SIMLEY Spartans recovered from a disappointing result against fierce rivals South St Paul Packers in their last game to defeat Tartan Titans 2-0.
In a fairly drab affair, the Inver Grove Heights team hit the front after 12 minutes when Zach Myran beat the offside trap to fire home.
They added a second ten minutes later when a long free kick from Joe Trenzeluk was headed to the net by Austin Monsrud.
This effectively sealed the win and for the remainder of the game both sides played out time as Simley recovered from the disappointment of losing their local derby.
However, this result barely masked the hurt of the earlier defeat to the St Paul school when the Spartans snatched defeat from the jaws of victory.
The Packers were quicker out of the blocks and their early pressure was rewarded when Trenzeluk was caught in possession and punished as the ball was fired to the net after 18 minutes.
Simley gradually came out of their shell and found themselves level thanks to a fortuitous goal from Zach Myran when his shot took a wicked deflection and looped up over the goalkeeper and into the net.
The Spartans – buoyed by this good fortune – continued to press and had several chances and a shout for a penalty turned down but the score remained locked at 1-1 as the sides changed ends.
Their pressure was rewarded in the second half when Joe Trenzeluk swung in a good cross from a free kick and George Knowlton was on hand to bullet his header into the net.
Just when it seemed Simley were on course for a good victory the wheels well and truly came off.
South St Paul’s earlier misfortune was leveled up when they scored directly from a corner that was sloppily given away to tie the game at 2-2.
With seconds remaining, Simley cleared from another corner but the ball was returned and went all the way into the net after the Spartans goalkeeper inexplicably lost concentration and went to remove a second ball from the field.
This proved to be the winner as South St Paul Packers claimed the bragging rights over their close rivals.
However, the subsequent victory over Tartan helped Simley return to winning ways as their record now stands at 6-2-2 while they drop into ninth place in the standings.
Next up will be a daunting contest against Hill-Murray Pioneers. While Simley will not be favoured, a good result and positive display can rectify the ten minute horror show against South St Paul.
