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| Saturday 22 April 2006 Ardingly II 2 East Court 4 East Court clinched a fourth consecutive promotion in their last game of the season after battling back from behind at Ardingly II. Fletching had won 4-1 at Dormansland Rockets earlier in the day meaning that East Court had to win to finish the season in second spot. That target looked a long way away when Ardingly took a 2-1 lead early in the second half but in the end the visitors picked up a deserved win. The visitors struggled to come to terms with a bobbly pitch early on and were put under pressure by the home side. Time and time again the ball was launched high and long to the two centre forwards but the East Court back-line held firm. East Court looked more dangerous when Ardingly were able to hold the ball up and get people forwards as and they could hit them on the break. Throughout the first half East Court were frustrated by the home side's offside trap. On the few occasions that they did break through the pitch was causing problems for the strikers and the result was some poor finishing from good positions. From a drop ball Carl Buckler was able to play Billy Denyer in and he rounded the keeper to put East Court in front. Within minutes Ardingly were level. A quick throw-in down the left caught East Court napping and the ball was played into the box, the centre forward got their first and calmly slotted past Lamprell. The second half didn't start well for the away side as keeper Daniel Lamprell conceded a penalty and the home side took full advantage to take the lead. The fast, free-flowing football that East Court had played for most of the season had disappeared as the pressure of the promotion race got to them but once again it was sheer grit and determination that got them back into contention. Everyone was getting forward at every opportunity and East Court were now the dominant side. Nick Palmer levelled the scores with a neat lob from the edge of the area after good work from Ross Kelly and then Kelly himself put East Court in front. There was still time for one more goal from Lee Champion, a long throw from Richard Hayes found Champion in time and space and he headed home for 4-2. East Court were visibly calmer with a two goal lead and comfortably played out the closing minutes to ensure promotion. Team: D.Lamprell, A.Wright, N.Palmer, S.Nickols, D.Medcalf, A.Shillibeer, R.Hayes, L.Champion, R.Kelly, B.Denyer, C.Buckler. Unused Sub: P.Bishop |