Nnamdi, Binns, McVeigh, Street, Naidu (Shaw),Townsend (Leci), Stienebrunner (Bennett), Pinz, Karaljevic, Childs (Martin), Sejdic.

While the threat of precipitation was ever-present on Saturday afternoon, the deluge failed to arrive, and both teams enjoyed a relatively cool 90 minutes on a pitch that had plenty of give underfoot (although where else you’d expect to find a pitch is anyone’s guess….)

Knowing that they were a mere hour and a half from a dream Cup Final, both teams fielded strong sides and went at each other’s juggler (would be ‘jugular’, but I can’t spell it) from the off.

Hotspurs created plenty of chances in the first half, but failed to convert – indeed failed to test the Brewerkz keeper on more than one occasion – a back post header from Phil requiring a fine reaction save.

It looked as though the first period was to remain goalless until a handball just outside the box set up an opportunity for Jorg to fire in the perfect free-kick on the stroke of half time – off the inside of the post…no chance for the gallant keeper.

It was no more than the Hotspurs deserved for a first half that they dominated. Much credit goes to Brewerkz for a second half fight-back that saw them keep possession and get forward as often as possible, and it was a stroke of good fortune that enabled the Hotspurs to extend their lead 18 minutes after the break.

Florian put a great ball into the box from wide left, and it eluded everyone (including the advancing Phil, and the retreating keeper….) and nestled in the back of the net; 2-0 Hotspurs.

Phil may claim the assist for the expert ‘dummy’, and we’ll let him, if it makes him feel better about not being able to get his head to the ball.

Brewerkz did manage to pull one back before full time – a little scrappy, but Hotspurs with only themselves to blame for not clearing their lines from a corner - and fashioned another couple of chances before the match ended, and on one occasion went very close indeed, but the Hotspurs held on, and I don’t think anyone could have had any complaint about the final score.

It was a good day to be a Hotspur and everyone played their part in a great win.
 
Marko gets the nod for 'Man of the Match' after his all-action display, superb ball retention and the encouragement he gave to others. He was central to everything the Hotspurs did on the day, and his ability to bring other players into the game is the stuff of legends – he always seems to be able to create time on the ball, whatever the situation…it’s a gift.

Kudos as well to our back 3 David, Barry and Chris for adapting well, and then adapting even better after we changed the formation.

Jamie produced another of his characteristic high-energy performances in midfield, while Anis and Flo were excellent on the flanks, and were most assiduous when it came to fulfilling defensive duties.

Phil and Esad worked hard up front, and Phil’s mobility in particular meant that he was a constant threat and a great target to find.

I can’t speak highly enough of the substitutes either, who were patient, and then impacted the game in just the right ways. Dan B injected pace and energy in the midfield, and Vince ran a tiring defence ragged in the closing stages, and should have registered on the score sheet. Jim produced the header of the match having read the situation with a degree of prescience only his experience can account for, and dealt superbly with a dangerous situation – proof finally, that elephants are indeed the only members of the animal kingdom that can’t jump.

Tony, by the way, had very little to do in goal, but kept his concentration well, and produced a couple of smart saves.

Thanks to Brewerkz for an entertaining game that was full of good football; and thanks to Ganesan for an almost faultless display of refereeing. Sure, there were one or two decisions that could have been argued against, but he allowed the game to flow, kept control, and made the match fun to be a part of. We’re very much looking forward to the Final, against our old friends…