'Snow' blow as Sparkshop frozen out

In a first for all of us, we played our latest game in the snow yesterday evening and despite the inclement conditions it was a full squad that arrived bar the big fella at the back and Rich, which meant we had Dave back in goal. He was suitably attired in massive hat and at least four layers of clothing which proved necessary as few actual shots found their way to him during the game.

Sadly it was not a result that did us any favours though as we conceded two goals in a tight game and lost ground to a team below us in the league.

Dom and Matt took the duties at the back with Kev, Phil and Pete in the middle. New Matt and I found the going tough up front against a well organised and physical side who have let in very few goals.

It was a very poor start from us which saw the opposition dominate possession early on and we struggled to adapt to the slippery conditions which meant turning was a nightmare. Going over simply meant sliding along for several yards as I found when off balance and pushed. I skidded along helplessly like a careering snow plough sending the slush out in front of me like the wake from a speeding tanker. It was freezing cold by this time and I was soaked through.

The opening goal came from a very good tight angle shot which found the corner with great accuracy but we'd had a chance ourselves just before with Kev unable to keep his shot down as he bore down on goal (the temptation to state the obvious is over-whelming here but I'll resist). However, the second half was seconds old when we scored an equaliser with a few passes straight from kick off leading to a toe poked shot from me which was kicked out uncertainly by the keeper landing right in front of new Matt who took no time in adjusting his feet like Michael Jackson (when he was alive of course) and slotting home from the edge of the area.

The second half looked likely to be very tight but we conceded again soon after with a free kick unluckily falling kindly for them from a brave block. Once more the finish was very good from a tight angle but it signalled sustained pressure from us. That was more or less the case for the remainder of the game with chances falling to Pete and Phil. Phil's was close in but the ball was arriving at speed and he was only able to move his feet like the now deceased Michael Jackson sending the ball narrowly wide.

We pressed again and again but produced few clear chances until Gary blew up for the end of the game and the Christmas break. Time for a few drinks in Wimborne tonight.