Winning again!

Sparkshop set out on a new league season with a game against a team of newcomers who played rather naively and allowed us a comfortable victory.

It was a depleted side to some degree with:

Rich Matt C new Matt Kev Pete myself and Matt C's brother

so both Dougie and Dom were off leaving us with some alterations to be made in defence. The Cooombes brothers formed a formidable partnership and kept any chances to a bare minimum. Rich complained of cold after the game such was the ease of the second half. We didn't create as much in that half either but the game was already done and dusted by then with Pete playing very well in setting up the first three goals.

He'd had the honour of captaining Witchampton the previous weekend and he brought that talent to the party for Sparkshop.

It was a fine performance with some very good football on display and it was no surprise when we took an early lead against this team of youngsters. The ball was played in to the area following a flowing passing move and I swivelled to hit the ball home as the keeper challenged. Pete played a great ball in and did so again shortly after for new Matt to sweep the ball home. Matt pulled up somewhat after that with some back problems but it made little difference to the outcome although we would have scored more with him rampaging in his usual style.

A third goal came when Pete played another ball in at pace and it was diverted into the goal by a flick of my right foot. More goals seemed destined to follow but it was a surprise when it came to the other side. A through ball bounced in front of goal and Rich decided on safety first in opting to try to reach for the ball rather than clattering into the oncoming striker. Having missed the ball the empty net was inviting and the ball was tapped in.

Any concerns were quickly dispelled as Kev embarked on a lengthy run, cutting in from the touchline out on the right. He beat two defenders before calmly sliding the ball inside the near post and that was that. The rest of the game was comfortable and gave us the perfect start as we prepare for the cup final.