Goal: Maung

The early start on a Sunday is always a lottery…especially after many were celebrating the Sat Spartans victory over the Revo boys.

So when Henry and Bertrand fell sick, it was always going to be a struggle to get a team out….and so be it. With a few minutes to kick off we have the bare 11 to start. However, true to his word a rather intoxicated Knowlesy strolls up beer bottle in hand asking everyone for a bottle opener…he disappears to 7-eleven for more beers whilst Flabbo conducts his pre-match team talk. Flabbo names himself as centre back partnering Briggs…Rick Man gasps in amazement…..WHAT FLABBO!!

 

The game kicks off brightly and soon Rick Man and Scouse start to control the midfield. We are looking more the lively team considering the early start and Medhi and Lionel use the widths to their advantage, but are unable to utilize the pace of Jeff and Simon up front. Scouse goes on the march for the geezer who elbowed him in the face…but to his annoyance is unable to locate the perpetrator. We continue to press and after some impressive interchange with Tarik and Lionel the ball crosses over to Mehdi, whose toe poke strikes the upright. Soon afterwards the pressure finally tells. Another sweeping move down the right and Lionel crosses for the strikers…A Lionel classic. His cross flies into the top corner 1.0  HT: 1-0.

 

Rick Man apologies to Flabbo at half time…surprised that he actually can play in the back……

 

The second half follows the same pattern as the first. Hoo Cheung are not threatening and their long balls are easy fodder for the Sparts defense. We press well and Simon has a chance to extend the lead but his effort goes wide. We have chances from long range, but the Hoo Cheung defense is equal to it. We then have a golden opportunity to extend the lead, when Scouse is put through 1-on-1 with the keeper. His effort is well claimed by the keeper. Paul comes on for Lionel who has run his socks off. Spartans are looking very comfortable in possession, but with less than 5 mins to go Hoo Cheung striker “springs” the offside trap rounds Reuben and slots home. He is clearly 2 yards offside, but calls to linesman go on deaf ears. Final score 1-1.

 

We certainly deserved the win after controlling much of the game. Everyone played well. Special thanks to Knowlesy for coming down and keeping the team and linesman entertained. However for his tireless effort and goal MOM: Lionel.