Goals: Jeff 3, Tarik, Cowley, Simon, Mehdi
It was critical that Spartans get the win going into the break for Rugby Sevens and Easter holidays. We had a very strong squad for the match, which was required in the heat of KGV.
The game was made somewhat easier with Yan Po (already relegated) only able to field 9 players. With this we went all out attack and pushed Ben into attack with Mehdi and Jeff, leaving only Briggs, Bertie and Tony in defence. The game got off to best start with Jeff attacking the Yan Po defense at will. The goal came quickly and within a space of 10 minutes Jeff had scored his hat-trick. We continued to pressure the weakened team, but a string of outsides curtailed further goals and the game was a stroll. The midfield of Scouse, Joe and Tarik and Lionel worked hard to maintain the pressure. Ben’s fierce header from a corner was headed off the line, eventually a strong bustling run from Tarik increased our lead to 4-0 at the break.
With the game over and done, I made wholesale changes, Stef for Tony, Knowlesy for Tarik, Simon for Ben and Cowley for Lionel. Again we made a good start to the half and a powerful run and finish from Cowley put us up 5-0. With a rare excursion Yan Po got a goal back and probably the goal of the match. A beautifully taken free kick had Reuben rooted to the spot and could have done nothing to prevent the goal. This frustrated those counting the fantasy points….. With 20 odd minutes left saw the return of Spartans legend Rick Ogden. Rick replaced Joe, whom with girlfriend looking on impressed in midfield. We pressed at every chance, but were reduced to long efforts on goal and penalized for further offside calls. Flabbo decided to take a position behind the Yan Po goal to help speed up the play. He was being worked hard by the Spartans attack and reduced to shooting a few hoops to ease the boredom. Finally after soaking up sustained pressure Yan Po conceded, Simon coolly finished to make it 6-1 and with 5 minutes to goal Mehdi sprung the offside trap and lobbed the keeper to make it 7-1.
A very satisfactory day with everyone playing their part. MOM for excellent hat-trick: Jeff. Well done.
Victory sealed our guaranteed promotion to Division One with 4 games remaining. This has been an excellent season. We can make Spartans history if we take the league title. Enjoy the next 2 weeks break and come back refreshed for the title push.
