The newly crowned champions entertained Dudley Sports on the last day of our season and the plan was always to enjoy the moment. We had a host of players away but mustered 14 and the aim of the morning was very much about enjoyment. First things first we had to agree on a formation. Millette put forward a sterling case for his FM tactic of 4-2-2-2 but the blank expression on Pountney's face meant we went for a diamond, which turned out more like a piece of rusty Zinc! We then picked the names out of the hat with the rule being nobody could play in their natural position, we settled on. Azza, Baker, Pountney, Coco, Jay, Taylor, Millette, The Strap, Trigger, Si and Tom Subs were Acer, Darbs and Cuzer.
With Dudley not in a position to make the top two and the UNITS already wrapping up the league the game started at a leisurely pace with both sides stroking the ball around well. Coco and Lockhart were playing from the back Alan Brazil-esque as we refused to hoof it, which surprised me with the electric pace of Si Hollick up top, always a willing outlet down the channels. Si had a great chance on 15 minutes when he was clean through yet his first touch ended up on the dual carriageway and the chance went begging. Chinner dropped the shoulder and got brought down on the edge of the box, Millette pinging the free kick over the wall but the keeper clawed the effort out of the top corner. Pountney also tested the DS keeper with a free kick which he palmed over the bar/
At the other end DS had a few attempts on target from distance which "Safehands" Azza dealt with comfortably Si almost entered himself for goal of the season when he found a bit of space 30 yards out and went to lob the keeper only for the ball to land on the roof of the net. The wind was playing havoc with the game, the UNITS having it at their back first half yet despite shading the half we came in level at 0-0.
HT 0-0
The 2nd half got underway and no changes were made yet Millette edged up top. 10 minutes in Taylor was replaced by Acer with the returning talisman dropping into midfield. With the wind behind them DS were not having the lion’s share of the game but clear chances were at a premium, again Azza saved well from a couple of 25 yard efforts. Trigger then had the game’s best chance when he was released away from the DS back line, clean through on goal he took his shot early yet shot wide of the post when he had more time.
On 65 minutes the visitors took the lead, a 25 yard free kick was parried away by Azza but the DS sub was on hand to slam home the loose ball from 8 yards as they went 1-0 up. Cuzer then replaced Tom to add to the array of attacking talent on display as the UNITS went in search of an equaliser. Pountney ventured up top and had a couple of half chances to snatch that equaliser but it was the visitors who finished the strongest and got a 2nd with 7 minutes left with a good move down our left finished off again by their sub for his 2nd of the game. There was even time for club legend Darbs to enter the fray for the injured Jay with 5 left and make his season bow. So, we ended on a defeat but today was never about the result with the hard work being done Friday and the celebrations that followed.
The curtain comes down on a tremendous season to which all players should be proud of, not often you achieve the double in your career, whatever level you play at and to a man you've been superb
Roll on Player of the Year Night so we can celebrate it all again.
Enjoy The Summer!
Man of the match was a toss-up between Lewis and Coco, Lewis just edging it proving he probably could play any position on the pitch and never let you down #boywonder
