Allsop, Armstrong, McVeigh (Bennett), Street, Townsend (Loggie), Binns (Morriss), Buckley, Pinz (Naidu), Stienebrunner, Loney (Kong), Martin.

This was an excellent game of football played in a very good spirit between two feverishly competitive teams.

When we looked at the pitch prior to the match, there were concerns that decent football would be problematic at best, but the players from both sides made light of the heavy conditions, and provided the spectators with some first class, end-to-end entertainment.

Lions started strongly and created some chances that were not so much gilt-edged as positively golf-plated. Somehow the Lions strikers contrived to miss the opportunities they were presented with and the game ‘settled’ into a pattern of attacks, counter attacks and a pitched midfield battle – wholehearted, and yet almost invariably fair.

The Lions deservedly took the lead on a break, with Hotspurs midfielders wiping the blood from under their noses after a fruitless foray up front, and the Hotspurs did well to get back on terms before the break with a goal of conspicuous quality.

From wide right on the halfway line, Hotspurs surged forward with some delightful one touch football and movement off the ball, to set up Jamie for the chance that he accepted gleefully. With his left foot, to boot! Jamie was involved in the move at the start, and Jorg, Aran, Ally, Vince and maybe even David took part in exchanges that were very pleasing to the eye.

1-1 at the break, and Hotspurs were probably grateful after so many Lions chances in the first period went a-begging. The second half was a different story, as Spurs began to dominate the peat bog (I mean ‘midfield area’) and play some good football.

We were unlucky to go 2-1 down from a superbly struck free-kick (set pieces seem to remain our Achilles heel - much like our namesakes in the Barclays Premier League) but showed great character to keep playing football, and stick to the game plan.

Anis’ introduction at the break worked well, and he tormented down the left flank as Hotspurs pushed, once again for an equaliser. It had to come, and it did – Anis being rewarded for his endeavour by glancing in a header from a fine Vince delivery.

With 16 minutes or so remaining, the game was there to be won, and while Neil was kept busy in goal, Hotspurs created chance after chance – Anis forcing a fine save from the Lions keeper; Vince hitting the bar; Dan B having a bit of a sclaff in front of goal, and Anis doing likewise on the edge of the 6 yard box.

Hotspurs created enough chances to have won the game, but lacked the cutting edge when it was most needed. To be honest, it felt like a defeat at the end, and has to be viewed as 2 points dropped.

Everyone worked tirelessly throughout the game, but Jamie and Jorg must be singled (doubled?) out for special mention. Jamie ran himself into the ground, almost literally, while Jorg was magnificent in midfield and helped to create so much.

An honourable mention must go to Neil as well, who pulled off some good saves and handled well in trying conditions. Anis was terrific off the bench as well, while Justin, on debut, showed some nice touches and a good sense of the game.

All in all, a first class game of football, and an excellent advert for the best values that the Cosmoleague espouses and holds dear.