It’s was a wet and windy one for the lads today. We started slow and after some individual mistakes the opposition took the lead 1-0 with just 3 minutes on the clock. We started to build up play utilising both Krzysztof and Jano at wing backs an Chara, Jordan and Iccy through the middle. But unfortunately our hard work was undone from a well worked individual effort by the opposition winger who found himself a bit of space and curled the ball right into the top corner 2-0.
We continued to dig deep and not give up, both Reeve and Tom up front making some great runs and we’re both unlucky on a couple of occasions linking up well. Great creative play from Krzysztof and Jordan from the right and both Chara and Jano on the left, alongside the ever attacking threat of Iccy who was constantly dropping off and looking for the pockets of space to attack. We were finally rewarded when a lovely ball from deep by Iccy was met by the head of Reeve who got his goal he deserved 2-1.
Momentum was seriously with us and for a 10 minute period it was just attack after attack with both strikers coming close on a number of occasions aswel as the midfield and wing backs supporting. Defence was now organised and playing out from the back with Jan, Gregson and Baker settled in their 3, centre half Gregson even had time to let off a long range effort that flew just over the bar. After another attack we were caught out on the break, with a long clearance from Duntons back line found its way into our half with the defence scrabbling to get back into shape. As the ball was played out left Jano was still tracking back meaning Baker had to pull wide but the player had plenty of time to get his cross in, Krzysztof was tripped edge of the area which the ref didn’t see leaving the winger free to run on and head home 3-1. Half Time.
As we came out for the 2nd half we looked hungry to make up for 2 sloppy goals. A few attacks went by but nothing to celebrate. Dunton had there first attack of the half to when there striker ran at Baker across the box, Baker with his traditional tackle won the ball but the referee deemed the theatrics enough to award a penalty. Jordan Kerr made himself big and did enough to put the striker off who smashed the cross bar. This added even more fire to the Sparta belly’s, a lovely pass out from the back off Baker found Iccy out wide who went on an outstanding solo run taking on numerous opponents before rounding off with a lovey curling finish 3-2. Chara then made way for Hudak who came on to offer a bit more in the middle of midfield. A triple substitution was then made to replace tired legs with Rubis coming on at right wing back for Krzysztof, Taylor coming on for Tom up tops and Jan made way seeing Hudak drop into the back 3 and Aiden coming on in the middle of midfield.
We started to take complete control of the game. Gregson, Baker and Hudak dominating there half of the pitch making light work of any balls being played through. With the support of Jano on the left and the fresh Rubis down the right who was also offering a great outlet down the wing. Jordan and Aiden made the middle of the park there own winning every battle they had to and always looking to move the ball forward. Iccy was constant a threat out wide as he had now pushed up making it a front 3. Tay through the middle was a breath of fresh air with his constant pressing and persistence. Also Reeve on the right had a couple of great chances as the game progressed.
A lovey ball into the back post found Baker who headed it down to Taylor who shown just how good of a finisher he is with a quick, smart back heel that flew into the bottom corner. 3-3 . Further chances came as Sparta smelt blood, the pick of the bunch was a great bit of play on the left wing by Iccy, cutting back in an putting in a lovely ball across the face of the goal which Taylor was millimetres away from poking home. Reeve then picked up a slight knock an made way for forward Matej. We continued piling on the pressure in the final minutes in search of the winning goal with some great pressing from Tay an Matej up tops, an some real hard work from Jordan and Aidan in the middle not letting Dunton out there half breaking down everything am looking to create everytime. With only a couple minutes left on the clock, Iccy whipped in a beautiful corner which was challenged by Baker back post pulling there defenders in leaving Matej alone back post to volley the ball off the bar and eventually in the back of the net. 4-3. The comeback was complete! Full time.
