| 117 minutes of pure football
heaven
Spartak came to this game expecting a
fairly comfortable passage to the next round of the 2nd Division Cup. But Genetics
improve every time we play them, and turned up with some decent new players and a
fresh sense of belief. Spartak on the other hand had the same old players and spent
most of the afternoon grumbling like a bunch of old women. This was never going to
be a walkover.
Perhaps the most refreshing aspect
of the game was the referee. He looked like the type of chap who floats between
genius and insanity, and had an uncontrollable tendency to apologise at every
possible opportunity. He said sorry for having a minute?s silence, he begged
forgiveness for most of his decisions and appealed for clemency when an FA inspector
turned up to monitor his performance. Let?s just hope he doesn?t suffer from
premature ejaculation.
In fact, my memory of the
game seems to be this:
1. An interaction
between players would occur
2. Spartak moaned about it
3. The referee apologised
4. The Italian
midfielder on their team either broke into operatic voice ? either protest or
encouragement.
This cycle was to repeat itself
with painful monotony throughout the 117 minutes, thankfully punctuated by a few
moments of incident and goal-mouth activity.
As
it happens, Spartak could have had the game wrapped up by half time, dominating
possession and creating a series of good chances from open play and set pieces. Dan
and Dave worked hard to get into space but couldn?t find the back of the net.
Just before half-time Spartak played their best move
of the match, a rapid end to end break involving Steve, Bren, Dan and Dave. The
unorthodox but impressive keeper managed to spoil the party.
Little else of note happened in the first half although at one point
it was feared Dave had stepped on a land mine. Fortunately it was just a foul by the
opposition.
As the second half progressed
Genetics were becoming more of a threat and with about 25 minutes to go Spartak made
a change. Doc (who has been on brief sabbatical to Lapland) came on and Chris went
up front.
Eventually Genetics broke clear to
score. I can?t remember exactly what happened, but there was a bit of a scramble and
their guy kicked it in.
Spartak rallied. (We?ve
got it in print boys). Yes, Spartak rallied, and moments after going behind, Chris
broke down the right and crossed to find Dave, who controlled well and slipped it
into the corner.
Meanwhile, Sam had been having a
great game in goal, making a string of saves worthy of Banks, Jennings, Shilton and
Beasant.
But then disaster struck. The ball went
through to Sam, who having kicked solidly all game, took a swing at the ball first
time. Did it bobble? Was it a deliberate dummy designed to confuse the opposition?
Whatever it was, it wasn?t pretty. Contact was lacking and the Genetics striker ran
through to score.
Spartak rallied. Yes Spartak
rallied again, and in the dying seconds there was a scramble in the Genetics box.
The defenders claimed a foul on the keeper. It wasn?t given and eventually the ball
fell to the tireless Chris who turned it in to equalise and send the game into
golden goal extra time.
Spartak now had the
psychological advantage and began by creating a great chance. Dave crossed to find
Chris whose header was well saved by the keeper.
The game then fell back into the aforementioned cycle with a couple of
chances falling to both sides, until, with a few minutes remaining and penalties
looming, Dave broke through and slid in to claim victory.
There was a brief bundle, the players involved getting up and feeling
just a little bit silly. The referee said sorry.
| 
Second Division Cup