Sparkshop sensation

On a cold Monday evening on early Dec 2009 Sparkshop achieved the notable feat of securing a first ever top division win after the success of their first point last week. It was a deserved victory but one that looked like being thrown away midway through the second half.

With Richard away, Dave stepped between the posts again and proved himself an able deputy once more with several top class saves including one from three pint Pete as he was hit by a ball across the face of goal. His distribution caused problems for the opposition all night as well and he even managed to save one with his testicles which was very brave of him.

The team was down to a bare 7 this week with Dom and Matt sturdy at the back, Kev and Pete energetic in the middle and myself and new Matt up front and barely ever back in any meaningful sense.

We started well and caused some problems before a low shot was spilled by the keeper as Matt let fly. The rebound fell to me and a quick adjustment saw the ball steered home. That lead was a tonic for us all and we soon found a second goal as Kev went in hard and released me up front. A ball played round the corner into new Matt's feet was swiftly controlled and pushed to one side before he let fly with a shot which the keeper got a good piece of but not enough to prevent it spinning over the line.

At two up and playing well it should have been plain sailing but a third escaped us when a good move freed Matt who headed goalward leaving the keeper stranded only to see the ball rebound back off the bar. I had a header cleared off the line but there was a goal against the run of play as an unstoppable shot flew into the top corner past Dave's despairing but graceful dive.

In the second half another goal came this time resulting from several deflections which eventually freed an attacker and once more Dave got hands to it but not quite sufficient to prevent the goal. We were hard pressed at this stage and under a good deal of pressure but we survived as the team came back together and tightened things once more, encouraged by the continual screams from skipper Kev who put in some lung bursting adminishment, particularly in my direction. It has to be said, it was entirely merited but the balance was redressed near the end as a long throw assist from Kev was headed on by new Matt and found me lurking near goal but moving for a change and thus freeing myself of attention from a static defence. It was deft header which won the game as we saw out the final moments in relative comfort despite the pressure.

Our first three points and a fine effort from all involved. Well done lads.