Having previously lost to D&B, the Spartans knew they were facing a tough challenge. In the last encounter, the Tigers impressed with their organisation and technique on their newly built 4G pitch. This time, however, the conditions were different: a heavy, boggy surface in Groby.

Adam and I emphasised quick passing during the warm-up, determined to get the ball moving and use the pitch to our advantage. After the performance against Whetstone, we reminded the boys to play as a unit, attacking and defending together. They responded brilliantly, starting the game with energy and intent.

The Spartans quickly took control, creating several strong chances. The breakthrough came in the 17th minute: Finley drove forward and cleverly laid the ball back into Nicholas’s path, who struck cleanly from distance to open the scoring.

The momentum continued after the break. Once again, Finley and Nicholas combined, with Nicholas firing another long-range effort into the net.

D&B pulled one back after capitalising on Spartans doing their best to play out from the back, but their hopes were short-lived. Daniel, relentless on the wing, was rewarded for his hard work by finishing at close range from Kieran’s pass.

Just ten minutes later, Daniel struck again, this time assisted by Aryan, to extend the Spartans’ lead. In the dying moments, D&B managed to get a second and followed up again with a consolation goal from a well-taken free kick, but the result was already sealed.

Awards
- Daniel: Recognised for his tireless effort tracking back and rewarded with two goals.
- Nicholas: Claimed both Moment of the Match and Man of the Match for his outstanding work and two superb strikes

Takeaways
This was a fantastic response from the boys after the previous defeat. Against unbeaten opposition, previously playing a level above, the Spartans showed resilience, teamwork, and quality. D&B arrived unbeaten all season, but left Brookvale with their first loss, leaving Groby Spartans with only a single home loss so far this season.

With so many standout performances, the team proved just how well they can play when working together. A brilliant display from the Spartans, well done, lads!