Goals: Forlan, Knowlzer
In wintery day we took on in-form Goodfellas who were second in the table only 2 points behind us prior to the match. Their warm-ups on hard bouncy pitch gave us an early indication that this wasn’t going to be an easy game.
The early exchanges were fast and hard no doubt a tough game installed. However we started off brilliantly with Mav long through ball finding Forlan who escaped his defender and coolly slotted the ball in the back of the net. 1 nil great start.
We continued to play good football our defence was looking very solid with Thomas handling the centre defence role with ease and Bertrand as super
solid as always. Both Mav and Joe were creating a lot of good work on the sidelines and both Angus and Forlan were working their socks off up front. Medhi talented touches always leaving the defence bewildered while Jens strength and speed was also causing problems out wide.
But Goodfellas responded well and certainly where not giving up. Demonstrated by a head collision with Bertrand left their dangerous left winger Cedric eye open with blood poring everywhere, Bertrand the rock was unscathed amazingly. As the half the went on the only major concern was getting water however fortunately King helped out and was much appreciated at the half time break along with some stirring words of motivation to win the game.
With all to play for and another step towards the championship we battled hard in the second half and played some great football. Steve G and Mikey where playing brilliantly in the middle of the park, Angus and Forlan were causing the opposition all sorts of problems up front. Angus hacked down by the defender was lucky to escape with only a yellow as we continued to push forward.
When we won a fortuitous corner kick Angus stepped up to take it and Mike Knowles header it in after the keeper mishandled. We did a few changes and Paul and Hao came on to good effect chasing the ball tirelessly with Hoy taking out the already battered Cedric for good effect again. I’m sure it’s a game he won’t forget in a hurry.
But as the game ticked by we clearly had the game won. An excellent save at the end by an impressive debut by Sam in goals kept us a clean sheet. All in all an outstanding win. Goodfellas were well up for this game and we really played some great football. Mav won the man of the match with 6 votes with his great display in the defence ahead of Thomas D who won 4 votes.
A boozy afternoon and a great night for Mav’s bday topped up a great Spartan day. No league game this weekend although we will have a social game at 12noon at Kings Park on Saturday. Details and opposition to be provided soon.
H.