D-Day!
On a damp, miserable day in the unfamiliar TW9 postcode, Richmond was host to probably the most important sporting contest in the last century. The Clapham Alexandra were to take on the mid-table Pigeons FC on mutual turf in a test which could see the Alex secure the league in their final game. Despite the conditions, the Alex support were out in full force (all 4 of them).
According to league officials the title “was Alex’s to lose”, piling on the pressure for the in-form side. Could they make it 13 wins on the bounce? Could they put the league to bed, with those left in their wake unable to catch even with their games in hand? The world was about to find out……
Following the usual passionate pre-match pep talk from Tom Riley and James Allcott, both teams took to the field of play. The first half got underway, the Alex started well, the Pigeons unable to contain the link up play of Allcott, Dasiy and Goodman through the centre with the added special sauce of Tian’s pace down the right. During the early exchange’s a half chance falls to Allcott 20 yards out after some dynamic build up play from Rob Goodman, with the Alex playmaker sending his effort over the bar. Other half chances fall to the Alex, Goodman breaking on the counter storming past the Pigeon’s centre half seeing his effort palmed out by the keeper. The mounting pressure from the Alex saw the Pigeon’s resort to a counterattacking game, however, this proved fruitless as the Alex remained a solid unit at the back marshalling their forwards with ease.
The breakthrough came for the Alex in the 12th, when top scorer Matt Wood jinked past a player in the Pigeon’s box with a lovely dive which wouldn’t look out of place in Swan Lake and reminiscent of his idol Luis Suarez (luckily for the defence he isn’t a nibbler). The ref buys it and awards a penalty. Goodman steps up, the weight of the league on his shoulders and calmly slots home in the bottom right, Pigeons 0-1 Alex.
The first goal to the Alex was a relief to the team and their support, but we all know the importance of a two goal cushion. The Alex were solid at the back without being nervy, and attacking up top without being too gung-ho. A classic and tempered performance from a mature team.
The Alex held the edge through the early stages with Allcott swinging in a delicious ball on 20 minutes which Daisy puts wide by a whisker. A message of intent from the Hallam maestro's. It wasn't much longer before another Allcott ball from a free kick was swung in and Goodman headers in to make it 2-0 to the good.
The Alex were controlled in possession with both full backs showing great athleticism and composure on the ball - the sign of a quality team! However, on 39 minutes the Pigeons knicked a goal against run of play, with a header from a left hand side cross. Was this time for the Alex to crumble at the final hurdle? After a long season, these wise heads knew how to shut up shop and closed out the first half 2-1 up.
There wasn't much to be said at half-time. The troops knew what they had to do. More of the same. Keep possession, control the tempo, harry the opposition and win the game. With a twinged glute, Wood was replaced at the interval by Tommy Stroud.
The Alex showed no signs of jangly nerves and had the majority of the ball, providing pacy breakaway attacks with ease. Goodman and Mantell upfront were on fire, the two middle men were a driving force and the wingers showed great intent bombing forward with skill and precision. The Alex were duly rewarded for their heroic efforts when Mantell bravely got on the end of a daisy flick, nearly taking the net home with him.
The pattern of play continued through the second half. On 63 Allcott had a shot parried which Tiahan couldn't help but sky over the bar. Further efforts rained on the goal and the defence superbly mopped up any sight of danger with Tom and Beef handling their stocky striker with finesse. Back pocket stuff.
As the closing minutes neared, the Alex made fresh changes to exert some energy and see out the game. A blinder from Rob Goodman earned him a rest, whilst the pugnacious Oli Miller was sent on to rattle their defenders, chase down lost causes and try and nick another goal to increase his bulging haul for the campaign.
Further substitutions were made with Will being replaced at right back by Anthony for his second appearance this term. A well-earned cigarette for The Colonel. Soon after, Jimmy was introduced to the field with Tiahan making way. It was nearly carnival time for the Alex as they knew this win would mathematically win them the league.
However, devastation struck on 87 minutes as new-boy Anthony fells their winger near the by-line. The Pigeons swung in a devilish ball which ricochets off Anthony's bonce and flies beyone the helpless Gandy. 3-2. The nerves were jangling now.
But the Alex players soldiered on for the final few minutes resolutely. With even the Pigeons' keeper flying forward for a last-minute corner, hearts were in the mouths of all associated with Clapham Alexandra Football Club. With the whistle at the refs lips, Iain Mantell earned his man of the match award with the clearing header that diverted the last chance for the opposition to ruin the Alex's swansong.
Final whistle blown...the Alex had done it! League Champions for 2012-2013!!!!!!
The players shook the hands of their opponents and burst into chants of Champione, Champione with their avid fans on the sidelines. The cheap cava was F1'd and the jubilant scenes were a sight to behold. There was disbelief in the camp from the elder statesmen of the squad that after 5 long, ardous seasons, it had ended in triumph. But with the current squad available and the belief of the players having been on a 13 game winning streak, there is more to come from the Alex in 2013 - 2014! Watch out League and Cup!
Alex walk on water
