On a baking hot day both teams lined up slightly light in numbers by high with enthusiasm for what is always an eventful game. Hotspurs were keen to put the record straight following an early season drubbing at the hands of the Vikings.
Hotspurs made their intentions clear from the kick off and within seconds Ally was presented with a glorious opportunity to open the scoring. However his shot went wide. This was the story for several chances early in the first half as hotspurs looked capable of creating plenty of chances…and sadly not scoring them! The longer this went on the more Vikings crept into the game with through balls and counter attacks and the game was turned on its head when a Hotspurs defender felled the Vikings forward in the area giving them the opportunity to open the scoring from the penalty spot. Nick’s valiant effort in goal to save the resulting shot as it went in despite getting a good hand to it.
Earlier in the season this would have sparked a negative response from Spurs who would have probably crumbled into an arguing mess! However, the team have become stronger of late and everyone buckled down in search of a response. This came quickly as a well taken set piece saw a great deliver across the box that Hotspurs players were queuing up to put away. Dave Parker had the most conviction and tucked it away….1-1. Hotspurs were once again in their swagger going forward with attacks working well down both wings with Jamie and Nick creating numerous chances. One such break, and a great run from the Greek later and Hotspurs were ahead. A lose ball across the Vikings back was quickly latched onto by Nick who after a great run slotted the ball across for Esad to put away. 2-1!
The rest of the half was pretty even with a few chances at either end however 2-1 it remained. The message at half time…more of the same, the next goal is a big one!
The next goal however appeared hard to come by for both teams as, in the baking heat, both teams tired and the game opened up. That was however until Swindells, fresh from the Congo, entered the fold and promptly gave Hotspurs some breathing space with a deflected cross! Great to have you back Joey Barton…I mean Ben Swindells!!
The rest of the half remained the same with both teams toiling to great chances but neither were able to convert….and so it finished 3-1 Hotspurs!
Thanks to the refs for a good game again. Thanks to Vikings for an enjoyable game in good spirit as always. We’re looking forward to seeing you in Phuket already!!
MOM Hotspurs – could have gone to Parker, Graham or Little Macca for their hard waork in the middle of the park, or Jamie for his tireless work. Would have probably gone to Ally if he hadn’t failed to score at every opportunity. So instead it goes to Nick the Greek for creating havoc in the first half and doing the selfless job of filling in at the back in the second half.
MOM Vikings – got to go to the goalkeeper for a series of great saves off his line.