Match Review: Casuals FC vs Hotspurs FC

• GK Javier Koh
• DF Greg Ryan
• DF Dave Pellowe
• DF Jack Harris
• DF David Phelps
• DF Mark Stead
• MD Andy Dyne
• MD Dom Marwood
• MD David Hitchen
• ST Nick Verrill
• ST Joe Cadden

• DF Ang Siong Guan
• DF Frazer Young
• MD John Common

Hotspurs came to visit on Friday night in a game (on paper) that should have result in Casuals getting the 3 points. We weren't getting carried away and knew the threat that Hotspurs posed with their height and physicality. As the game began, it was Hotspurs that had the upper hand with Casuals lacking any real intensity and quality on the ball. The only real action of the first 30 minutes of the half was gaffer Frazer coming on into the middle of the park and taking the armband for good measure after Phelpsy's only hamstring went ping. The wet conditions didn't help either team string many passes together and it wasn't until the final 15 minutes of the half that the game came to life. Hotspurs hitting the post, shortly after Hitch's shot rebounded to Joe who was apparently offside when Hitch hit the ball. Minutes later Joe went past two Hotspurs defenders, putting a delightful ball across the box only for no one to get on the end of it. In the final 5 minutes of the half, Dyno received the ball on the edge of the box and with a bit of quality and a great deal of composure, skipped passed one, sliced inside other defender and finished calmly in to the corner. 1-0 HT Second half Hotspurs came out and got a quick goal back, Casuals were sluggish in defence for the second goal with a Hotspurs attacker not being tracked, who then duly finished to make it 1-2. Casuals didn't give up though and Dyno turned provider with a cross for Joe to sneak in and head the ball in the net. 2-2 FT. Late withdrawals from the squad don't help but Casuals made hard work of a game they could have controlled for longer periods. Having said that both teams will be disappointed to have only come away with 1 point. Hotspurs showing they are much stronger than their league position suggests. MOM: Dyno for his goal and assist (and not getting booked) Spurs MOM: JD was a constant threat

• Martyn U'ren GK
• Barry McVeigh DF
• Tom Hine DF
• James Keane DF
• Ali Roseburgh MD
• Martin Lawrence MD
• Joshua Donavan MD
• Jack Skinner ST
• Thomas Greene ST
• Sam Hurley --
• Patrick Sheriff --

• Lionel Kong MD
• Nick Kouvaritakis ST
• Mark Hadlow --
• Daniel Krzystek --
• Guy Turton --

So Close...Again!

It was late heartbreak again for Hotspurs on Friday night as an injury-time Casuals' equaliser stopped the visitors from claiming all three points. A lot of positives to take from the performance for Hotspurs however with some great attacking football in parts and a solid-looking defensive shape for most of the game. Goals from Janiel always nice to see too, along with a man of the match performance from JD. This was Hotspurs' fourth 2-2 draw this season, taking their campaign's tally to 6 draws and 6 losses so far. So close to victory in so many games, and a lot of promise moving into the new year. Thanks to Casuals for a well-fought game. All the best for the rest of the season.