevitable , abut after the local forward knocked the ball past Kevin Loftus, David Kernan, racing back towards goal, made a near miraculous clearance on the line, somehow lifting the ball up and on to the top of the bar and over.

A final flurry by Spartak saw a Stu Love cross evade the attackers and then Karl McCullough had a fierce shot blocked before Steve Grier fired the rebound over.

Heartbreak for a brave showing by those who were there.

Form Report
Kevin Loftus 5 David Kernan 8 Aodhan McCahill 7 Steve Grier 8 Karl McCullough 7 Stuart Love 9 Mick Leslie 6 Jason Northey 6 Ken Buckley 6 Evans Sarpong 6 Steve Walsh 8
Subs: Mick Greene 6 Shea McClafferty 6
No Shows – Niall Hanratty , Adam Doran, Lee Malone

14.9.14
Spartak 4, Woods Utd 1.

Spartak were slightly flattered by the scoreline as the visitors dominated the final twenty minutes before Steve Walsh applied the coup de grace deep into injury time.

Spartak started well but attacks were halted by possibly over enthusiastic Martin Costello interventions, conceding frees or getting caught offside. Either way MArtin did not see eye to eye with the ref on these calls. A nice move between Neil McGowan and Steve Walsh then saw Martin Costello race down the right, but his cross was poor, mainly due to the kick on the calf he received en route.

The opening score came on 23 minutes when a neat Aodhan McCahill /Neil McGowan combination sent Steve Walsh into the penalty area on the left; a couple of jinks left opposition players flat footed and the precise cross which evaded the defenders left Martin Costello a simple task from 6 yards.

The number of decent attacking moves by Spartak which were halted by a whistle for offside made for a build up of frustration and it seemed at one point that the referee had reverted to the pre 1927 offside rule which required 3 players between the attacker and the goal line. Steve Walsh was blown offside on the edge of the area while a visiting defender stood at the edge of the six yard box.

A Steve Grier throw flicked on by Seamus McCahill was met at the back post by Neil McGowan whose header back across goal beat the keeper and struck the angle of post and bar; but no Sky Blue player was following up for what would have been an easy tap in.

So Spartak reached the interval just a goal up, despite some energetic efforts.

On 59 minutes a Walsh corner dropped favorably to Neil McGowan who made no mistake from close range. Paul Kinsella and Ken Buckley then were foolishly booked complaining about a blatant foul on Steve Walsh which did not result in a free.

Spartak were now quite flat and relying on breakaways; but these were regularly halted by offside calls, and as they dropped deeper the visitors reduced arrears on 69 minutes.

The Sky Blues response was quick and the third goal on 72 minutes saw a long Steve Grier pass send Steve Walsh away down the left and he showed great composure in his run and finish.

Woods continued to boss the midfield and Martin Costello cleared off the line, Bobby scrambled away another effort and a miskick by Aodhan McCahill presented an easy chance missed by the visitors. The Sky Blues were shipping some physical punishment with Steve Grier on the end of one tackle which went completely unpunished.

Bookings mounted for Spartak, with Neil McGowan and Seamus McCahill carded for fouls, the latter not helped by Paul Kinsella’s blood curdling exhortations.

A 99th minute goal by Steve Walsh, who ignored a half hearted offside appeal, raced away and calmly rounded the keeper to score after Stuart Love had won the ball and sent him through wrapped things up for Spartak.

Form Report
Bobby Hayes 6 David Kernan 7 Aodhan McCahill 7 Steve Grier 7 Paul Kinsella 7 Stuart Love 7 Neil McGowan 7 Ken Buckley 5 Seamus McCahill 5 Martin Costello 6 Steve Walsh 8.
Sub: Mick Leslie 5

7.9.14
Valeview Shankill 2, Spartak 4

Three goals in a ten minute spell just after half time clinched the points for the Sky Blues in a tight game.

Valeview dominated the opening half and would consider themselves unfortunate not to be at least one goal ahead at the break, having spent the majority of the half in Spartak territory. Indeed the only Spartak effort of note was a long range Dave Kernan shot which was parried away, with Seamus McCahill tamely knocking the loose ball into the keeper’s hands.

Stuart Love, Jeff Gamble and Neil McGowan all made last ditch tackles tracking back , with the back four working overtime to stem the assault. Steve Grier was dominant in the aerial battles.

The whole complexion of the game quickly changed in the 48th minute and for the first time some Spartak defenders got forward. Aodhan McCahill won a tackle, raced forward before playing it back to Steve Grier; Steve’s long cross from the left found Steve Walsh lurking on the right hand side of the area and he controlled before firing home right footed.

The goal of the game came on 55 minutes, when Dave Kernan strode down the right from his own half. With home defenders backing off, he fired powerfully home from 25 yards.

Whwn a Paul Kinsella free caused the keeper to concede a corner, Neil McGowan nodded home Steve Walsh’s flag kick on 58 minutes.

Paul Kinsella, showing little in the way of composure, then managed to get himself yellow carded after a foul by a home player, who escaped sanction.

Stuart Love gave Jeff Gamble the assist for goal number 4 on 82 minutes to complete the Spartak tally. Martin Costello had two good chances, neither of which hit the target, when first played in by a McGowan-Walsh combination and then sent clear by a smashing Lee Malone crossfield pass.

With concentration dropping as players foolishly considered the game over the home side scored twice in the dying minutes, with ref playing 6 minutes of added time. Spartak were denied the clean sheet by some sloppy set piece defending.

Form Report
Bobby Hayes 7 David Kernan 9 Aodhan McCahill 7 Steve Grier 8 Paul Kinsella 6 Stuart Love 7 Neil McGowan 7 Jeff Gamble 7 Seamus McCahill 7 Martin Costello 7 Steve Walsh 7
Subs: Lee Malone 6 Niall Hanratty 5 Dave Browne 5 Ken Buckley Adam Doran

24.8.14
Spartak 1, Palmerstown 1

A late goal denied Spartak all three points, as the Sky Blues began their season on a grassy pitch in Marlay park.

The start of the season seems to have come too early for some players, and Spartak were also missing Graham Breen and Karl McCullough through injury.

A pedestrian first half was brightened only by some excursions down the right wing by David Kernan , but his crosses could not find a Spartak attacker. Steve Walsh featured briefly to fire past a post, while Stuart Love, the most industrious player on view, headed narrowly wide. At the other end a lapse of concentration by Lee Malone saw Paul Kinsella cover at the expense of a yellow card. Indeed in a separate incident Paul was fortunate not to concede a penalty with a clumsy barge which the ref adjudged to be just outside. Spartak also had a penalty shout when Steve Walsh was barged but claims were waved away.

Indecisive defending saw a Palmerstown forward have a clean run on goal, but Jason Northey pawed his effort away.

Spartak remained sluggish at the start of the second period with Lee Malone recklessly firing across his own penalty area to an opponent, who luckily fired wide.

Better passing by Spartak paved the way for the lead goal on the hour when Seamus McCahill coolly finished after a good passing move following Neil McGowan recovering a ball he had just lost to start the sequence.

Spartak were unlucky to have a “goal” chalked out for offside when a long cross by Paul Kinsella from deep eluded both David Kernan and the keeper for Neil McGowan to race in and stretch to net. A cross by Seamus McCahill then eluded Jeff Gamble just yards out.

Palmerstown had a nice move and the striker struck the post when an equaliser seemed inevitable.

Spartak were now playing on the break and Seamus McCahill played in Ciaran Keane who had a clear run on goal but the keeper blocked. On a couple of other occasions good passes released Steve Walsh but he was unluckily deemed offside.

With just 90 seconds to go a long ball by Palmerstown saw indecision by Jason Northey allow a simple looping header to equalise.

Form Report
Jason Northey 5 Lee Malone 5 Aodhan McCahill 7 Steve Grier 7 Paul Kinsella 7 Stuart Love 7 Neil McGowan 6 David Kernan 6 Seamus McCahill 7 Jeff Gamble 5 Steve Walsh 5
Subs: Ciaran Keane 5 Ken Buckley 5

6.8.14
Mt Merrion u18s/19s 1, Spartak 1

A late penalty miss by Seamus McCahill denied the Sky Blues a friendly victory over the Paul Burke managed Merrion side. Overall a draw was a fair result in a lively contest on the Benildus Astro.

A neatly taken Ross Kelly goal gave Spartak the lead early on but the locals equalised before the break when Jeff Gamble lost possession as Spartak broke well and fast, leaving scant cover, and Spartak were duly punished.

Niall Lennon had an industrious evening and passed well; Paul Kinsella and Martin Costello kept things tight at the back, and Conor Callis’ speed kept the Merrion defence on the back foot. Indeed a more direct approach by Conor might have paid dividends, but he did provide a couple of highlights, rounding the keeper only to have is shot blocked on the line, and later winning the penalty with his persistence.

Lee Malone, Fergus Burke and Stuart Love all had stints in central midfield, and all looked in need of the run to build fitness and sharpness. Ross Kelly toiled up front, showed good touches and had his goal as a reward for his efforts, but 45 minutes proved enough as he works towards fitness.

Jeff Gamble excited and frustrated his colleagues, often in the same move, and too often opted for the riskier passing option. Mick Greene filled two positions in turn adequately, first in goal and then at full back, while on the other flank Dave Browne had to resort to any available methods to combat the opposing winger’s pace.

A resourceful display and a decent step towards the oncoming season.

Man of the Match : Paul Kinsella

Form Report
Mick Greene 6 Lee Malone 5 Dave Browne 5 Paul Kinsella 7 Martin Costello 7 Fergus Burke 5 Jeff Gamble 5 Conor Callis 7 Ross Kelly 6 Niall Lennon 7 Stuart Love 5 David Kernan 7 Jason Northey 6 Seamus McCahill 6 Chris Hogan 6 Kevin Loftus 6

23.7.14
Celtic Park 3, Spartak 0.

The scoreline did not reflect the game as a whole; Spartak dominated the opening period in Beaumont Convent but failed to get on the scoresheet. Celtic Park fielded eleven fresh players at half time, and aided by a very soft penalty decision, went on to win.

In the last 20 minutes Spartak strove to get back in the game, throwing caution to the wind, and Ross Kelly and David Kernan each missed good chances close in. David Kernan and Jeff Gamble worked valiantly to get the attack going and showed decent stamina and skill.

The first half saw Spartak move the ball well and Kernan, Jeff Gamble and Conor Callis displayed energy and movement, but without applying the final, decisive, touch. In midfield Lee Malone and Shane McInerney kept the supply line to the front line going and supplied defensive cover.

Conor Callis shot over after an excellent move by Gamble and Lee Malone; Conor Canavan, sent clear by Malone, fired a cross over with men well placed inside; Shane McInerney’s cross found Jeff Gamble but his close in effort was cleared for a corner. Shots by Malone and Callis went close, and there were several goalmouth scrambles.

In defence there was little to do apart from a lapse when Chris Hogan was caught in possession, but Jason Northey advanced to block.

On 50 minutes the penalty was award for a push by Paul Kinsella and Celtic Park’s fresh team began to take control. A very soft second goal gave them a two goal advantage and the third goal was a result of Spartak going for broke in attack.

Positives in general play from the first half, but punishment often follows when teams don’t press home their advantage.

Man of the match : David Kernan

Form Report
Jason Northey 6 Chris Hogan 6 Ciaran Keane 7 Paul Kinsella 7 Dave Browne 6 Shane McInerney 6 Conor Canavan 6 David Kernan 8 Lee Malone 6 Jeff Gamble 7 Conor Callis 6
Subs: Kevin Loftus 6 Luke Foley 5 Aaron Ormerod 5 Stuart Love 5 Ross Kelly 5