Spartak Dynamo FC

23.9.18
Spartak 6, Tymon Bawn 0

A three goal salvo in the opening ten minutes put Spartak firmly in control of this game. Ger Byrne got two opportunist scores before Niall Hanratty finished a cross by Cian Stenson.
Spartak went close to conceding when Dave O’Kelly gave away possession at the edge of the box, but the visiting striker pulled his shot wide from a promising position.
Neil McGowan added number four, running on to a Cian Stenson pass before slotting home.

The second half was a damage limitation exercise for the visitors, but Neil McGowan and Niall Hanratty added goals to complete the scoring.

Form Report
Adam Doran 6 Keith Kelly 6 Tom O’Driscoll 6 Steve Grier 7 Dave O’Kelly 5 Stuart Love 6 Neil McGowan 6 Niall Hanratty 6 Owen Marron 5 Ger Byrne 6 Cian Stenson 6
Subs: Mick Leslie 5 Niall Lennon 6 Jimmy Dawson 5

16.9.18
Woodfarm 2, Spartak 2

It certainly felt like an opportunity missed, although Woodfarm had a glorious chance very late on which struck the woodwork, and which could have snatched victory against a tiring Sky Blue outfit.

Spartak were somewhat depleted, with Jimmy Dawson starting for the second time in the weekend, but opened well enough, and moved the ball through the thirds calmly. Keith Kelly had a great long range effort which hit the bar, and it was form Keith’s throw that Stuart Love flicked on which lured the keeper out to punch the ball straight to Amin Afsar, 15 yards out, and he neatly lobbed the ball in.

Spartak looked favourites to add to the scoreline before the break, but instead the locals equalised, against the run of play, after the winger came inside, evading tackles from Tom O’Driscoll and Neil McGowan to shoot in from outside the box.

The Sky Blues got the dream start to the second half, with Owen Marron pivoting to fire home left footed, after a good move involving Cian Stenson, Amin Afsar and Jeff Gamble. Then almost immediately Stuart Love and Jeff gamble combined to set up Cian Stenson, but he shot wide with the keeper out of position.

As injuries and tiredness set it, Spartak created few more chances and it was the home team who grew stronger, equalising before fashioning a few chances.

Form Report
Niall Hanratty 5 Keith Kelly 6 Tom O’Driscoll 5 Neil McGowan 6 Dave O’Kelly 6 Stuart Love 6 Jimmy Dawson 6 Jeff Gamble 5 Owen Marron 6 Amin Afsar 5 Cian Stenson 6
Subs: Conor Brady 5 Kevin Murphy 6 Ger Byrne 5

Friday June 1st sees the annual awards night in the Eden House.

Three players have reached the 200 game milestone, namely Stuart Love, Niall Hanratty and Chris Hogan (That’s Tubes to the uninitiated).

Club Man of the Year has the usual batch of previous winners in Jason Doyle, Mick Greene, Paul McGowan and Barry Crowe, with Ger Byrne, Chris Hogan and Stuart Love and Shea McClafferty also nominated

For Sunday Player of the Year, Ger Byrne and Stuart Love (again) along with Steve Grier, Jeff Gamble Dave Kernan and Dave Browne comprise the list of candidates

Saturday Player of the Year nominations are Greg Byrne, Mick Leslie, Cian Stenson, Sean Doyle and Chris Hogan, and a wildcard nomination for Gerry McGuinness.

6.5.18
Spartak 4, DAA 2

A third win in five games boosted the Sky Blues.

Despite having the minor share of possession and opportunities, Spartak took their chances admirably to garner three more valuable points.

However, the visitors will rue their lack of finishing power, and curse the goal line clearances made by Spartak defenders to deny them on several occasions. Spartak lived dangerously early on, but were lifted by a well taken Jeff Gamble goal. Collecting the ball from Jimmy Dawson, he shrugged off a defender before taking the chance early from 25 yards. An unmarked Dublin Airport player equalised and almost immediately added number two. Spartak were now under siege and defensive laxity allowed the visitors chances to extend their lead, as they grew in confidence. Occasional breakaways led by Ger Byrne and Jeff Gamble were the only respite. Against the run of play, however, Cian Stenson took advantage of a defensive error to equalise with a calmly taken finish just before the break.

Spartak settled well after the break and Stuart Love headed just over from Tom O’Driscoll’s corner kick. The lead goal came on the hour mark; an incisive Cian Stenson pass, some good work by Ger Byrne and then Tom O’Driscoll, hitherto quiet, shot powerfully home from the edge of the box for a belated first goal of the season.

DAA then missed an easy chance after Kevin Loftus raced out to head the ball clear, but got no distance. An even easier chance was foiled after Ian Harmon and Kevin Loftus were rounded, but Billy O’Neill somehow got back to clear off the line.

Spartak put the cream on the cake when Tom O’Driscoll released Cian Stenson on the right, and his cross was met with a fine Gamble header to seal the win. Jeff Gamble then had a credible penalty claim denied near the end.

Not the greatest performance, but four fine goals to remember.

Form Report
Kevin Loftus 6 Cian Stenson 8 Billy O’Neill 6 Ian Harmon 7 Dave Browne 7 Stuart Love 6 Conor Brady 6 Jeff Gamble 8 Jimmy Dawson 7 Ger Byrne 8 Tom O’Driscoll 6
Sub: Dave O’Kelly 6

22.4.18
Spartak 4, Cabinteely 0

Spartak gained some measure of revenge for a cup exit at the hands of Cabinteely, but were somewhat flattered by the margin of victory.

An excellent solo goal by Ger Byrne gave Spartak the early lead, but the visitors struck back, shooting powerfully against the crossbar and then missing an easy chance.

Ger Byrne terrorised the Cabinteely back line throughout, and was unlucky to finish with only one goal, while also being denied a clear penalty when the keeper impeded him. The Cabinteely keeper played well and foiled him with good saves on at least three occasions.

Ger then provided the assist to the second goal, a flashing header from Dave Kernan. Dave was later awarded man of the match by the visiting LSL representative.

As Cabinteely faded, Dave Kernan sent Cian Stenson in to round the keeper and add number three, and Stuart Love finished the scoring after lashing in when Steve Grier headed down a free kick.

Form Report
Kevin Loftus 6 Ian Harmon 7 Darragh Logue 7 Seamus McCahill 8 Dave Browne 7 Stuart Love 8 Neil McGowan 7 Dave Kernan 8 Steve Grier 7 Ger Byrne 8 Tom O’Driscoll 7
Subs: Niall Lennon 6 Cian Stenson 7

25.3.18
Sallynoggin Pearse 0, Spartak 1

With a number of regulars missing through injury, Spartak travelled to Rochestown Avenue to contest this relegation battle on the undulating slopes of Pearse Park. Three players had succumbed to injuries at one unfortunate training session, and so Owen Marron, Niall Lennon and Neil McGowan were unable to play, although Niall, the ever reliable club man, togged out. Messrs Grier and Logue were away in exotic climes, while Billy O’Neill had succumbed to a deadly tummy bug. John Luke Hayes, a goalkeeper, was pressed into action on the wing, while Shane McInerney made a very effective first appearance of an injury ravaged season.

Despite these apparent handicaps, the Sky Blues opened brightly, making good use of the ball through Steve Walsh and Seamus McCahill, while Stuart Love gave an action man impression in centre mid.

A keeper error saw Jeff Gamble get an early opportunity, but he fired wide as the keeper tried to regain his position. Stuart Love sent Ger Byrne away, and his cross from the back line beat the keeper, but just eluded Jeff Gamble as he tussled with a defender. Stuart Love headed wide from the resulting corner.

Just on half time , it seemed Spartak had taken the lead. A lung bursting run down the right saw Jeff Gamble break clear, and, as the keeper advance, he squared the ball to the unmarked Ger Byrne, who slotted in. Astonishingly, the ref gave offside!

Sallynoggin, despite having less of the play, had a couple of chances of their own but were wide on two promising occasions.

Right at the start of the second period it seemed the home side must go ahead. The number 17 intercepted a goal kick, rounded Kevin Loftus, and then inexplicably blazed the ball hurriedly over the empty goal. An incredible miss.

A tussle on the half way line saw Ger Byrne yellow carded, with the opposing number 4 receiving a red for a retaliatory kick.

Spartak were again denied when Dave Kernan’s header from Steve Walsh’s corner was pulled back from over the line by the keeper, but then the breakthrough came midway through the half. A Dave Browne long throw caused a scramble in the goalmouth, Dave Kernan retrieved the ball ahead of the keeper, and Ger Byrne drove in the loose ball.

Sallynoggin, although a man short, played some decent stuff; Kevin Loftus made a good save, and a number of crosses drifted dangerously across the box. In general the Spartak defence held firm, but a long misplaced back pass by Tom O’Driscoll saw a big chance for the home side, but the effort was lobbed too high.

A fine move saw Ger Byrne and Steve Walsh combine to feed Jeff Gamble, who shot weakly instead of sending the unmarked Dave Kernan in on goal.
As injury time loomed, a poor Kevin Loftus kick caused a degree of panic and last ditch defending, before the ref blew a welcome final whistle.

Form Report
Kevin Loftus 7 Dave Kernan 7 Steve Walsh 7 Seamus McCahill 8 Dave Browne 7 Shane McInerney 7 Stuart Love 8 Tom O’Driscoll 7 Jeff Gamble 7 Ger Byrne 8 JohnLuke Hayes 6
Sub: Ian Harmon 7

19.3.18

The Annual General Meeting will take place in the Eden House on Tuesday 27th March at 9.15pm. Those who have paid annual membership may attend.

25/2/18
Spartak 1, Cabinteely 2

The Sky Blues exited the cup in a tight contest in Marlay.

Ger Byrne gave the Sky Blues the lead on the quarter hour mark with a loveley finish after running on to Steve Walsh’s incisive through ball.
A determined visiting side pushed Spartak back and equalised midway through the half with a firm shot, struck from the edge of the box as a headed clearance fell to the unattended forward.

Kevin Loftus made a few sharp stops as Cabinteely pressed their advantage, but there was no further scoring in the first half.

An early second half goal proved to be the winner for Cabinteely. Dave Kernan was dispossessed and a quick through ball saw the visiting number 10 run clear through the middle and finish. There may have been a suspicion of offside but the goal stood.

Spartak huffed and puffed but lacked the guile to create an equaliser and struggled to match the visitors in midfield. Seamus McCahill headed just over and Billy O’Neill fired over with an angled effort, while Cabinteeley struck the woodwork at the other end.

Form Report
Kevin Loftus 7 Dave Browne 6 Billy O’Neill 6 Seamus McCahill 6 Darragh Logue 6 Stuart Love 6 Niall Lennon 5 Steve Grier 5 Dave Kernan 6 Ger Byrne 6 Steve Walsh 5.
Subs: Owen Marron 5, Tom O’Driscoll 5 Aodhan McCahill 5 Ian Harmon 5.

4.2.18
Spartak 1, Sallynoggin 1

Overnight and early morning rain made the pitch very heavy for this contest between two old rivals.

Sallynoggin started much the better side and were somewhat unfortunate to go in at the interval without scoring, having had much the better of the play. The assured presence of Greg Byrne in the Spartak goal, who dealt capably with shots and crosses, set the tone for a decent defensive display, and clear chances were few and far between in the first half for either side. Indeed the Sky Blues had very few first half opportunities in a lacklustre half. Ger Byrne raced onto a Jeff Gamble flick, but his touch was too heavy and the ball ran on to the keeper. When the visiting custodian kicked out weakly, Neil McGowan sent Jeff Gamble through but he shot early and over. Spartak’ best first half move saw Steve Grier, Jeff Gamble and Owen Marron combine to set up Ger Byrne, but his effort was blocked.

Spartak began the second half as though they meant business, and Stuart Love , twice, and Neil McGowan went close. Sallynoggin then missed a big chance when Greg Byrne parried a shot, but on 56 minutes the visitors went ahead in controversial circumstances. A push on a Spartak defender saw a forward get free, and his cross was tapped in by an unmarked colleague.
Almost immediately Niall Lennon and Owen Marron carved out a clear chance for Ger Byrne, but he pulled the ball just wide. Tom O’Driscoll then had a chance with a ball that rebounded quickly to him twelve yards out, but he fired over.

Ger Byrne, through again, took a touch too many before trying to round the keeper, who fouled him as the ball ran wide. Much to Ger’s chagrin , he was booked for diving. In a big scramble the ball then bounced on top of the bar back into play before being cleared.

Sallynoggin were denied in a rare breakaway by the advancing Greg Byrne, before a penalty was awarded for a foul on Steve Grier. There was a considerable delay as the visitors protested long and loud, and Steve Grier’s penalty was weak and easily gathered by the keeper.

With time running out, Darragh Logue, deployed as an emergency striker, forced the ball over the line from close range to give Spartak a share of the points.

The Sky Blues had enough chances to win, but had to battle hard to get something from the game.

Form Report
Greg Byrne 7 Dave Kernan 6 Billy O’Neill 6 Steve Grier 6 Darragh Logue 7 Stuart Love 6 Neil McGowan 6 Jeff Gamble 5 Niall Lennon 6 Ger Byrne 5 Owen Marron 6
Subs: Seamus McCahill 6 Tom O’Driscoll 6 Aodhan McCahill 6

5.1.18
Balbriggan 3, Spartak 0

A long Friday night trek to a dismal windy, cold and wet astro in Balbriggan was the setting for Spartak’s opening game of 2018, the first after the Christmas break.

After a decent first half showing, the Sky Blues faded badly in the second period, and were grateful for some decent stops by Dan Galvin.

The best chances fell to Ger Byrne in the opening half, when put through by Steve Walsh, but Ger opted for power over precision and fired over the crossbar. Tom O’Driscoll gave Ger another opportunity but the ball was screwed wide, while Steve Grier drew a good save from the home stopper.

The second period saw the home side add two deserved goals, while for Spartak it was a damage limitation exercise.

Form Report
Dan Galvin 8 Dave Kernan 6 Billy O’Neill 5 Steve Grier 5 Darragh Logue 5 Tom O’Driscoll 5 Neil McGowan 5 Mick Leslie 5 Niall Lennon 5 Ger Byrne 5 Steve Walsh 5
Subs: Andre Gabriel 5 Cian Donohoe 5