‘El Do’ triumph over adversity

The “Blue Thunder” defeated close rivals St Augustine Secondary 2-1 on Monday at the Larry Gomes Stadium in Malabar to sound a warning that they are back among the powerhouses of local football.

Speaking to Newsday yesterday, Spicer said the victory was not unexpected and was a reward for the work put in prior to and throughout the season.

“The way we played this season (I expected it). The guys wanted it. We had a few doubters but we prove them wrong. We worked really hard,” Spicer said. He noted management had to work closely with the players to ensure their campaign did not derail on the home stretch.

With four games to play in approximately one week, Spicer explained the challenges involved.

“We had four games in eight days and won all. It was hard physically and mentally. We had to keep them focussed on the task at hand.

We have some mature guys in the team like the captain, Maun Mohammad and vice-captain, Joseph Brown, so it was okay,” he said.

He revealed the team was also hindered by the incomplete renovation of their school ground which has forced them to play their matches elsewhere.

“Finance is a problem. We don’t have a ground,” he said.

Looking to their ‘Big 5’ semi-final match against St Anthony’s College next Tuesday, Spicer is wary of the “Westmooring Tigers”.

“We played St Anthony’s in August in a practice match and lost 2-1. We met them in a Varsity Tournament and won 6-2 so there is no fear of them.

They move the ball a lot and we need to defend against that. It’s on the day that will count. They’re a good team so it’s evenly matched. The team whose defence does better on the day will win,” he added.

Although playing unbeaten throughout the season, Spicer believes there is still room for improvement.

“We need to keep more possession. We’re solid defensively already. We only concede six goals and three were penalties,” he revealed.

Spicer wished to thank his assistant coaches Jude John and John Henry as well as trainer Mark Lewis.