Spartans fielded a strong 11 for the game vs a much improved Oxford (whom beat White Youth 4-1 the previous week)…Flabbo giving Rick Man his first start of the season.

Spartans were on the back foot early on it was clear Oxford wanted to inflict another defeat for The Spartans. The Oxford #10 was giving Tony a torrid time and he’s agility was giving Oxford the edge early on. The opening exchanges were very scrappy with neither team able to control the midfield. Oxford almost went into the lead when a header, which was fortunately ruled offside. This encouraged them to press more and shortly afterwards were awarded a penalty for push in the box. 

 

Fortunately Reuben was on top of his game and produced a magnificent 2 handed save to thwart Oxford and keep us in the game. Flabbo gave the team a dressing down at HT, but again Spartans started the second half pretty much as the first. We soon started to get into some rhythm with Scouse and Knowlesy making impact in the centre of the park. 

 

The referee was certainly not helping and blowing up for any innocuous challenge. 

 

Flabbo and Paul needed to make some changes and decided to change the attacking options. Flabbo on for Joe. Spartans were pressing now for a breakthrough and it almost came when from a great move on the right Lionel crossed for Flabbo open in the 6 yard box. Unfortunately the keeper bravely committed to the save collided with Flabbo. Both left holding their heads in the collision. At this stage both teams were looking for the victory, Spartans thought they got the breakthrough when Knowlesy put in Mehdi who calmly slidded the ball past the keeper, but was adjudged offside (soooo close). 

 

Paul brought on Nana and Simon for the closing encounters, but both defenses held on strong for a hard battled draw. Not a classic from the Spartans, but a getting a point in a dour game was still a good result. The defense was again awesome and made some decisive tackles. The midfield battled well against the opposition and referee!! The strikers really did not get going and were frustrated by limited chances. However my MOM for a fantastic display was Reuben. Well done all…..