A banged up and bruised Union Spartan team tried unsuccessfully to tangle with the ‘Dogs of Wallace Friday night, but Wallace-Rose Hill proved too tough for the injury-plagued Sampson team. Final score 4-1.

“It was a difficult night,” said Spartan coach David Ameen. “In fact, I’d say this was probably our toughest night of the season.”

Ameen blamed a lot of Union’s problems against the ‘Dogs on injuries that have forced shifts in positions.

“We keep having to make these adjustments. Every time a have a line-up we all feel comfortable with, someone gets hurt and we have to make more changes. Thankfully, the injuries haven’t been season-ending, but there have been enough bangs and bruises that it has made a difference in the way we play our game.”

That was true Wednesday, particularly in the first half, as a shaky Spartan team tried to collar the ‘Dogs. It wasn’t to happen, with Wallace finding the net — and getting a goal — three times in the first period.

Ameen said he made some adjustments in the second half, changing from his standard 4-4-2 to a 3-4-3, which he believed made some difference.

“We were able to score in the second and we were able to hold Wallace to only one more so I believe those changes helped.

Raider Rudolfo Sandoval hit pay dirt off an assist from Freddy Sanchez.

Ameen said he believed his team could be far more competitive once they were healthy again. “We’ve got to get these kids back to good health,” he stressed.

The loss moves Union’s record to 2-2-2 overall and 1-2 in the conference. They host Hobbton Thursday afternoon in a game rescheduled from Monday. Game time is 5 p.m.