Cubs were probably too far below par today in a match which we deservedly lost but on another day could have went either way. With the Brownlees and Ager turning up late we were forced into a late switch with Andrew Lawrie switching to right back to allow for Jamie Braidwood to play on his favoured left side. Last weeks star performer Brandon McKendrick was a big miss as Callum Ross and David Murray still recover from injury.
Spartans started brighter forcing a few early corners and putting a very good chance wide of the post. Cubs did have our own chances with Brebner twice creating space for himself before shooting just wide of the keepers left hand post. We were then forced into an early reshuffle as Stephen suffered a mystery nosebleed being replaced by Mejka. Spartans continued to be the brighter however with Swinton doing well to clear from a very dangerous corner and Braidwood and Lawrie doing some last gasp defending on the Cubs goaline.. Half time came after a rare goalless half with the ref cutting the half short by about 5mins. Stephen pondered about switching to a 5 man midfield but the concensus seemed to be that be needed to stay 2 up front for the time being.
Cubs started this half fairly well with some good passing football on the left involving Ager and Mcmillan forcing some dogged defending from the Spartans full backs. Spartans started to play more into Sim and Stephen's hands and quite literally heads in the early stages of this half with the Stephen becoming fustrated that many of these headed clearances were not resulting in Cubs winning the second ball with Spartans being able to come back at us. It was through Stephen's head that Cubs should have made the breakthrough with arsehole Dave just doing enough to put the player manager off as he met a McMillan corner. Another McMillan corner, this time being cleared back to him resulted in another Stephen chance as he scuffed a falling volley wide from around the penalty spot.
Spartans however then took the lead breaking through the Cubs right hand side to score past Eggo who was struggling with injury. Cubs equalised moments later however as the game sparked to life, Brebner twice closing down defenders to win the ball deep in the Spartans left back area. Jack will tell you it was a cross, but his shot ended up at Adam's feet who scored the easiest goal he will score all season.
The lead didn't last long however the lack of tackles on the powerful Spartans midfielder allowing Spartans the break behind Sim and Brownlee with the injured Eggo unable to keep a low shot out. They went 3-1 up with help from the ref with 2 players being unfairly called on-side allowing for an easy finish. On any any weeks Cubs would have found themselves level at this point, with good wide word providing Adam with 2 close range headers. Unfortunately the Spartans keeper made two unbelievable saves to preserve their lead.
A pleasant own goal from "Arsehole Dave" who turned down a move to the Cubs in the last few weeks allowed us back into the match but not long after, Stephen got caught under a long ball, missing what seemed like his 1st header in about 30 to allow Spartans an easy goal. Highlight of the closing stages was a Josh Ager run, as he Marseille turned twice through players and then beat another man in an outragious run.
The game ended in outrage, as the ref, who had failed to deal some continental diving from Spartans, blew his whistle at 3.25pm. With the game kicking off just after 2pm, and a 5minute half time being enjoyed by both teams, this meant the game was a good 10, 15 minutes short of the 90. Despite being asked politely and then angrily, he refused to justify why he was admitting that he cut the game short and refused to give his name. Fortunately teams waiting on the next game were happy to pass on the twats name and he has been reported to Vincent. Rumour has it this ref is banned from the Saturday leagues so there is obviously something off.
Man of the match for me was Andrew Lawrie. Did very well on both sides and I swear I even heard him tell me and Phil to push up at one point today. Good lad.
Disapointing result but onwards and upwards
