So the Central City year ends,once again at KGV with the fifth appearance there in as many weeks.A much anticipated clash,for those betting without the favourite,a top of the table encounter.It clearly meant much to the opposition,to respect City,to try to consolidate their own position in the table.
Who is a Spartan.A person from Sparta,Ancient Greece?.These Spartans were from further north,Tiverton way.The11am kick off saw them choosing to play into the breeze,away from the carpark end.Any thoughts of a yuletide slog were quickly dispensed with,as both sides set out a defensive stall but with skill and vision to attack the opposition as the breaks allowed.City had to immediately adjust from the planned formation due to the absence of Cameron,so Sam P dropped back and Joe started.The KGV pitch was holding up well despite the recent rains and it was City who were first to develop several threatening attacks through use of open play.At times,the short game in training was brilliantly complimented with the ball being spread wide to the wings,the midfield engine forcing several City corners.The allocated ref will be adding an alarm clock to his Christmas list after arriving late,taking over from the gallant John B after 10 minutes.This coincided with the first test for Sam R in goal,making a good save,returning the ball with speed and suddenly an offside effort by Tom was hitting the side netting at the other end.
Sam R was once again called upon as the half ticked on,this time,he parried a stinging shot airwards and caught it decisively and securely after it hit the bar on the way down,despite being surrounded by Twyford strikers.Almost immediately an unstoppable shot beat him and City were behind.A critical period leading up to halftime followed,and with delight and to their great credit,City continued to build from defence,passing the ball,again over some distance.A moment later,a move found Tom in space,a jinking run,a cut inside and a low right foot screamer levelled the score.
The second half saw more positivity from City.There may have been a theoretical or perhaps definite advantage in terms of the direction the Spartans were now playing,more so as the wind had picked up considerably,blowing straight into the City boys faces.But,if anything,the quality of the football improved and it was end to end stuff in places.Midway through the second half,City were pressing once again,with the ball in the top right opposition corner.Seconds later,said opposition were away down the left,almost reaching the far corner before turning inside and restoring the Twyford lead.
What followed was a battle of wits and attrition.The ref,who may now be adding a stopwatch to the alarm clock on the Xmas list,had played a 35 minute first half and was well into doing so in the second.City had tactically changed formation,subtly dropping Alfie W back a bit to right midfield.In an exhilarating moment,the said player found the top left corner with a Beckhamesque effort well into Fergy time.In true Ferguson era Manchester United,Twyford had just enough time to kick off before the final whistle blew.
More Spartan anecdotes.”Theme from Sparta FC” by The Fall,was used as the backdrop for the BBC’s football results on a Saturday,maybe still is.Despite the intonation of James Alexander Gordons’ voice,which would have given away the draw result as he announced:Central City 2,Twyford Spartans 2,as with many other 2-2 draws,it is unlikely that the true excitement of the match was ever portrayed.And in another spurious Spartan Chrimbo link,the fabulously named Birkenhead band Half Man Half Biscuit,recorded a song entitled “ All I want for Christmas is a Dukla Prague away kit”.So,in case it comes up in a Xmas quiz,Who is the other team in Prague.Oh Yes,Sparta Prague.You couldn’t make it up.
Back in the spring it was probably an away win at Colyton that sent City on their way to promotion.If a Xmas wish were to have been granted then,3rd in Division 1 of the league,unbeaten bar the Blues,would have been high on the list.We didn’t have Man of the Match Josh then,the award makes us glad we have now,together with all our squad.You all deserve a Dukla Prague away kit for a Happy Christmas.
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