(Wessex League Division 1)

This was Spurs’ first game since 12 December, but they swiftly overcame any rustiness, despite a number of players arriving late having been delayed by an accident on the M3.  Hythe & Dibden generously offered to put the kick-off back by quarter of an hour, which enabled Spurs to start with eleven men.

Spurs soon took the lead after Adam Crittenden’s pace was too much for the home defence as he burst through and calmly slotted the ball past keeper Jason West.  There were chances at both ends and only good defence and careless finishing by both sides prevented more goals.  West was the hero for Hythe when he stopped a twice-taken penalty by the normally infallible Sam Knowles in stoppage time.  However, moments later the keeper turned villain as he fumbled the ball for Crittenden to nip in and double his tally.  The 2-0 score line at the interval probably flattered Spurs.

The second half continued to be end-to-end with missed chances, until midway through the half Crittenden completed his hat-trick with a brilliant individual effort.  The standard of play then deteriorated as both teams began to show signs of their long lay-off, and the game quietly petered out.

After the match manager Neil Baker said “I was delighted with this overall performance, particularly coming off the back of such a long break.”

Spurs extended their unbeaten run, which goes back to late October, to nine games, including seven victories, and now stand 10th in the league.  They entertain Horndean at Southwood in their next game on Saturday (kick-off 3.00).