WORTHY CHAMPS

Subs

• Mcloughlin for Palmer

• Cardall for Stanley

• Bissell for Halloran

• Ryan for Foster

The final day of the season resulted in a fitting end to what has undoubtedly been a season that we can all remember.  Already promoted but with the opportunity to go up as Champions meant that yet again we had to endure a tense week in the build up to the game.  All of the nerves from Cadbury last week had gone away and our lad’s had a quiet confidence about them at training on Thursday and again before the match with the Eagles.  The Cadbury game may well have ended in defeat but I think our lads took a lot from it.

Knowle have a decent home record and the pitch is fairly small so it would take some adjusting.  Scott, Ryan and Sonny all started and the lads again showed their flexibility by playing in a number of different positions.

The game itself was a little scrappy in a battling 1st half.  We were on top but never really got to grips with the conditions and we seemed very slow to react when the ball broke free.  We did though create chances.  Dayle was tormenting the right back.  Sonny and Halloran often combined and Mark looked to be a threat from midfield.

Defensively we were sound after a shaky start.  Graham was probably the pick of them in a match that saw us achieve clean sheet number 6 of the season.

Our only goal of the half came when Sonny did well on the right.  He crossed and Dayle rose brilliantly at the back post to head it across goal.  In typical fashion Halloran then scored his 4th great goal in the last 5 games. 

Dylan broke through just before half time but other than that there was no more real action.  Half time. 1-0.

The 2nd half saw us reach the next level.  It was the type of performance that shows me just how far we have come this season.  You may even say it was a performance of Champions.  We camped in the Eagles half with attack after attack.  The ball was often flying across the box and clever link up play was cutting the Eagles to pieces.  The right hand side saw Ryan come more into the game and he produced several good runs and crosses.  Henry was completely dominant in the middle, which allowed Mark and Rob to burst forward.  Robbo only had 20 minutes but it was a real cameo.  Surging runs, tough tackling and a great presence typified exactly what he has added to the Ravens this season.

Pete and Cardall also went on and slotted straight in to the formation well with comfortable and confident performances.

Goals were inevitable.  Mark’s classic corner allowed Henner's to head us 2-0 up.  Another Mark shot was parried and Dylan made it 3-0.  Dylan then went through and finished coolly to make it 4-0.

Add to all of that, Ryan and Rob hitting the post.  Cardall and Henner's heading just wide and over and more long rangers from Mark and you can get a feel for the dominance of our display.

The whistle went and we were confirmed as Champions.  Great reward for all of the players who began this season last July, running around Elmdon park in preparation for our championship push.   The faces of everybody involved with us after the game was a joy to see.  Once again we have been supported so well this season.

Well done lads, enjoy the next few months and all of the reward and accolade that you will get.  Put out 2nd half performance in a bottle and save it up as we will need plenty more like that next season.

Steve