SPARTA STUNG IN BATTLE OF THE JAGS

On paper this was a match that was going to be closely fought with both teams occupying mid-table positions.

In a tight and fiercely competitive first half there were few opportunities as both defences coped well. However player-manager Kirkwood came closest for Sparta when a long hanging cross was powered towards the top corner only for the .nets no 1 to reach and twist his body to turn the ball over the bar. Next it was Ferguson who threatened, as he cut in from the left and when there seemed better options chose to shoot and pulled his shot wide of the target.

As the teams turned around at the break both managers knew that the second half would be vital to their own team's aspirations in the league.

It was Kirkwood who provided the ammunition for Sparta's opener. Young Ryan O'Donnell to the jubilation of the Sparta squad smashed Kirkwood's measured pass into the top corner.

Sparta had to change things around as Collins was taken off with a nasty looking ankle injury to be replaced by McIntyre.

The .nets were coming more and more into the match and equalised with a goal straight from the Wimbledon school of football. A long kick from the goalkeeper was not dealt with by Samson and the .nets striker knocked the ball past the onrushing Walker to level the scores at 1-1.

Kirkwood withdrew himself and Maxwell and brought on Thomas and Anderson to try and rejuvenate the side.

At points like this the hungrier side usually ups the tempo and runs out winners and this was to happen. Again route 1 proved to be the best option as Taylor and Samson just couldn't get to the .nets striker who doubled his tally to make it 2-1. From not looking like losing any goals the Sparta side had shipped 2 goals that could have been prevented. .net extended their lead when Walker came out of his area to knock away a through ball only to have it returned with interest into the back of the net.

Sparta had crumbled and in their search for a way back they were caught cold at the back. This time a long throw caused mayhem in the box and Hamilton and Walker couldn't stop the .nets striker nicking in for his hat trick - 4-1, Sparta were down and out. .net celebrated their deserved victory.

Team: Stevie Walker; James Taylor, Colin Reston, Steven Samson, James Hamilton; Alan Maxwell, Kenny Montgomery, Chris Collins, Ryan O'Donnell; Charlie Kirkwood, Ross Ferguson.
Subs: David Anderson, Steven Thomas, Andy McIntyre.