Zion FC clinched the title with a game to spare with a well-earned 4-1 victory against Rubber Chickens. A fantastic team performance helped Zion brush aside their fellow title challengers.
A 4-4 draw between Zion's rivals, The G.A, and Real Portslade left Zion in the know that a victory would secure the Premiership crown. The fans anticipated a night to remember as their vocal support echoed across the arena. The football was less than settled as both sides felt the significance of the occasion. Rubber Chickens knew they had to win, but also knew that such a victory would put them in a good position to gain the tiel themselves. Zion had the expectancy of much of the world media to secure another title. Passing moves were few and far between as neither side looked like scoring. That was until David Jones calmed the Lions nerves. Tony Dain made a fantastic run from defence into Chickens territory. Dain then squared the ball to Jones who calmly side footed the ball past the keeper. The decibels flew off the charts as the Lions faithful could almost touch the silverware. Steve Winter then made a good save tipping a furious shot onto the post. Dan Shotton was in solid form with some great tackles, interceptions, and particularly good ball shielding. The frustration mounted for the Chickens who then fell further behind. Zion had been starting to get some rhythm, and a fluid move doubled their lead. Tommy Powell and David Jones combined well before a shot by Powell could only be parried. Jones pounced on the rebound to make it 2-0. The Rubber Chickens keeper then came under a barrage of strikes as Zion looked to kill off the game. However, he was in irresistable form making some fine saves. The Chickens then grabbed a lifeline. Jones saw a pass intercepted, and the striker bounded through to beat Winter at his near post. Silence was deafening as the nerves returned. Minutes later the half time whistle blew with the game in a fascinating position.
The Chickens came out determined to spoil the party and get themselves back in the hunt. They threw men forward and looked to grab an equaliser. The Lions, however, showed equal determination to keep them out. Fantastic defensive play from Shotton and Dain in particular thwarted the Chickens pursuits. On the break Zion proved to be more than dangerous. Jones saw a shot go wide, as Powell also had a few chances. It was to be Zion's all time top scorer who edged Zion closer to glory with a fine piece of play. He intercepted a pass and advanced goalwards. He was then faced by a massively advanced goalkeeper who he defeated brilliantly with a drop of the shoulder. As he ran towards the empty net it seemed the defenders may catch him, but Powell then accurately passed the ball into the net and sent the fans into frenzy. Heads went down in the Chickens camp as they started to find more joy verbally battling with each other than battling with Zion on the pitch. A fantastic save by Winter only added to the Chickens misery. He showed great agility to block from a one on one situation. Tony Dain then sealed the result with a great breakaway goal as he ran through the deserted Chickens defence and then finished accurately. The game was won, but still Zion searched for more goals. Shotton and Powell saw shots saved as gaps in the Chickens defence became of Grand Canyon proportions. The whistle blew to joyous scenes on the terraces. The ceremony next week will be a sweet day for Lions fans.
The noise coming from the Lions changing room was electric as celebrations began. Tommy Powell emerged to speak with the media sporting a beaming smile, "The lads have thoroughly deserved to win it this year and I'm so proud of them. We have played some fantastic football throughout the campaign. Today's game was another stern test and we came through it brilliantly. All credit to the boys, we'll hopefully finish the season in style next week with another win." Man of the match Dan Shotton tipped freezing water on his manager along with his team mates before expressing his delight at such a successful season, "What a buzz. We worked hard for the result today as we've worked hard throughout the season. It means so much to all of us to win the league, but to have won it with a game to spare just shows our dominance this season." Jubilant fans set off for their parties as dusk fell, and they must be hoping that Zion will keep that party atmosphere going next week with a win against rivals The G.A.
