Spartak Dynamo FC

9 Nov Ballyfermot (away) -2-2
16 Nov Killinardden (away) 2-4
23 Nov Larkview ( home) 4-4
30 Nov Harding (away) 1-3
14 Dec Caragh Rangers 1, Spartak 4

After a fine burst of form , November was not a good month for the over 35s, starting with a draw against Ballyfermot and who let a two goal lead slip against Larkview while slipping up away to Harding and Killinarden.

However a fine away performance against Caragh on the windiest day of the year got back in the groove and the Over 35s now lie third in the division.

Brian Farrelly is top scorer for the Seniors with 10 so far, and Paddy Hughes with 8 and Brian Burgess with 6 are in close attendance. Gerr Doran’s goal against Caragh allows him to join son Adam on the goalscoring chart.

The leading club goalscorers as at the mid season break are:

11 Steve Walsh
10 Brian Farrelly
8 Paddy Hughes
6 Brian Burgess
6 Jeff Gamble
5 Thomas Gaynor
5 David Berry
4 Eugene Duff
4 Neil McGowan
4 Kevin O Connell
4 Stephen Barr

15.12.13
Leixlip 2, Spartak 3

Spartak edged this close encounter on the Leixlip Astro in the last game before the Christmas break.

In truth better finishing would have clinched the game earlier for the Sky Blues, who had to come back from 2-1 down in the last quarter to win. Steve Walsh was particularly profligate in this regard and Spartak’s top scorer, on another day, could easily have had a hat trick.

Martin Costello betrayed the edginess going into this game by conceding a free, and a yellow card, early on. Ken Buckley, who later settled well, set the local winger away with a loose ball but the shot was wasteful.

Spartak made the breakthrough mid way through the half when Neil McGowan was fouled and Stev Walsh flighted the free kick for Seamus McCahill to glance home.

Having taken the lead Spartak, never comfortable defensively on the day, conceded on the half hour when after an error by Lee Malone, his central defensive colleagues were all too easily beaten by a forward run and the equaliser was inevitable – 1-1.

Steve Walsh and Neil McGowan missed a couple of chances between them before a Leixlip breakaway from a Spartak corner saw Mick Greene pull off a vital stop.

The second half saw some fine attacking play by Spartak, with Walsh, McGowan, Derek Ruxton and Stuart Love combining well; but Steve Walsh was off goalscoring form and missed quite a few opportunities; then on 67 minutes Leixlip converted a free kick to lead against the run of play.

Spartak responded and redoubled their efforts to get something from the game.

With 15 minutes to go Seamus McCahill burst forward and when his shot was blocked Derek Ruxton slotted in for the equaliser. Neil McGowan and Steve Walsh were shipping some heavy tackles and on late tackle saw the home side receive a double punishment as the defender got a second yellow and Walsh’s free was forced in by Stuart Love for the winning goal and the vital three points.

Form Report
Mick Greene 7 Lee Malone 5 Dave Browne 6 Seamus McCahill 6 Martin Costello 6 Fergus Burke 6 Neil McGowan 7 Ken Buckley 6 Derek Ruxton 7 Stuart Love 7 Steve Walsh 7
Subs : Conor Callis 5 Paul Kinsella 5 Mick Leslie 5 Dermot Dooley

Friday 20th December in the Eden will see Spartak’s night out and of course the vital fundraising raffle.

A kick about prior to the social end of the night will take place on the Marlay Astro at 7pm.

Please make sure to get tickets and cash in well before the 20th so we can concentrate on the social aspect on the night.

8.12.13
Spartak 1, Meath Rangers 4

Usually a goal with the last kick of the game produces a dramatic outcome; not so on this occasion as Martin Costello’s neatly taken effort was scant consolation for what had gone before.
December conditions were ideal for good football, but unfortunately Spartak had left their appetite at home. Meath did not have to be at their best to easily overcome a Sky Blue team that was far off the pace.

One down at the break, when both full backs were exposed in the same move, not for the only time, and only a couple of saves from Jason Northey kept the scoreline at a reasonable level from which to launch a comeback.

When Steve Walsh’s effort from a free kick cannoned off the underside of the bar, Spartak’s best chance of an equaliser diminished as Meath began to boss the game.

Goals for the visitors were sure to follow and so, as Spartak legs tired and concentrion dropped even lower, they followed on quick succession with hardly token resistance, while Jason Northey saved a penalty conceded by Dave Browne to keep the score down.

One of those games you wish never happened; and particularly disheartening after a few decent displays. The after match atmosphere was glum and some hard work required to get the performance levels back up.

Form Report:
Jason Northey 7 Dave Browne 4 Paul Kinsella 4 Dave O Kelly 6 Martin Costello 5 Fergus Burke 5 Neil McGowan 4 Niall Hanratty 4 Derek Ruxton 4 Thomas Gaynor 4 Steve Walsh 5 Lee Malone 5

17.11.13
Beechwood 2, Spartak 2

Another fine Spartak performance against a top 4 side on the Marlay Astro saw the points shared; Spartak looked to be reasonably in control until at 1-1 Martin Costello’s error gave the home side a soft score; but were grateful for the point when a brilliant Jason Northey save from a point blank effort foiled Beechwood at the death.

Beechwood started like a house on fire with the right winger giving Dave Browne a torrid time; but a combination of blocks and clearances kept out the danger, until a poor Neil McGowan pass gave away possesion to the home left winger; he was faced with several Sky Blue clad defenders but scored with some ease.

On the half hour mark some good pressing work saw Thomas Gaynor intercept and play a 1/2 with Derek Ruxton before sweeping home from 18 yards.

Spartak improved considerably in the second half with a McGowan cross coming back off the inside of the post and Thomas Gaynor making good runs on the left in support of the raiding Steve Walsh.

With the home side taking the lead on 61 minutes against the run of play, it took till the 79th minute when a Gaynor foray saw his cross touched on by Paul Kinsella for Stephen Barr to force in from close range.

A Ruxton – Walsh move gave Barr a clear sight of goal but he fired over for what was Spartak’s best opportunity for a winner; but Northey saved the day right at the end.

Form Report
Jason Northey 8 Paul Kinsella 7 Dave Browne 5 Sean Doyle 7 Martin Costello 6 Fergus Burke 7 Neil McGowan 6 Derek Ruxton 6 Thomas Gaynor 7 Thom O’Driscoll 6 Steve Walsh 7
Sub Stephen Barr 6

1.12.13
Spartak 4, Sallynoggin Pearse 3

Spartak had to rely on two late goals to clinch this game after going two up inside the opening nine minutes.

Stev Walsh was tumbled in the box by the keeper after just 50 seconds and Stephen Barr made no mistake from the spot. On 9 minutes a quick Paul Kinsella throw gave Steve Walsh room to manoeuvre the ball onto his left foot and lash it home from 20 yards.

Keith Kelly , on the burst, then chose the wrong option, passing to a tightly marked Derek Ruxton, who could only shoot weakly at the keeper.

Then things went very sour for the Sky Blues; Sallynoggin pulled one back as the defence backed off; then a sloppily conceded corne by Jason Northey saw an equaliser as the flag kick, half cleared, was smashed in. From a Spartak throw, possession was gifted to the visitors and Fergus Burke tripped the forward. It seemed outside the box, but the ref pointed to the spot . Luckily the kicker saw his shot crash off the post and fly to safety.

But Sallynoggin were not to be denied their lead and a quick ball turned back into the box saw the chance converted. 2-3 down and injuries forced off Keith Kelly and Stephen Barr.

The second half saw a better Spartak performance overall, with chances created for Martin Costello and Steve Walsh as Spartak sought an equaliser. With just 4 minutes left a Derek Ruxton pass sent Stev Walsh into the box on the right; he was clipped – peno! Up stepped Sean Doyle on this occasion to equalise.

But relief was soon to turn to joy on 88 minutes as , after a foul on Niall Hanratty, Sean Doyle whipped a quick free in Steve Walsh’s direction; with the keeper advancing off his line Steve neatly placed the ball over his head and into the top corner.

A very welcome three points indeed.

Form Report
Jason Northey 6 Paul Kinsella 7 Dave Browne 6 Sean Doyle 7 Martin Costello 6 Fergus Burke 7 Stephen Barr 7 Niall Hanratty 6 Derek Ruxton 6 Keith Kelly 6 Steve Walsh 9
Subs : Lee Malone 5 Dave O Kelly 6

22.11.13
Larkview 3, Spartak 2

Spartak almost snatched an unlikely victory against the runaway league leaders on a freezing Friday night in Larkview.

The talking points mostly relate to the last 8 minutes, when Spartak were, up to then, resolutely defending a 2-0 half time lead.

On 82 minutes, Adam Doran , immense in goal in the absence of Jason Northey, tried to take a quick free but slipped and gifted the home forward a goal. Much worse was to follow as the ref, well in control up to that point, began awarding a string of free kicks the home side’s way; Stephen Barr for once missed the header from one such free and a home forward had lots of time at the far post to equalise; another free and the home centre half rose to nod home the winner.

A sickening end to a wonderful 80 minutes from Spartak, who defended with discipline, attacked with impunity and made the most of their chances. In truth until the unfortunate Doran error, Larkview had largely run out of ideas.

Against the run of play Fergus Burke played in Steve Walsh on 40 minutes to secure the lead; on the stroke of half time Stephen Barr and Steve Walsh played in Keith Kelly; without waiting to run on he arrowed a fine volley to make it 2-0.

Just after half time Barr nodded just wide from a Niall Hanratty free kick.

While the form is improving, points are elusive despite great efforts.

Form Report
Adam Doran 8 Dave Browne 6 Paul Kinsella 8 Martin Costello 8 Stephen Barr 9 Fergus Burke 8 Neil McGowan 7 Niall Hanratty 7 Derek Ruxton 7 Keith Kelly 7 Steve Walsh 8 Lee Malone 5 Dave O Kelly 5
Subs: Lee Malone 5 Dave O Kelly 5

3.11.13
Meath Rangers 4, Spartak 3

Its always sore to lose a game which should have been sewn up; this was one of those games.

Despite Meath starting sharper on a near perfect Stannaway pitch, Spartak created enough to win. An error by Ken Buckley gave the hosts an early opportunity, but Jason Northey pulled off a fine save; then Niall Hanratty, Derek Ruxton and Dave Browne got into a mess but the home forward missed the proverbial opener. It was no surprise when Meath took the lead on 16 minutes.

It took just two minutes for Spartak to respond, with Fergus Burke winning the ball and feeding Derek Ruxton on the right. The cross fell neatly for Steve Walsh to finish.

A Ken Buckley pass put Stu Love in on the left and his cross cum shot fell to Steve Walsh with the goal gaping, but the usually reliable winger put it over from a couple of yards. Then a Buckley pass allowed Walsh to unleash a stinging shot, which was pushed over by the keeper.

A faulty offside appeal let Meath in again but Martin Costello made a great saving tackle.

A Niall Hanratty handball gave a free kick opportunity, which Jason Northey touched onto the bar.

On 52 minutes Spartak took the lead as Stu Love released Steve Walsh to round the keeper and score and Spartak were reasonably comfortable, defending well and looking for a third on the break.

But on 74 minutes Stu Love was harshly adjudged to have handled and, the penalty scored, Meath had fresh impetus.

A couple of bad errors gave away two quick goals before the Sky Blues could regain their composure. from 2-1 to 2-4 in a matter of minutes.

Spartak responded. Thomas Gaynor voleyed two efforts over the bar; Stu Love could not force the ball over the line under challenge; finally a penalty award allowed Neil McGowan to bring it back to 3-4.

Despite a wave of attacks, Meath held on.

Form Report
Jason Northey 7 Niall Hanratty 5 Dave Browne 5 Seamus McCahill 6 Martin Costello 6 Fergus Burke 6 Neil McGowan 6 Stuart Love 7 Ken Buckley 5 Derek Ruxton 5 Steve Walsh 7
Subs: Thos Gaynor 5 Mark Brady 5

10.11.13
Ballybrack 1, Spartak 0

Any neutral viewing this game would find it hard to believe Spartak are struggling in the league while Ballbrack lie a comfortable second.

One long range effort beat Jason Northey for the decider; but for the second half Spartak had things their own way but could not grab that elusive goal.

Sean Doyle and Martin Costello made an effective centre back pairing while subs Gaynor, Doran and O’Driscoll all made a positive impact.

An O’Driscoll free was nodded just wide by Neil McGowan; Derek Ruxton blazed over when through on goal; Steve Walsh was foiled by last minute interventions on a few occasions; indeed Spartak could have taken the lead after a fine Walsh rn saw his effort deflected onto a post by a despairing defender’s dive, with Paul Kinsella just failing the force in the rebound.

An excellent performance without reward.

Form Report
Jason Northey 6 Paul Kinsella 7 Dave Browne 6 Sean Doyle 8 Martin Costello 8 Fergus Burke 6 Neil McGowan 6 Derek Ruxton 5 Ken Buckley 5 Stuart Love 5 Steve Walsh 7
Subs : Adam Doran 7 Thomas Gaynor 6 Thom O Driscoll 6

Sean Lynam, former Spartak goalkeeper, passed away at home late on Nov 4th, 2013.

The sad news was relayed to the club by former Chairman Ian Leslie, whose wife Brigid helped take care of Sean during his illness.

Sean joined Spartak as a schoolboy, at Ian’s instigation, and made 373 appearances, and after many schoolboy games graduated to the senior side, featuring in league title winning teams in Div 2A LSL 1990 and Premier 1 1993.

Sean, a big man, was always an imposing figure in the Spartak goalmouth. Among the playing highlights were penalty saves to help win the cup final shoot out against Stillorgan in 1990 and keeping a clean sheet in the winning cup final the following year. He is also credited with once scoring a goal for the club, although details are shrouded in the mists of time!

Sean, and his close pals Frank O’Brien and Dave Keegan were a central feature of Spartak games for many years, and soldiered in successful and struggling sides with equanimity. These three were also keen cricketers, with Sean an aggressive and effective fast bowler.

Sean’s wife Trish always took an active part in Spartak affairs, not least in cajoling her brother, Joe Costello, to line out for Brian Mahon’s side during the 90s.

Sean was great company and possessed a dry sense of humour and was very popular with his team mates. Having missed the 40th club party, he declared he would be there for the real party on the 50th anniversary.

Just last Saturday Sean was able to have a few drinks with a few of his pals, including quite a few Sky Blues. Many sporting tales were retold and some had acquired extra detail over time!

All who knew him at Spartak will miss him.

Sincere condolences to Trish and to the Lynam and Costello families on their loss.