On a glorious Saturday afternoon we took on second place Force at the Aberdeen fortress a place where no Spartan team has lost before. A crucial game this vital fixture between the top two teams would give either side the competition lead.

 

We started off brightly with Medhi having a great chance to put us 1 nil up in the opening minutes but somehow found the keeper instead of the goal. Was this a sign of things to come….let’s hope not. We continued to play attractive football on the difficult surface and it wasn’t long before a trademark Spartan move saw Angus slot home our first in style. At this point we continued to press with both Nathan, Medhi and Angus having further chances to put us further ahead but none where taken.

 

Midway through the half Force started to match us and with their throw-in specialist who could hurl a football a good 30-40 yards into the box. This was causing us some problems initially until our own giant Jannerman took control and headed everything back the same way with extra cheese on it. However slack marking from the corner saw the same guy head home their equalizer in heartbreaking fashion. 1 all at the break this was going to wire.

 

Even though we had the better of the play in the first half the game was still fairly balanced going into the half break with both teams looking for the win.

 

The second half we started really well with Forlan and Angus causing their defence a lot of problems. Angus being fouled on the side of the box after beating their defender could have had a case for red card. Forlan also had a chance to chip over the keeper but missed. However it was some inspirational work on the right hand side from Mav and Tony G which split open their defence where Tony G’s superb cross was met by Forlan on the volley to slot home an eye catching goal. 2-1 where on the ascendency.

 

We continued to dominate possession and create chances. Steve G came desperately close with a header which their keeper pulled off a brilliant save. He had another moments later but clearly was looking for more angle on the second attempt. As the game came to a close Force pushed forward and those ever dangerous throws kept us on the backfoot. With only minutes to go a scuffle in our penalty box saw some ugly scenes which we hope won’t be a regular occurrence. In the end very fortunate for us we only got a yellow card for mouthing off but could have been a lot worse. A few desperate clearances and some chances at the other end saw a relieved Spartans side when the whistle blew.

 

Some angry young Force players still protesting after the whistle but all in all we deserved to win we were the better side. A gritty performance one of which we would have not won last year. This year our squad looks a much tougher proposition. Well played lads everyone had excellent match, Jan just pip Thomas D for the man of the match honors.

 

An excellent win.

 

H.