This season started way back in September at Pulborough, and it finished today at Pulborough with the Coal Exchange Football Club winning the League and Cup Double...Fantastic Stuff!!
Everyone was nervous before the big game today. The final of the Div 5 Cup. There was a big crowd and both teams were determined to win. We pushed forward from the start with Jamie and Scholes streaking down the wings and Bran the Flying Scot sending pinpoint passes to the front men Keith and Lee. After some great chances it was an own goal that put the Red & Blacks (that's us) in front after about 20 mins. They had a few chances but it stayed 1 v 0 until half time. Tim came on for Andy for the second half.
After the break Lodsworth started to tire and we pushed forward. Geoff scored a towering header from a Keithy corner and the Coalie Faithful went wild. Lodsworth had a few chances, but Jon, Tim, Ollie and Lee worked hard to keep them out, until a slip at the back from Danny 'Rooney' Fellows let them in for a lucky consolation goal. We pressed on and scored another through late super sub Bullen to seal an historic victory. There were great scenes of celebration on the final whistle, with the Coalie being awarded the Div 5 Cup AND the Div 5 League Trophy. Click on the link below to see some photos...
We also made a few Coal Exchange presentations after the match...
Player of the Year : Geoff Bartlett Players Player : Lee Good
Most Improved Player : Andy Steward Clubman : Tony Burgess
Golden Boot : Keith Russell
Many thanks to all our brilliant supporters...see you all next year.......Danny.
Those Ambassadors never know when they're beaten. What a game! It started off quite close and at one point Ambassadors, who needed something from this game to help them secure second spot in the league, actually led 2 v 1. But the Coalie weren't going to give up their 100% home record at fortress Emsworth and pulled away 6 v 2 by half-time. We thought we'd won it and were probably guilty of taking our collective feet off the gas. Ambassadors fought back to within two goals and it finally finished 8 v 6!! Good value for money!! Our goals started with a sweet finish from Geoff (unfortunately new born Travis was just too late to see that one, but did see him sky one over the bar 5 minutes later). Keith notched a hat-trick to take his tally to 41 in 23 games this season!! Bran curled a beautiful free-kick into the top corner for his share of the spoils. Marc got his first for the Coalie when he bundled defender, keeper and the ball into the goal. Lee Good scored his usual 30 yard wonder lob and even Jon (the keeper) got in the act with a penalty. The not so solid back six kept just about enough out....Jez, Ollie, Andy, Chalkie, Scholes and Danny.
Only one game left now this season....the Div 5 Cup Final. The date (and opposition, and venue) have yet to be decided. I'll let you know the details as soon as I do. There will also be the customary End Of Season do.....Cheers....hic!!
!!!! CHAMPIONEES CHMPIONEES CHAMPIONEES CHAMPIONEES !!!!