Monopoly 4 – Spartans 0

 

Well the final game of the season didn’t quite turn out the way we intended. We started off ok however never really fired like we did against Mes Amis. The passes weren’t finding the target and our movement wasn’t as good as it has been in recent weeks. But it was the defensive lapses which really cost us early in the piece with ball watching we failed to pick up our opposition men giving them ample time in dangerous areas and we paid the price for that dearly. Oh how we missed Thomas D who’s been rocked solid all year but in all fairness with the team we had we should have done a lot better.

 

3 nil down after 25 minutes and it was always going to be tough assignment but made more difficult by Monopoly keeper who did a couple of great saves denying young Joe in the first half and Steve G in the second half with two great point blank saves. We dominated much of the second half but our shooting wasn’t up to scratch and too often making the wrong choice at critical times.

 

A late goal by Monopoly added salt to the wounds with a lot of exhausted guys in the scorching heat coming off.  The champers left on ice but a few beers afterwards and then followed by a great night out in Macau helping us forget an unmemorable final for us.

 

In the context it’s been a great season again winning the league and making the cup final. We played fantastic football for much of it and the passing and goals this year have been better than the years gone by. I do hope we keep the basis of the team for next year again. It has been a total pleasure managing you guys and although it’s difficult to make everyone happy all the time I hope I have been able to do it enough of the times.  For mine your all terrific people on and off the field and a few people leaving our sunny shores and some threatening retirement at tender ages. However special mention must go to young Simon Duff who after getting only cameo appearance on Sunday team has really blossomed this year in Saturday team to get a share of the golden boot. We all wish you the very best in your return back to Ireland I’m certain you will be missed.

 

H