Spartak Dynamo FC

SDFC 2 St Colmcille’s 2

Spartak over 35’s seemed to be heading for a win on Saturday at home to St Colmcilles when an equaliser 3 minutes from time caused disappointment all round.

Spartak started well and had a couple of early chances in the first half before a breakaway move was finished expertly by Ken Byrne. The joy was shortlived however when direct from the kick-off St Colmcilles attacked down the left, the cross found an unmarked player who volleyed past Jimmy Browne.  As the half wore on St Comcilles got on top and it required a couple of outstanding saves from Jimmy to keep Spartak in the game. On one attack however, Spartak should have had a penalty when a clear hand ball was ignored by the referee.

The second half saw Spartak regain control and after 10 minutes a good move resulted in Rory Campbell breaking free and finishing well to make the score 2-1. Neither side really threatened the goals thereafter until almost on full-time a hopeful shot from a Colmcilles player looped over Jimmy’s head to really dampen the spirits of the home side. A deflated Spartak almost conceded a losing goal when a good shot hit the underside of the bar before being cleared.

While everyone was disappointed with a draw having held the lead for so long, on reflection it was Colmcilles who had the better chances and would certainly argue they deserved the draw.

I think all would agree that the team effort and performance on this occasion was somewhat below par. 

The spartak panel was Jimmy Browne, Tony Kavanagh, Dave Mohan, John Hallihan, Leon David, Ken Byrne, Brian Stafford, Barry Crowe, Frank McNamee, Rory Campbell, Paul Burke, Mark Byrne, Gavin McLaughlan, Ray Grady, Stephen Carr.

With the table quiz and medal presentation night on Thursday there will be no training so full player turn out will be expected. The quiz has in the past been a good source of extra funds for the club so please make an effort to be there. Tables of 4 per team with cash prizes for the winners. Even if you come up on your own we will get a team for you. If anyone can get their hands on any spot prizes that would be great too…..bottles of wine, whiskey etc or anything. The venue is the bar in the Firhouse Community Centre. We are kicking off from 8.30pm.

Knockmitten 1 SDFC 0

Spartak over 35’s suffered their second defeat of the season away to Knockmitten on Saturday. The home side applied a lot of pressure for much of the game but for sheer will and effort Spartak deserved to take something from the game. Playing against a strong breeze in the first half the best chance fell to Frank McNamee who headed over an empty goal following a very good move and perfect cross from Gerry Doran.

It remained scoreless until midway through the second half when Knockmitten broke down the right, applied a good cross and the striker’s finish to the top of the net left Leo Gartlan (playing very well) with no chance. Spartak to their credit never gave up and a good long range effort from Barry Crowe was the closest the team came to an equaliser.

The Spartak back four were excellent all through, midfield competed well and overall the effort was good.  Unfortunately poor finishing cost the team on the day. It was also disappointing to see that Knockmitten were happy to breach the spirit of the over 35 competition by playing at least three underage players.

The spartak panel was Leo Gartlan, Tony Kavanagh, Dave Mohan, Tom Maher, Gerry Doran, Ken Byrne, Brian Stafford, John Hallihan, Barry Crowe, Frank McNamee, Rory Campbell, Mark Byrne, Leon David, Jason Doyle.

A €50 prize for the month of October fantasy football winner – provided annuals up to date. So get cracking, and keep an eye on Glen!

Spartak 3 Ashbourne Utd 1

Spartak recorded their first league win at home on Saturday against a determined Ashbourne side. Although the first half was a pretty tight affair Spartak were slightly on top and did create a few openings. Barry Crowe, Ray Grady and Tom Maher all had half chances but failed to break the deadlock.

The game opened up in the second half with both teams tiring somewhat. Spartak opened the scoring early in the half when a neat passing move resulted in a tap in for Mark Byrne.  Despite loud protests for offside by the opposition, the goal stood.  A few minutes later a harmless cross bounced awkwardly and struck Dave Mohan on the arm resulting in the referee awarding a harsh penalty which was converted.  Spartak pressed for a winner and were rewarded when Barry Crowe scored with a good finish.  The points were made secure in the 90th minute when a free kick from Barry Crowe deflected off Tom Maher to make it 3-1. Just reward for Tom having hit the post with an excellent header earlier in the half.

An unfortunate hand injury to Jimmy Browne early in the game was the only downside in what was a very good performance all round. Greg Callan deputised to good effect between the sticks.

The spartak panel was Jimmy Browne , Tom Maher, Dave Mohan, Leon David, Greg Callan, Ken Byrne, Gavin McLaughlan, Brian Stafford, Stephen Carr, Frank McNamee, Ray Grady, Paul Burke, Mark Byrne, Aaron Doran.

Saturday team at home to Manor Town 2.30pm

Sunday Team are away to Fetercairn in the Leinster Junior Cup

Over 35’s are at home to Ashbourne

SDFC Over 35 game V Colmcilles off. Please meet at dressing room in Marlay at 2pm for training by order of the management.

Saturday Team – E.I.D F.C v Spartak Dynamo. Herbert Park 2.30pm

Sunday Team – Queens Park v Spartak Dynamo. Brickfields 11am

SDFC 0 Dundrum 1

Spartak over 35’s opened their campaign with a one nil home defeat to Dundrum this weekend. The game which was played in searing heat was a closely fought and competitive contest with both teams evenly matched. In contrast to the previous weekend’s friendly when Dundrum opened Spartak up easily in the second half, this was a much more resolute and determined performance from the home side. Dundrum opened the scoring mid-way through the first half with an excellent cross (despite some good covering) providing the in rushing midfielder with a simple header.

The second half saw Spartak push hard for an equaliser and come close on at least 3 occasions. Despite being on top for much of the latter part of the game Spartak could not make the breakthrough that the efforts deserved. With the home side pressing forward Dundrum did have a couple of chances on the break but failed to convert. Overall it was a decent performance from Spartak with some good football played and plenty of effort on display. The spartak panel was Jimmy Browne , Tony Kavanagh, Dave Mohan, Leon David, Greg Callan, Ken Byrne, Gavin McLaughlan, Brian Stafford, Glen Carr, Frank McNamee, Rory Campbell, Ray Grady, Paul Burke, Mark Byrne, John Hallahan.

Tuesday training in 3 Rock on the front astro pitch- be there for 9.45

Thursday astro training at new venue – St Kilian’s German School on Roebuck Road – be there for 8.45.