DB45s 3-3 Spartans Immortals
Wednesday 22 March 2023 at HKIS, K.O. 8:30p.m.
Team: Newly/ Kieran C, Neil OL, Steve, Morse/ Adam, OB, Neil, Ricky/ Greg/ Fouad. Initial subs: Fela, Derrick.
Scorers: Fouad 2, Adam.
Spartans were the runaway leaders of our 45s league last season and we were looking to avenge a heavy defeat at their hands last time out against them. As we saw Spartans line up without their talisman ex Polish international, we were confident that we could get a result. As against Godfathers, we opted for a 4-4-1-1 with Greg operating behind Fouad. This certainly gave us a threat pushing forward in central areas but without out third man in central midfield we were asking OB and Neil to do an even bigger shift than normal. The 1st half saw plenty of chances at both ends with us taking ours and Spartans not taking theirs. Fouad had the run on their defence and scored two in quick succession – the first with his preferred left to right run, unleashing an unstoppable shot with his right foot, and the second from a free kick outside the area, which went up and over their wall. Spartans had a threat up front with a big number 10 Randy and a quick CF and they got behind our defence a couple of times, with Newley coming to the rescue with excellent one on one saves. Adam then scored after 30 minutes to put us 3-0 up and hopefully out of sight but Spartans continued to press and their LW crossed low to the far post for Randy to miss the easiest of chances. Eventually they pulled one back and we got to HT at 3-1. On came Fela and Derrick at LM and LB with Morse switching to CB and Steve and Adam taking a break. The 2nd half started badly for us and we lost some of our focus. Spartans scored twice in the first 15 minutes to make it 3-3 and then Fela was red carded, leaving us with a fight on our hands to get anything out of the game. To make matters worse, Fouad started to struggle with an injury and we ceased to have the same outlet up front with Greg having to revert to LM. Fortunately the lads dug deep and we were happy to take a point.
