Well, this was it. After being absolutely thrashed by 5 goals to Nil in the penultimate game of the season, the final game of the season presented my final chance to clinch the title. Only a win would do with a draw only guaranteeing second place.

Compared to the previous week, we had a better turnout with 16 players turning up.

Picking commenced and the teams were as follows;

Yellows: Phil (C), Andy S, Carl, Blake, Nick E, Chris, Gary, Mac
Whites: Neil (C), Laurie, Paul, Richie, Mark, Ali, Andy M, Bob

The game kicked off, with both of us captains opting to go in goal.

Overall, the game was pretty much an evenly matched game, with Gary and Chris putting our defence under a lot of pressure, but our team with Ali and Andrew pushing forward down the channels supporting Bob who I had started up front. It was my Whites team who got on the scoreboard first with Ali hitting his trademark shot from the Right Wing. 1-0 to me.
This spurred on the Yellow teams who then unleashed attack after attack. I dont like to talk much about my own performance but I even shocked myself with some of the saves that I made in that first half of the game. The most notable being from a headed shot to my left from Chris. I got my left hand to it but it rolled over and would've been in the net if I hadnt been able to scoop it over the bar with my other hand. The Yellows continued to bombard our goal with a flurry of shots. Bob was our targert man up top and managed to control and release passes when the ball was played to him. The yellows' continued pressure paid off though with 2 goals coming from a rocket-shot from Gary's left foot and an on-target shot from Chris which may have taken an unlucky deflection off Paul, but that takes no credit away from Chris' effort.

It was at 2-1 that Phil and I agreed to switch ends. Some might say this changed the game as what followed must be the most dramatic finale that I've ever been part of. With us being 2-1 down we threw everthing forward, including Paul. The next talking point came with only 6 minutes to go, the ball fell to Andy in the centre of the pitch, up against his dad Phil who was still in goal, Andy has a shot from Distance which was placed into the corner of the goal. 2-2!!!! - as Mac said, true +30FC style! Son vs Dad!

I still needed the win so we stayed with the same mentality and kept the belief going.
Gary did get one attack were he may/may not have beaten me but was brought down by me in Gareth Barry style tackle. Worthy maybe of a Yellow but nothing more ;) A free kick was awarded.

It was looking like the match was going to finish as a draw but with a minute or less to go a ball was played up to the Yellows goalmouth, seemed to hit someone to go straight up in the air. Only for it to be nudged home in the final minute by Ali.

3-2 and I couldn't believe it!

Full time was called on the game and the season.

My man of this match was Paul. Solid defending at the back, vital headers both defensive and attacking, who also played very well when he was pushed further forward. Take nothing away from any players on that field though, it was a brilliant game!

On a side note, It was also nice to see Harvey back, even though only as a spectator, its good to see that his recovery is going well. He was also teasing a few of the players on the pitch by eating a portion of chips on the sideline. Seemed to distract Gary a bit ;)

A season-long battle hard fought, brought down to the final minute of the final game. Well played Phil, my commiserations to you as you had put up a good fight all the way.

After Full-time I was presented with the Prestigous Plus 30 League trophy when we returned to the changing rooms. I'm proud to be part of the club and it is an honour to win the title. Thank you to you all! The trophy has taken its place on the cabinet in ours and I look forward to a nice run of games in the Summer.