Under a very hot day afternoon 32 degrees– first text message was from Sanjoy our assistant manager too much BBQ beer hung over mate. No show! None-the-less we carried on regardless, the rest of the day proceeded pretty smoothly as it unfolded.

Throughout the games we employed a 3-2-1 formation to the strength of our squad.

With the following player:

GK – Andy Booth, (DEF) Pablo, Andy H, Andy Mc, (MID) Richie, Tom R,(FW) Forlan.

Rotating subs Colin, Scott K, Jeff, Chi

First game (Legal Head) 1:1 we conceded an early goal, and then Tom R powerful midfield volley blasted into the back of the net got us out of our deficit, making a name for himself in the Nite Spartan history books of scoring the first goal in this competition ever.

Second game (Goodfellas) 1:0 win goal from the formidable Forlan. (we got 4 points!)

Third game (Soho Casuals) 0:2 lost, a managers tactical error too much emphasis on their star player, ‘should have just played our own game.” Quote from Pablo

Fourth game ( Corinthians) 1:0 win, an goal by young Forlan again and Cowley combining well ( we have 7 points!)

Fifth game we lost 3:0 to the very good Monopoly (who went on to beat the Spartans for the league cup.) 

 

The Nite Spartans came 3rd in the group stages and advanced to the Plate “knockout competition. We managed to go beyond expectation. The lads were delighted with a good all round performance from everyone, Pablio in particular creating cover as our central defender (sweeper) played well.  Along with Tom and Forlan scoring vital goals, got us through to this stage.

 

The Plate competition stages:

Quarter finals Round 1 (Hearts) 1-1 we conceded an easy goal early on, however we were the came back kings with great attacking on the opposition half in the last 5mins. About 3 mins to go,  Cowley shot and Forlan  capitalized off the bounce from the defender and goal keeper to score. The team was ecstatic, celebrations all round and we moved onto the penalty stages.  

PENALTIES:

Andy booth reflexes like panther made a fantastic diving save, Cowley then placed a lovely taken goal, Jeff missed by a lick of paint, Forlan great goal. Then back to Andy Booth who saved the third penalty and becomes our hero of the match.  Great result!

 

Semi finals Round 2 (Revolution) 1:0 win it was a tough match but chi made a vital tackled on two revolution players lays ball to Forlan, who manages to make a strike which hit the defender then in to the goal off the keepers back. We hung on their defensively for the last three minutes. An ugly goal but the Nites are through Wowee unbelievable.

Final (Studz) 0:1 Lost, it was a tight game however with Flabbo as the Studz master mind they outwitted us by using their width. That’s football!

 

Great day out and thanks to Sanoy pre-match tactical advice, it was fantastic team effort all round, the 2011 Nite Spartan team should be very proud of making a bit history.

Everyone played well! taking both the highs and lows. To be honest I did’nt even think we would make it this far. Well done lads and deservedly so.