Old Cholmeleians - League (H)

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On yet another gloriously warm day the LOBs took on the Old Cholmeleians in the knowledge that if they couldn't match their last win against OMTs then they would be playing in Div 3 next season, they had lost the corresponding fixture 4-0 earlier in the season!

A cracking squad had been assembled, a couple of unavailable regulars were replaced by Henry and Dan back from Uni, the latter straight off a plane, and everyone was on parade in good time. Playing with what breeze there was the LOBs set about their business and it only took five minutes before a trademark driving run by Henry accompanied with a nice finish across the 'keeper' put us one up, nerves settled.

The next half an hour was probably just about edged by the opposition and they had the better chances but couldn't put any away, Brad giving everyone confidence between the sticks (their keeper appeared to be still in his pyjamas and on work experience). 

Then just as the half was meandering to a close, and arguably against the run of play, another run by Henry opened up their defence and this time he rifled a right foot shot to the near post 2-0 half-time.

Despite being in a relatively comfortable position we all knew how quickly things could unravel and concentration and effort would be paramount in the second half. Despite a few scares, one great save from Brad and ignoring the odd, and I mean odd situation - Disco telling the oppo it's a home game so we're going to play with our ball when they thought it was shit, was one, the skipper being told by the ref to go and get the ball after he hoofed it halfway to Chessington in a vain attempt to time waste being another, we held on quite comfortably.​​​​​​​

In fact in the second half we had the better chances, Josh took a particular liking to the side netting, and Dan fired a number of efforts way over the bar into the brambles prompting a polite request to the ref to see if he could be booked for time-wasting. With about 15 to go we did blast the ball into the back of their net only for the ref to award a corner instead.

There were quite rightly a large number of candidates for POM as we enjoyed beers and pizza on the balcony, Hec, Jamie, Dan, Brad to name a four fingered handful but it was only right that Shep got the nod for his brace, which cemented the golden boot for the 24/25 season.

So the great escape was accomplished, we got the six points required from our last two matches to avoid relegation, with two clean sheets too it should be said, and doing it in some style, it augurs well for next season when we will be looking to secure promotion back to Div 1 where we belong, well for a season anyway before back to back promotions.

 

So a huge pat on the back to Frankie for all the hours he put in, with Ryan and others, and to everyone who turned out this season, we will regroup over the Summer and go again stronger next term #UTLOBs

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