Last game

Sparkshop played the last game of the league season with little to play for but a place in the top half of the table. However, any hopes of a high finish were quickly dispelled on a wet and cold evening in Wimborne as few of the regular team turned up.

Dougie made a welcome return but found himself in goal as Richard had a table tennis match. New Matt had a prior engagement in Bristol(?) which meant he was unable to get back in time, Mike was absent with work and three pint Pete called off with a runny nose. That left us short with Dougie, Matt C, Dom, Kev and myself braving the wintry conditions.

We couldn't play with just 5 players but found a willing addition in someone from the game before ours which meant we at least got to play although the result would be null and void whatever the outcome.

In the event we played very well despite having a man down and being matched against one of the top sides. We held them for long periods to long range efforts and were looking more likely to score at times. The opposition were unable to make their advantage tell with their build up too slow at times but they took the lead eventually leaving us with a mountain to climb. In goal Dougie performed manfully with one particularly fine example of 'getting down early' preventing a goal as he reached upwards to palm the ball away.

Despite it all though, Sparkshop continued to battle and a throw in with moments to go led to a deserved equaliser. Dom had made his way forward several times in the first half but was now firmly lodged at the back with Matt. A lay off back to Kev saw him drill a superb shot, hard and low toward goal and the net bulged as he struck home in the corner giving the keeper no chance.

The rain had begun to ease by then and it was a cheerful group that enjoyed a well deserved drink afterwards with much to play for in the new season. This time we are going up.