DEPLETED SPARTANS WORK HARD

LOSS SHOWED THAT THE TEAM IS READY FOR PLAYOFFS

Fil with the Penalty kick...GOOOOOOOOOOOAL!

"Despite the 5-1 loss," commented a tired Baron," we came away with our heads up high. The team is coming together, and is twice as good as where we were half season."

Having only 7 men on the field at first whistle, the Spartans were quickly behind 2-0, playing second seeded Durham United. Coupled with the fact that injured Paul had to play in net, things were suprisingly in control.

"They were all over us," said Paul, who made some brilliant saves,"but it's hard to stop a team that has a four man advantage."

The Spartans made it 2-1, when superstar and Golden Orange wannabe Justin kicked a loose ball into the back of the net.
"The goalie lost the ball, and I did what just comes natural!" laughed Justin, only to turn that smile to a frown as the Linesman seemed to over rule the sleeping Ref.

"Although the Referee signalled a goal, and pointed the the centre circle, the play became a muddled mess," an exasperated Gerry Dobson recalled." The Baron kept asking the Ref what was going on, but the Ref kept his busy hands in his pocket and wouldn't answer. Probably because he didn't know. Myabe because he was in a happy place. Either way the man had lost all authority. Someone like that should NEVER be in that position."

With the goal called back by the linesman, the angry Spartans were joined by extra men, eventually getting to 11 by half time.

"Our spirits were high," Dave recalled, munching on Oranges for the first time all season.

"Baron," Anders pointed out," the colour Orange didn't change back. There it is again. Weird."

The Spartans came out in the second half like lions, attacking time after time. A header from Sam came off the post. Steve just missed a shot off the left side, and Mark took a header that just went over the top.

But it would be Fil who would be hauled down in the 18. He quickly converted the shot into a goal.
"It was a goal either way," said the Golden Orange alumni, who now joins the top position.

But the lack of subs and players took their toll on the team. By the 70th minute, Durham United scored three times.
"The guys have done their part," conceded Baron," but there's just no way we can keep up with no subs and a depleted roster."

"Overall Gerry, the Spartans did remarkably well for a team with 6 in the IR. If things continue on this course, we will see a new Loser's Cup champion, and hope for a win next season," predicted Craig Forrest.

IN OTHER NEWS
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Goalkeeper Trevor has finished his 2 game suspension for punching a fan.
"he asked me to do my best Hulk impersonation, so I jump up and smash him! Hulk good"

Mark continues to amaze fans with his patented "fake retreat and attack" move.
"I studied this from the 1932 FIFA tournament. Seemed to work well there, and certainly works great here"

Lyons has asked Abe to join their roster for a friendly against Lille this Wednesday.
"Abe has a unique corner kick shot, and that's what we're looking for in our special teams"

Carmen continues to improve. Fans are excited on seeing his new look.
"I've been questioning myself, and lacking confidence. So now I just drink before the game and loosen up. It's worked wonders!"