Sparticans 3 - 4 Merton 1s (A)
By Simon Fitch
Scorers: Sutton (2), Iffland
A frustrating Saturday lunchtime fixture saw the Sparticans lose by the odd goal in seven against a spirited Merton first team. We returned to Harris Academy after our previous win against Merton 2s, and with the advantage of route knowledge (i.e. we didn’t get lost) many of us prepared in the school’s very toasty changing rooms before venturing outside.
Once we got started, we took the game to Merton and were rewarded with a first goal. The teams exchanged goals to make it 2-2 at half time, with strong attacking play causing Merton problems but chances not being converted in the ratio we’d have preferred.
We talked about some of the frustrations at half time but despite starting strongly, we found ourselves 2-4 down going into the last quarter. A team struggling with injuries, and featuring debuts for (different) Dan and Jeremy, gave it everything in the last 15, pulled one goal back and should have had more. It was one of those days and Merton ended with the three points, this time.
Voting was close but eventually Matt was awarded both the Moment of The Match (for when his sat nav let him down with the ball two yards out of an empty net) and deservedly Spartican of The Day for two nicely taken goals. So his mantlepiece will be looking good during the week ahead.
Back on home turf next week, and hoping to finish the league year with a different result on the show pitch on Saturday. See you there…