SUN 29 APRIL 07

FRY CLUB COLTS        0

LONGWELL GREEN     0

Our final match of the season between the 2 teams that could win the Division. All we had to do was not lose whereas Longwell had to win this and their last game.

With James Hurrell Smith returning early from his prior arrangement and Oli Randall cancelling a weekend break his parents had booked, it was to prove that this match meant so much to every single player, parent and supporter.

 There was no doubt nerves amongst the boys in particular as a very nervous start to the game gave Longwell Green a few early opportunities.

In fact, Longwell went on to dominate most of the first half as we struggled to hold on to the ball long enough to penetrate anywhere near their penalty box. However, the defensive side of our game was prove its value as some great tackling and all round good support at set pieces prevented any direct strikes that troubled Craig Francis in goal. At the other end, even altering our formation and introducing fresh legs failed to cause the defence of Longwell much trouble and we were very grateful to reach half time 0-0.

We discussed the need to improve certain areas of our game and the start of the second half was much better as we looked to link up each department with the ball. However, Longwell soon coped with our approach as their tough tackling and good width gradually pushed us back into our half. However, although the nerves were still present, 2 great opportunities were to come our way. Firstly Brad Monelle did put the ball in the back of the net following a great ball forward. However, the lineman adjudged him off side and so the goal was cancelled. Shortly after, Brad had another chance but against the advancing keeper his sweet strike rebounded off the keepers legs and away. Following a good move down the right the ball was crossed in to the far post but although Craig Andrews got his head to it, he just couldn’t direct it goal bound. In between all of this, Longwell had by far the best 2 chances of the game. The ball found its way across our box to a Longwell striker whose struck the ball with his studs and James Hurrell Smith cleared away the danger.

 Following another cross into the box, the ball was looped over Craigs advancing hands towards the goal. James Boulton got back to somehow clear the ball back over his head right on the goal line to the relief of everyone on our team. The final 10 mins seemed an eternity as Longwell continued to search for the 1 goal they needed. However, to give credit to our defensive unit would be an understatement as we composed ourselves to see the game through for a victorious 0-0 draw and win the Division title.

This was by far the most anticipated yet nerve tingling game we have ever been involved in. At times we were second best but throughout the season, we earn’t the right to perhaps have a game like today where we didn’t play particularly well but, as we have always said, if you don’t concede goals you will not lose the game, which is exactly what we did today. Amazingly, we didn’t have 1 corner today, and only 2 free kicks to work their defence, which is a credit to our defence as for the rest of the game, the ball seemed to be in our half constantly.

What a choice to make for Man of the Match, there were really too many good performances to single anyone out, but for keeping a cool head, and somehow clearing the ball off the line when it looked like a goal, James Boulton won todays award.

WELL DONE AND A HUGE THANK YOU TO EVERY SINGLE PLAYER, PARENT, SUPPORTER AND EVERYONE ELSE FROM WITHIN THE CLUB WHO WISHED US LUCK AND WATCHED THE GAME. IT WAS WITHOUT DOUBT THE MOST EMOTIONAL YET PLEASING EXPERIENCE ANYONE HAD BEEN THROUGH TO DATE AND BOTH RICH AND MYSELF CERTAINLY WENT THROUGH THE ROLLERCOSTER OF FEELINGS THROUGHOUT THE GAME.

SQUAD: Craig Francis, Michael Payne, James Boulton, Oli Murray, Danny McCarthy, Mo Bouaziz, Dean Lapham, Oli Randall (Capt), Bradley Monelle, Kyle Curtis, Craig Andrews, Charlie Frampton, Nathan Dawson, Jordan Knight, Danny McCarthy