After a few delays it was finally the last league game of the season. With the championship all done and dusted it was also a captains cup game all rolled into one.

The evening started with Hackett declaring it was his final competitive game and then realising a situation that encapsulated his long career, he had forgotten his shorts! Fortunately Gary lent him his ‘going out’ pair and he could still play.

Odd numbers, so whites had the extra man but could Neil and the yellows make first pick count? They started with plenty of possession and pegged back the whites, but the park the bus tactics with 3 at the back was proving effective. Whites hit some long balls to beat the high line resulting in both sides having some early chances to take to lead.

The deadlock was finally broken by a classy move with the ball being moved quickly, carving through the defence and ending with a tap in at the far post for Gary. 1-0 to yellows!

The whites didn’t give up though and pushed forward more now and soon got back into it with Dave slotting at the far post. 1-1 and game on.

20 minutes left on the clock and contest was not obviously being dominated by either side and was fairly open. Could some one grab the all important next goal? Step up Neil Parker. With a lot of jostling for position going on under Brens cross bar while a corner was being lined up, Neil waltzed out defence and unmarked slammed a 20 yard half volley off the under side of the cross bar and into the net.

Goal of the season was immediately called and I’m sure I heard some one on the other pitch shout ‘what a hit son, what a hit’

The yellows failed to recover and conceded another two goals with Pete and Brian wrapping up the result.

MoM goes to Paul Hackett for a cumulative career and outstanding service to Plus 30 football. You will be missed mate.

Good luck to Tony Yaboah in the next round.