DB45s 3-2 Spartans Over 45s
Scorers: Fela, Morse, Oisin
Wednesday 11 September at HKIS, KO 8.30pm
Squad: Bradders/Juggs, Neil Mac, Steve, Gazz/ Michel, Thierry, Morse, Martijn/ Kieran Mck/ Fela
Initial subs: Oisin, Patric
This was our first run-out of the season against a strong Spartans side. We knew that we needed to have numbers in central midfield so we opted for something approaching a 4-5-1 with Morse, Thierry and Kieran as a 3, with Fela up top on his own. Spartans started the game with most of the possession but, most of the time, we were our own worst enemies as we gave up possession in our own half. Despite their possession, Spartans failed to create clear chances and we grew in confidence. After about 20 minutes, we took the lead with a cool side footed finish by Fela at the far post after a cross from the right. Unfortunately, a defensive mix up between Bradders and Gazz gave them the opportunity to pass into an empty net. We started our rotations with Oisin coming on for Martijn in an unfamiliar LM position and Patric for Michel at RM and were happy to get to HT at 1-1. We decided to move Oisin to CF and Fela back to LM and this seemed to pay dividends in the 2nd half. We scored twice within the first 15 minutes – first, Morse lobbing the keeper from 35 yards; then Oisin poaching at the back post with a header from an overhead kick cross by Martijn. Spartans then piled on the pressure and had a number of near misses. Bradders saved a free kick spectacularly and Neil somehow blocked a shot on the line. They finally clawed one back with 10 minutes to go with a header from a well flighted free kick from just outside the area but we hung on for a well earned victory. Thierry managed to get the first red card in the short history of DB Over 45s history after a couple of “strong” challenges but all in all the game was played in a very good spirit.
MOM: good shift by Fela and our central midfielders but honours to our debutant Neil Mac at CH, who was a commanding presence at the back.
DOD: Patric. Last to arrive, still no white socks and the only one wearing the old sponsor’s kit.
