Goals: Danny 2, Mehdi, Stef

This was an emotional moment for me. My last game for the Sunday Spartans and following the last few weeks whereby it has been tough to get a full team on the pitch, I was glad to see that we had a few extra subs.

It had pissed down all night long and there were a few anxious SMS asking whether game would go ahead. Fortunately, the weather improved and we arrived at KGV, which was still very sodden with few surface puddles. The sun was threatening to appear, which made the pitch surface rise in temperature as the humidity increased. Lionel with Iphone handy, got a few snaps commemorating my last appearance.

Anyway, down to football matters. Sanju again was AWOL, so Henry sent in goal. Back four was Andy B, Bobby, Thomie and Stef. Midfield was Lionel, Rick O, Tom and Mehdi and Danny and Cowley up front. Unfortunately, the script for my last game didn’t start off well. Considering the previous week, where 10 men managed to limit the Div. Two champions to only one goal (own goal also), we somehow managed to concede 3 goals in a bizarre 20 minute period. We always looked threatening when we did attack and were rewarded for our efforts. We got a free kick in a perfect location outside the D. The wall set by White Youth only seemed to be about 7 yards away (which was confirmed by Danny as he marched past the wall counting 10 paces). Anyway, this didn’t bother Stef, as he beautifully slotted the free kick over the wall and into the top right hand corner. Soon After Mehdi made it 3-2, when he latched onto a pass and expertly struck past the keeper. HT: 3-2.

Now we were definitely in the ascendency and I brought on replacements at half time. Flabbo for Cowley, Scottie for Bobby and Joe for Lionel. Now the stage was set for yours truly to change the game…..

Having gotten back into the game we started the second half brightly. Joe was a threat on the left and Mehdi (now on the right) were creating chances. Within 5 minutes we were level in the match, when Danny was released and coolly slotted past the keeper. Cries from the touchline for Flabbo to score were echoing across KGV. Rick then played Flabbo through, unfortunately he was unable to beat the encroaching keeper. Soon after Joe managed to get to the byline and play a wonderful ball into the box. Flabbo was surely gonna score this time. Not to be, as the ball sailed past his left boot. I couldn’t believe it. Tony came on for Rick. With minutes remaining and Spartans pushing for the win, Tom managed to get a glorious cross over into the box, which was met by Danny who powered his header past the keeper and into the top of the net. FT:4-3.

What an excellent way to finish. The whole team showed great spirit. I guess we needed the opposition to score 3 goals before waking up, but hey what a job. The team did its utmost to try and get me a goal. I appreciate the effort, shame it wasn’t a better (and younger) striker!!!

I have enjoyed the season. There have been some high and low moments. Considering the inconsistencies over the whole of the season, finishing a clear fourth place, as we did, was not such a bad achievement. On our day, we could have easily beaten any team in this Division.

It is now a new era for the team and Club as a whole. Paul Hoy will be taking over the reigns next season, so please give him all the support you can and I wish him and team well as we push for promotion next year.

For me it’s been a privilege to see so many Spartans come and go over the years and to see the Club grow as it has. I will surely miss the friendship, camaraderie and playing for the Spartans. Cheers Flabbo.