We’ve now had 2 tough games on the spin. Narrowly being beaten by an extremely strong French Kiss 1-0 in the Wednesday night fixture the previous week. Yesterday, we entertained a very resilient ANP side that gave Spartans a very good and fair encounter. It was an unseasonably hot day at KGV and not ideal for those who had been out at Coombes’s birthday bash the night before.
Nethertheless, we had a very strong team. Flabbo started with Sanju in goal, Ben and Thomie D center back and Paddy and Tony wing backs. Movember Dave and Stevie Y played center midfield with Tom left mid (in the absence of Joe) and Lionel on the right side. Cowley fresh from his Trailwalker adventure was the out and out striker with Muzza sitting in behind. The opening encounters saw each team size each other up and both teams started to play some nice football. Lionel was getting a lot of the ball on the right side and working some nice interchanges with Muzza. However, both defenses were resolute and with most of the team gasping for water it was HT.
One change at half time, with Joe coming on for Paddy. Tom went right back and Joe slotted into his customary left midfield position. As expected ANP came out the stronger in the second half and were starting to control the midfield battle. Chances were few and far between. Dave struck a wonderful free kick onto the top of the crossbar. At the other side, Sanju had be to quick off his line to thwart a one on one opportunity. Flabbo brought on Henry to try get some composure in midfield, Joe replaced Cowley up front. This worked and we started push for that victory. Stevie had run his heart out but his blisters forced him off. Flabbo came on for the final seven minutes. FT:0-0.
I thoroughly enjoyed watching most of this game. A very competitive, yet fair encounter. Everyone played fantastically well in some extremely hot conditions. Muzza was excellent on his debut for the Sunday boys. The midfield worked extremely hard against a team that didn’t give you any time on the ball. The defense was excellent as always. Now only conceding 5 goals all season (and one of those being an own goal….sorry Tony had to bring it up). MOM just edging Ben was Thomie D. This was the first time I saw him not only sweat but had a red face from exhaustion, so you can imagine we were certainly in a game. Well done all.
Next week we have another tough game against Colloids. All top teams have now lost 2 games each, so the battle for promotion is very exciting this year. We will miss a few guys due to Operation Santa Claus next Sunday, so let make sure we get a strong team out.