With other results not favouring Jiggle last Friday the odds on slipping into that 4th spot over the last fortnight had lengthened despite the impressive win over Maidenbower last Friday. That result looked even better by kick-off with the news Maidenbower had beaten Caledonian this evening. It went without saying that only a win tonight would do. Simple, until you noted this week's opponents were White Knights, not only the reigning Crawley Fives champions but scorers of a mighty 34 goals in 9 games so far this season. Add the semi-pro influence in the White Knights side and there could surely be only one winner, couldn't there?

FC Jiggle 1 White Knights 2 (Dave Carling 14)

Dave Carling struck his 25th goal in a Jiggle shirt but it was ultimately in vein as White Knights struck with a winner deep in the final minute to secure the League A title.

It is the second time White Knights have wrapped up a title with a win over Jiggle but this one was a tough one to take after a really promising performance. Had either Stu MacPherson or Andy Lee Chong been able to convert one of the golden chances that came their way just a minute before the winner it would have been the Jigglers celebrating a superb win. But, as has been said a couple of times recently when you let the big guns off the hook, nine times out of then they make you pay.

Jiggle made one change from the side that beat Maidenbower, Dave Carling returning up front with top scorer Sam Cohen taking to the bench for the first time this season. Phil Laker, David Leake, Stu MacPherson and Andy Lee Chong made up the five. White Knights had scored 34 times before tonight in a run that had included 9-2, 8-2 and 6-0 wins. Brazil Almighty had shown last week however that they could be beaten. Could Jiggle repeat that feat?

Jiggle were straight out of the blocks and unexpectedly it was White Knights who were on the back foot for the first three or four minutes. Dave Carling, turned the big defender from Andy's through ball within 20 seconds of the kick-off but couldn't convert the chance. It was perhaps a blessing that Dave didn't score as Sam behind the goal had promised to perform an unnamed sex act if it went in. Stu also warmed the keeper's hands and saw another shot turned behind for a corner as Jiggle enjoyed a lively opening spell.

The champions bounced back and signalled their own intent as Phil Laker was forced into a sharp save low to his right. The reprieve was short-lived as White Knights took the lead in the sixth minute. A patient build-up unlocked the defence and found Horsham player John Kirby in acres of space at the front of the area. He made no mistake, sending Phil the wrong way to put his side in front.

Jiggle went in hunt of an immediate reply. Dave Carling, latching onto another good ball by Andy was denied by the keeper under heavy pressure by the back tracking defender. Then, a golden opportunity as Dave Leake won the ball with the opposition over committed in the Jiggle half. Dave Carling was alone in the Knights half put Dave's through-ball was agonisingly over hit and ran through to the keeper. At the other end Phil was being kept continually on his toes but neither side could add to the scoring and half time arrived with the champions a goal to the good.

With the side playing well the planned switch of Dave Carling and Sam was delayed to see what the opening exchanges of the second period would bring.

White Knights were on the attack straight from the restart, zipping the ball around neatly and Phil was called upon to make several solid stops, the pick of which a fine double save two minutes into the half. But the storm was weathered and Jiggle were still in the contest.

Two minutes later still in it became right in it. Stu, at the heart of Jiggle's attacks all night split the defence with a through ball. Dave Carling running wide on the right, latched onto it and delivered a belting finish back across the keeper and into the far corner. 1-1.

Now it really was game on. The equaliser had given Jiggle a new lease of life and there was now an added drive to the defensive effort. This was characterised by two fantastic tackles, the first by Stu MacPherson, the second by Dave Leake, both at full stretch under heavy attacking pressure.

A draw was beginning to look the likely result. That was until a final minute packed with drama. First, Jiggle repelled another White Knights attack. Dave Carling won a great ball in the middle and played it into the path of Stu. Stu clean through with the keeper to beat saw his first shot blocked by the keeper's foot. The rebound fell invitingly to Andy but with the keeper on the floor and the net open his first touch eluded him. His second laid it back across to Stu. Again with keeper to beat Stu's shot missed wildly on the near post.

The difference was in the finish. In the final attack of the game White Knights built quickly on the left, the attacker cut inside Andy's challenge and planted an exquiste curving shot that gave Phil no chance, clipping the inside of the post and landing in the far corner of the net.

Sam came on for Andy but his appearance lasted only twenty seconds before Roy blew his whistle. White Knights had wrapped up the title but Jiggle could go off admittedly gutted but happy with a stirring performance. Everyone played well but Dave Carling in particular was outstanding up front tonight.

This reverse ended outside hopes of a Finals spot but with the improvement in the second-half of the season hopes must be high for a successful summer. Andy's return has been invaluable and he looks like being a vital cog in the midfield role. His return has been like a new signing and Jiggle have another of those to come with Paul Eagle ready to become a permanent member of the squad from the summer. The chances of qualification from this campaign haven't been passed up in the second-half of the campaign but by the draws with sides down the bottom in the first four weeks. Jiggle too frequently play these games in third gear and end up drawing them, matches which the sides in the top four rarely fail to win. Running top sides close is great but it's in the bread and butter games against the rest where Jiggle must be more clinical. Target for the summer has to be to win these types of game. An excellent opportunity to get into this habit arrives next Friday when Jiggle take on Underdogs. Let's finish the season on a high note and get set for a successful summer.

Team: Phil Laker, David Leake, Stuart MacPherson, Andy Lee Chong, Dave Carling. sub. Sam Cohen (for Andy Lee Chong 20)