| Report | Spartak arrived on Sunday with
the unusual feeling of confidence. This was boosted by the unexpected availability
of Sam and Chris, both of which had cracking games the week before. Team selection
had few surprises the only changes of note was Bowman on the right of defence due to
the availability of 3 centre backs and Ronnie in the middle of the park replacing
the unavailable Bren.
The toss was won by Long
Rangers who opted to kick with the wind first half, and didn't prove to be a good
decision. The game started well for Spartak sharing the spoils for the first 15 but
with no notable shots at either end. This soon changed when the heavens opened up
with a deluge of monsoon-like proportions and winds reliving 1987, Spartak semed to
think it was cricket and rain had stopped play. Unfortunately Long Rangers continued
to play and within minutes of the rain starting an unfortunate mis-kick after a low
cross left for Rangers to tap in for an easy opener. This onslaught continued with
Spartak seemingly unable to play in these conditions and a further 3 goals were
conceeded before half time. This was largely down to 2 very skillful wingers who
Spartak soon realised were going to be too good to get the ball off so decided to
foul instead.
During half time, by which time the rain
had stopped, the orders were given to simply try and start again. Spartak again
started the half well and could almost say controlled the game for a 10 minute
period, but again nothing was created due to Rangers strong defence and midfield
breaking down any attack before it started. Rangers then got into their stride again
and with conditions proving quite slippery Rangers capitalised on a couple of slips
in defence, and this combined with some good confident finishing Rangers scored a
further 3 goals to make it 7-0. However this was not the end of the story. Dave
created a one on one chance for himself with deft header through the defence but not
realising the time he had scuffed the shot straight into the keepers arms. The same
player also headed inches wide from a Steve corner.
The breakthrough did come with Clive putting Chris through and with
the aid of a deflection his shot looped over the keeper and in. Minutes later a
hopeful long ball was fumbled by the keeper, and this time making no mistake, Dave
poked the ball into the empty net. These 2 goals were something for our massive fan
base to cheer, namely Liz, who had braved the weather to cheer us on. Unfortunately
time was against Spartak and the final whistle soon came leaving them drenched and
dejected dispite a spirited performance by all 13 players. |
League