Goals: Dave 2, Lionel, Jens

Spartans made it three wins on the spin with a convincing win over Dynamo to move up to third in the table. With only 14 players at his disposal Flabbo started with Sanju in Goal, Ben and Leandro center backs with Tony and Andy B full backs. Henry and Dave were put in charge of center midfield, with Lionel and Jens on the wings. Andy H supported Jeff as the lone striker.

In the blazing sun at KGV, Spartans started off brightly with some nice interchanges between the midfield and strikers, but were unable to force any decent openings. As the half developed our play seemed more sluggish and passing became more erratic. However, we got the break we deserved, the ball was met by Dave in the center of the park, he skipped one challenge and unleashed a rocket that whistled past the stranded keeper. This gave us more confidence and we pushed on to try and extend the lead, but were thwarted by some dogged Dynamo defending. As the half progressed, Tony then went down hard on the left side and was unable to continue. Flabbo came on at left back and saw out the final 5 minutes of the half. HT:1-0.

After a very constructive half time team talk, we started off the second half with more confidence. Andy H moved over the left side of midfield and now Jens and Jeff formed a striking partnership and were soon causing some problems. Henry was comfortably winning the aerial battle with Dynamo stalwart Jon McKinley and he and Dave were easily braking down any Dynamo threat. The defense was resolute and Dynamo were relegated to long efforts which were not troubling Sanju’s goal. On the other hand Dynamo had to put a player behind the goal to fetch goal attempts on the Dynamo goal. However, he didn’t have to bother when Dave again picked the ball in central midfield and again struck a wonderful long range effort which cannoned into the net off the underside of the crossbar. From then on it was only one way traffic, as Spartans pushed on for more goals. Nick L came on for Andy H, who played excellently well considering a week in the sick dock. Ben, then customarily, had to be replaced after pulling his groin. Patrick came onto right midfield. Henry went into central defense, Lionel went up front and Jeff slotted in the center midfield. Lionel was rewarded for a tireless display on his return from injury, when he latched onto a bouncing ball in the penalty box and somehow scooped the ball over the goalkeeper and into the net. Jens made sure the ball went into the goal, but the ball had already crossed the line (sorry Jens). However, Jens wasn’t to be outdone and was brought down in the box after a jinking run and was awarded with a penalty. Would he let Dave take the penalty for his hatrick…..no chance. Jens coolly slotted the ball past the keeper. FT:4-0.

This was an excellent display by all. Not only the third win in a row, but also a third clean sheet in a row, so well done to the defense and Sanju. Everyone played their part. Lionel was energetic in his return from injury and the midfield worked hard in the searing heat. However, MOTD: Dave. Excellent game after working nights and capped by 2 excellent long range efforts.