Crowninthians take control!
Olden But Golden slip further as Crowninthians take control with one game to go.
There was a lot riding on game 1 in week 13, as Olden But golden looked to halt their poor run of form since getting a double win over Crowninthians FC. Facing them were Scouting for Goals, who also had an eye on top spot going into the game. After a tense opening 10 minutes, SFG broke the deadlock and Olden But Golden looked rushed as they desperately tried to get back into a game they really needed to win. As OBG pressed in the second half, looking for an equaliser, big gaps opened up front for SFG and after missing a load of good chances they finally got a second and a third. OBG pressed more and got their reward with a good header from Damian Howells, but it proved to be just a consolation as SFG got a fourth to close out an impressive 4-1 win, build on a great defensive display and some good counter attacking. OBG remain above SFG though, with a slightly superior goal difference.
Game 2 was not so important to the outcome of the league but was still well contested and Sports Centre United will be disappointed to lose out to The Vaders 3-2 after being so close to getting a point. Gavin Vincent scored a lovely strike to put The Vader ahead early but they couldn’t build on their lead and SCU got back into it. Rob Boydell put The Vaders back in front before SCU pulled another back and looked a safe bet for a draw with few chances being carved out. It’s been very clear that, despite having a very good team, The Vaders have missed a front man in recent weeks as Robbie Walters went M.I.A, but Rob Boydell scored again to seal a win for The Vaders who are now guaranteed to finish 5th. SCU will finish 7th and have the huge task of trying to upset Crowninthians party in the final game next week.
And it was game 3 that Crownithians FC got the win to put them top of the league by 2pts, finally seeing off a dogged Rebel Alliance, 4-2. It was the Rebels who struck first blood as they kept a tight back line and took a 1-0 lead into half time, courtesy of a low strike from Richard Boydell. The Rebels defence was looking solid, if a little last ditch, and Christian Powys was a wall in goal. But the inevitable equaliser came and a neat finish from Chris Lewis got the Crowninthians on their way. 2 further goals put them in the driving seat as their superior numbers told, with The Rebels tired legs slowing. Crowninthians got a fourth and then a late goal from Gareth Blackwell give The Rebels a glimmer of hope but it wasn’t meant to be and the great upset was off. Crowninthians go into the final week needing just a point to win the league, unless Park Arabs can win by more than 20!
The final game of week 13 was a free flowing, end-to-end match full of nice goals and plenty of good saves. Lewis Kingdon once again showing off his skills and fine finishing got the Park Arabs on their way but BMG battled back again and again to almost put an end to the Arabs title challenge, but the Arabs held out to win 5-4. The game was hampered by the lack of floodlights and got a little silly towards the end as visibility was really poor, but credit to both teams for continuing to play the same way and make a full game of it. We’ll definitely be hoping the lights are fixed for next week! The Park Arabs remain with a slim chance of winning the league, if Sports Centre United can do them a favour, they will fancy themselves to get a result against bottom club The Rebels, despite only managing a draw last time out.
It’s great that we go into the final week with 4 teams still in contention for the title, and all 4 play teams from the bottom half, making it very interesting to say the least. Will we see some upsets or will the top 4 remain the same as it currently stands? The bottom 4 are all in their finishing positions as none can climb or fall in the final week. Looking forward to an exciting final week!
Finally, we have booked the Celtic for our presentation on Friday 5th September, 7pm till midnight. There’ll be a DJ and of course the shield presentation and individual awards, but most importantly plenty of booze and a good laugh. We are selling tickets for £1 from next Thursday and all proceeds will go towards the charity of Jay Elvis’ family’s choice. Hope you can all make it, friends and other halves are all welcome, please come see me or Rob next week, cheers.