Goals: Jens 2, Stef

This is a very deceiving scoreline. It may look like a thrashing handed to the Spartans, but this was not a fair reflection of the game.

On our return from the Christmas break this was always going to be difficult fixture against the present leaders of Division One. We started off with a strong team, the back four of Tony, Ben, Bertie and Andy. Mehdi and David coming into central midfield with Joe and Cowley on the flanks. Jens and Jeff started up front. Considering the long layoff we started off pretty well and looked comfortable against a strong 816 outfit. After 15 mins we went a goal down against the run of play. Unable to clear our lines we got caught out and under a suspicion of offside were a goal behind. We battled on and had a number of chances, the best probably coming to Cowley. The 816 defense was looking extremely shakey. Unfortunately we then went down 2-0, when from a corner kick the ball managed to evade Cowley and H and find its way into the net. HT: 2-0.
We were clearly upset with conceding the goals and felt we could get something from the game if we pressed early on in the second half.

Stef replaced David and took up a central midfield position. We soon got into our stride again and within 5 mins reduced the deficit, when Jens headed home to make it 2-1. We were now extremely confident and were constantly pressuring 816. Then again, against the run of play, 816 pounced to make it 3-1. Jens and Jeff were causing all sorts of problems to the 816 defence. Jens then made it 3-2 with a smartly taken strike. It was again all Spartans possession, but as soon as we got comfortable the 816 African contingent showed the extra class (would be considering they are semi-pros). Their striker unleashed a thunderbolt to make it 4-2.

Not to be outdone we continued to press. There was some wonderful interchange between Cowley and Andy B on the right, the ball was squared to Stef who unleashed a magnificent drive to make it 4-3. Now game was back on. 816 were clearly rattled and we again continued to stretch the 816 defence. Joe and Jens were causing the 816 defense all sorts of trouble. Then the turning point of the game. The 816 man mountain of a striker, used a flailing arm to get past Ben and unleash another thunderbolt past Henry. With everyone expecting the referee to blow for a foul on Ben, he graciously gave 816 the goal which was extremely deflating for the team. As we tired in the last 10 mins, 816 punished us to make it 7-3.

So overall a very flattering scoreline. Our anger and frustrations at the end of the game really showed how much we battled in this game. We may have got beat 7-3, but this was a great team effort and you should be proud of your efforts. Everyone had a great game and battled to the end. However, for some excellent wing play MOM: Joe.