| Eventually the pitch was located
on this dreary Sunday morning only to discover we were sharing it with the local
mole population and Cambridgeshire mountaineering club. Spartak did have 15 to
choose from and when the game eventually got under way (once Akela had turned up so
the opposition could get changed) Spartak started with what on paper was a strong
side.
On losing the toss Spartak were kicking down hill and
struggled to get started with the first 15 minutes quite a scrappy affair as both
teams tried to gain the advantage. The first notable action of the game came when an
unfortunate Sam clashed heads with a defender and was unable to shake it off causing
an enforced substitution. Before the change however Spartak managed to take the lead
from a set piece. The ball was whiped in and after a half clearance Bowman
powerfully headed in past the keeper whose view was being obscured by a stategically
placed Sam. While Sam was trying to shake off his injury Wheatsheaf scored with a
freak goal that went right in the top corner off of Pauls hand, the bar and the
post. Their second came soon after from a penalty kick given away when Withers
stretching for the ball brought down their forward. Spartak had one other great
chance which was brilliantly saved by the keeper. Clive was put through only to see
his apparently goal bound shot turned wide for a corner.
2-1 at
half time and time for Spartak to adopt the long ball game. This worked to a degree
with sustained pressure giving Spartak a lot of possession in the opponents half but
no goals. Wheatsheaf weathered this storm and proceeded to score with a move down
the right created by their substitute and with the forward and Withers sliding in
the ball was just nicked under Paul to put them 3-1 up. This prompted a double
substitution with Owen and Clive, who had had brilliant games, making way for Neil
and debutant Anthony. This change proved inspired with Spartak pressing immediately
and after 5 minutes of the change had scored. A ball down the line was missed by the
defender and latched onto by Fricker who shot from long range which looped over the
keeper and in. Moments later Bowman went on a run down the right and after
surprising himself by getting to the by line pulled it across the goal and Fricker
sliding in only managed to get a stud on it and it went high and wide. Spartak
pressed trying to get an equaliser with Neil winning everything in the air and the
rest of midfield of John, Doc, Steve and Bren pushing forward. However it wasn't to
be and Spartaks energy went and were destined for a defeat.
Bowman
was given MOM for his goal, his attacking movement and his solid defensive display.
Roll on next week when we have the light relief of the cup and one of 3 encounters
with Orange House in the coming weeks. Unlucky result for a hardworking performance.
| 
League