Goal: Aidan

Not the best performance to date, but to take a point from a fairly even game against a team that has finished third in the league over the past few years is a great achievement. Keeping with the same trusted formation 4-5-1 we started with H in goals (back from his honeymoon), Mike, Tarik, Bertie and Stef in defense. The midfield consisted with Aidan and Scouse in the middle with Lionel and Darren on the wings, Knowles supported Jens up top. In the opening encounters chances were limited for both teams, with the midfield battle key to breaking the deadlock. Lionel was busy on the right, getting down the flank on numerous occasions and proving the strikers service. Jens then had a great opportunity to put us one up, but could only skew his effort wide. USRC then claimed a penalty, when Scouse bundled over their striker. Scouse was quick to defend and point the finger at the striker. This worked perfectly and the aggrieved striker was booked for diving!!  Midway through the half the deadlock was broken, the ball ran to Aidan in the box (can’t remember supplier) who slotted home to put us 1-0 up at half time.
At the break  Rick Man came on for Knowlsey and Cowley replaced Lionel, both Lionel and Knowlesy had run their socks off for the forty minutes. Flabbo sent the troops out who were brimming with confidence, but then with only 3 mins of the half left USRC equalized. This was a big blow and with renewed confidence USRC started to take control of the game. Past Spartans team would have crumbled under such pressure, but the defense stood firm with an onslaught of USRC corners and were only limiting USRC to half chances. H was pulling off some great saves to keep us in the game denying Andy big nose on a number of occasions. Flabbo  introduced Joe for Scouse. We got back into the game late in the match and with both teams going for victory. Bertie had a free kick palmed over by the USRC keeper and with only a few mins remaining Aidan had a great opportunity to seal the victory, but was unable to get his shot in. Flabbo came on for a 60 second cameo. FT: 1-1

Again this Spartans team shows great passion and fight. USRC knew they were in a match. We need to continue this as we face the HKFC teams over the next three weeks. Everyone played fantastically well. At this level you can’t hide. The defense and midfield were awesome. Jens ran tirelessly for 80 minutes. However MOM for a brilliant goalkeeping display Henry.