Allsop, Schmidt, Armstrong, Street, Loney (Townsend), Binns, Stienebrunner (Buckley), Pinz, Saad (Loggie), Doninger (Talib), Sejdic (Summers).

A cracking game at the Singapore Sports School saw the Hotspurs emerge with all 3 points despite endeavouring to ensure that the Vikings were always in with a shout.

With a goal conceded after 15 minutes – in slightly controversial circumstances (a Hotspur player being ushered away from the stationary ball at a free-kick, only for that same free-kick to be quickly taken and find the back of the net) the Hotspurs attacked with rapier-like thrusts for the remainder of the first half, scoring 4 and vindicating the tactical decision to start with a 3-5-2 formation.

Debutant Mark Doninger got us back on level terms with a clinical finish after good work from Abbas, and then Mark returned the favour, setting Abbas up for an easy tap in at the far post 10 minutes later.

Mark then made it 3-1 with a delightful chip over a stranded Viking keeper, and completed his first half hat-trick with a perfectly timed run from the halfway line, followed by a composed finish.

It was certainly among the best halves the Hotspurs have put in this season, and there seemed plenty to build on in the second period – especially with an eager bench full of talent, brimming with frustration, and chomping at the bit.

However, an untidy goal gave the Vikings some hope at 4-2, and Hotspurs lost a certain amount of composure on the ball. Both Jorg and Abbas, who had outstanding games, were forced to limp off, and Hotspurs suffered somewhat in terms of the balance of the side, but when Esad finally got his name on the score sheet to make it 5-2 (with a superb finish from 4 inches) it seemed as though the points were in the bag.

The Vikings did pull another one back – a testimony to their hard work and never-say-die attitude - but Spurs held out relatively comfortably for the remainder of the game.

This was an excellent team effort, full of fast-flowing attacking football, some midfield interplay that was very easy on the eye, and a solid defensive display for the most part. Unfortunately Hotspurs have yet to keep a clean sheet this season, but as long as we continue to score more than we concede, at least we’ll keep the fans happy, as well as the doctors and nurses who have to attend to the impending heart condition of the manager.

Man of the Match has to go to Mark Doninger for his three goals and an assist, but every single Hotspurs player had a significant role in what turned out to be a good win.

Many thanks to the Vikings for being an integral part of such a fine footballing feast. Not a yellow card in sight; nary a nasty tackle; and plenty of banter on, and from, the sidelines, made this a fun match to have been a part of, in whatever capacity.

Apart from Mark’s fine performance, plaudits go to Dean and Dan at the back who hunted down everything that moved like a pair of slavering dogs rehearsing for a Winalot commercial, and the returning Chris who showed little sign of rustiness or lack of match fitness after a lengthy injury layoff.

Neil was solid between the sticks and took some decent crosses confidently.

Jorg, Abbas and David bossed the midfield and seem to be developing a genuine understanding the more they play together, while Ally in the first half and Jamie for the last half hour or so provided great support and offered genuine options down the right.

Florian worked tirelessly on the left flank throughout the match, snuffing out Viking raids when appropriate, and getting up in support when the tide changed direction, and Saturday’s match bore witness to something as rare as the sighting of a Bluefooted Booby in Bulgaria – Esad tackling back and defending from the front. 

Bruce and Aran were both excellent off the bench, and proved the value of having something special in reserve, while Paul must feel that he played himself into contention for a start up front, with a lively second half cameo appearance. Azlan too played his part in a feisty little cameoette, despite giving the gaffer assurances that he was injured and didn’t want to play. His attitude though was symptomatic of this Hotspurs performance. Everyone wanted to be a part of it.