Ventolin Inhalers retained the Monday Premiership title in fine style on Monday night, defeating arch rivals Fairlight Garage 5-1 in an absorbing and ultimately historic victory.
David Jones led the way on his return in Ventolin colours with his man of the match performance, which included two goals and two assists, with Joe Plass, John Archdeacon and Andy Barton with a possible goal of the season contender completing the scoring.
With the teams separated at the top of the table by a single point only, Fairlight knew that nothing but victory would be enough to snatch the crown from Ventolins grasp. After a goal less first half, during which both teams displayed a reluctance to give anything away, although Ventolin still had the better of it and could have been at least two goals ahead had first DJ been able to convert Robinsons cross before Dain saw his low drive well saved by Mike in the Fairlight goal. Plass then created a chance for Robinson, who in partnership with DJ couldnt quite force the ball home. At the other end Dain was marshalling the defence superbly, restricting the fairlight strike force to no more than a few long range efforts that were dealt with comfortably by Barton in the Ventolin goal.
As the half time whistle blew Ventolin had clearly enjoyed the better of the first period, although knowing how resilient and dangerous Fairlight are, were slightly disappointed to have not converted at least one of their chances while they had been on top.
As the second half began the falling rain added to the sense of jeopardy that both sides continued face while the game was on a knife edge. Again Ventolin made the brighter start and looked the more likely of the two teams to open the scoring, with Robinson and Plass both seeing their shots well saved by the in form Fairlight keeper.
This was not to be though as Ventolins worst case scenario suddenly unfolded in front of them. After going close on their previous attack, only to be foiled by a fine save from Barton, Fairlight attacked again, putting the Ventolin defence under intense pressure, playing a neat one two, the Fairlight striker managed to get his shot off just before being challenged, which then skidded underneath the stricken Barton in the Inhalers goal. Fairlight celebrated, thinking they had taken a big step towards what ha appeared an unlikely victory.0-1
Ventolin responded immediately. The impressive DJ laid the ball back from kick off to Dain, who waited for DJ to drift onto the last man, before floatinga decent pass into his feet, whereby he turned and side stepped his marker before unleashing a thunderous left footed drive low into the bottom corner of the net. 1-1
Back in the match and hungrier than ever Ventolin tore into their opponents and took a well deserved lead after some excellent build up play between Plass and DJ, resulting in the former, curling home a lovely finish. 2-1
Fairlight were forced to come out now and even their goalkeeper started making forays into the Ventolin half. This of course was exactly what Ventolin wanted and were unlucky not to increase their lead, after Robinson went close with a fine strike. It was though soon 3-1 as this time more good team play involving Dain and Plass resulted in DJ netting his second of the match with a well taken finish. 3-1
Archdeacon who had manfully made the bench even though he had been vomitting prior to kick off stepped into the fray, replacing robinson for the final five minutes. Within a minute Archdeacon had increased the lead further slotting the ball home after some great work from DJ played him clear on goal.
Fairlight knew the game was up now, with little time to mount a comeback it was a matter of playing for no more than professional pride, a somewhat unfamiliar position for such a strong and successful team.
As they say it aint over until the fat lady sings and tonight Ventolin were singing, with goalkeeper Andy Barton winning his own goalkeeping duel with opposite number Mike, who was making another of his forays into the Ventolin half before losing control of the ball just outside the ventolin penalty area, as ball broke loose Barton strode forward before confidently launching his curling effort the length of the pitch, seeing it drop perfectly into the empty Fairlight goal. A goal that summed up in one moment Ventolins performances this year - magic. 5-1 FT
And that finished a superb season. One that had seen Ventolin once again produce the most consistent and at times compelling football to retain their crown and make it 3 titles in the last 4 seasons. At the same time writing themselves into the history and legend of the Ventolin Inhalers.
With excellent performances all round, man of the match was a difficult choice, although in the end it was given to two goal and assist hero DJ, whose stunning first strike brought Ventolin back into the match. Dain and Plass were both excellent at the back, while Robinson and DJ caused problems for the fairlight defence all evening. A special mention for the evenings super sub John archdeacon who came down even when he should have been in his sickbed and came off the bench to score with his first touch. Legend. And not to forget Andy Ross who was unfrotunately injured in a veterens cup final on the Sunday but who has played a key role in Ventolins success this year. We hope they are both fit and well after the bank holiday break.
The last word can only go to the eccentric and usually outstanding Ventolin keeper, Andy Barton, who scored possibly the goal of the season, with his curling pitch length lob.A fine goal by a fine player, who it must be said has had plenty of practice with his 'shooting'.
With the new season two weeks away the fixtures have yet to come out, although we will post them here as soon as they do.
