Ventolin Inhalers are once again crowned Brighton Monday Premiership champions, winning the title by a whopping 5 points.
Going into the game with Fairlight Ventolin were determined to maintain their 100% season record, and end the campaign on a high.
Unfortunately Ventolin were defeated, primarily due to an outstanding performance in the Fairlight goal by pitch invasion stalwart Mike, who made at least six outstanding saves to deny Ventolin the goals their first half performance certainly merited.
Ventolin were made to pay for this profilgacy as Fairlight scored two late second half goals to secure the points and end the only unbeaten record in the league.
Ventolin started the game brightly, playing some excellent football and generally frustrating Fairlight who spent much of the half on the defence. What Ventolin couldnt do was turn their possession into goals, even after several good efforts from Archdeacon, Robinson and Ross, who saw his long ranger tipped superbly wide by the in form keeeper. As is often the case between these two rivals, there is a bit of needle and no inch given by either side in what is always a physical encounter and tonight was no different, with both sides being awarded a series of free kicks.
The second half continued in a similar vein, although fairlight began to find a little more space going forward, forcing the defence into a series of tackles and interceptions, ably supported by keeper Barton when called upon.
Ventolin continued to create chances, with Dain finding Archdeacon with a floated pass and Plass playing in Ross, who saw his effort go just wiide.
With less than five minutes remaining and both sides tiring, Fairlight took the lead. Breaking away after a ventolin corner, they passed the ball forward quickly, opening up room for Marshy to fire home from just outside the box.
Ventolin pressed forward in search of an equaliser only to find the fairlight keeper in unbeatable form, making another excellent save from Robinson after a good run.
As the ref looked at his watch, a mix up in the Inhalers defence, resulted in the ball deflecting into the path of the Fairtlight striker, and with Barton out of position he was able to slot the ball home. FT 2-0.
Disappointed to lose yes, thrilled by another excellent team effort to cap a superb winning season. The question on the lips of the Inhalers fans is can they now go on and retain the title, creating a new dynasty of success.
Next week Ventolin start their defence with a tricky match against skillful VFL Wolfpack at 7.20pm. This is being shown live on sky sports 2.
