Sparkshop Update

I am not sure why but it has been a while since I last updated the blog and in that time Sparkshop finished a creditable 4th in the previous league and have enjoyed a winning start to the new campaign.

Two things stand out from the past season. We managed five consecutive wins despite my finishing as top scorer but more impressively we brought in some new faces who gelled quickly into the team with Richard securing a well deserved spot as player of the year. He was outstanding save for one moment which was adequately covered previously.

We started again after a week long break and the game saw the return of the skipper Kev after a period sidelined with a bad back suffered on the driving range. He managed the entire game despite wincing several times and even scored to secure a 3 - 2 win.

Richard Dougie Matt C New Matt Kev Iain and 3 pint Pete

Dougie had an outstanding game and that is meant seriously. He anticipated well and intercepted on several occasions as well as commanding the defensive area. Pete has played a few times now and is aided by a few pints before the game starts. Matt returned after a dodgy stomach whilst Dom had disappeared for some reason - limbering up for his holiday with Kev?

The start was fairly even although the opposition had the bulk of possession without doing anything with it - something we excel at - the not doing anything with it part. It was a tight affair though until Matt lashed home a rebound after Pete had shot across the keeper.

Almost immediately he conceded a penalty though with a push in the back spotted by the ref. Many would not have given it but the decision stood and we were level. However, from the kick off a through ball found Pete who deflected the ball into the path of Kev who had simply to knock the ball into an empty net which he did without much fuss. A similar goal followed soon after with Pete finishing with a fierce shot into the far corner leaving us comfortably ahead.

Sadly we did not quite manage to escape without alarm as a second came close to the end. It was a slightly nervy last minute but Sparkshop survived to secure a 3 - 2 win.