Spartan Colts win the league in style.
This was always going to be a tough match with so much at stake. Spartan entering the game without a defeat in the league all season, Purbrook only suffering one defeat and that at the hands of an on form Spartan earlier in the season. If Spartan could win, the league was ours, a draw or defeat meant that Purbrook could take the title or even Fareham Sacred Hearts at a push. We all knew from the tension of the first leg on and off the field this would be an 'interesting' game.
Kev Allen (Spartan Manager) had calmed the lads before the game with joke telling and a presentation of a prize for a skills contest held duringthe year. The Purbrook manager seemed more intent on winding his team up from the moment they arrived.
Both teams approached the game witht the same intention, to win. The difference was that we had told Spartan to go out and enjoy the football. It was unecessary to add to the nerves already felt. Spartan and Purbrook played flowing football with an early off the bar from a great Purbrook shot. The deadlock was broken by an impressive header from Tez, following an impressive corner kick, which had been won following a great forward passing movement to put the pressure on. A penalty followed when Liam was hacked down in the area after rounding the keeper. This decision was the cause of a lot of aggravation from the line as the Purbrook assistant referee incorrectly thought Liam was in an offside position. Fortunately fair play prevailed (the video evidence was unecessary) and the referee played the rules. Jenks converted the penalty perfectly giving Spartan a 2-0 lead at half time. The second half started well again for both teams but it seemed the constant criticism of his team by the Purbrook manager had taken its toll and the lads heads dropped a bit. Liam went on to score 2 classic goals and also had a blatant penalty disallowed. The resolve of the Purbrook lads resulted in a late consolation goal that was hardly celebrated. All in all it was a fantastic game by two great U12 teams. Spartan were better on the day, Spartan wanted it more.
Congratulations to all the Spartan Team for giving 110%. Halfway throught he second half they were all tired but battled through. Had we relaxed Purbrooks typical resilience and persistence would have triumphed on the day.
Spartan Colts had won the league and remained unbeaten for the whole season, and deservedly so. Thanks go to Kevin Allen who has coached the team to victory this year and this triumph is a just reward for the years of hard work and team building he has done.
Mac
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