Eagles to Nest in Top Flight

The Vikings secured the last promotion spot from Division One with a 3-1 home victory over nearest challengers Pahang. Anastasios Tassiopoulos flicked a header in on nine minutes and The Vikings appeared the more progressive side in the main. Evstathios Gourmas would then volley wide as the rest of the half passed without much incident. A free-kick by Aris Almanidis on 58 minutes went just wide before Kilian Strongbow forced a save from Raasch at the other end. Strongbow would level the game with a powerful shot from distance on 64 minutes but a Tassiopoulos shot through the legs of Hussain 14 minutes later re-established the home side’s lead. A well-placed header by Vassilis Papakostas made the score 3-1 and dispelled any doubts the fans had about promotion. Almanidis did hit a free-kick straight at Hussain moments later but the fans were free to celebrate at the final whistle regardless. Eaglesrjh declared it a ‘great game and a great day for the club’ before adding that the club are ‘in a good position to tackle the RMI next season.’ MrT congratulated The Vikings by also saying ‘it was a great last game’ before adding that they ‘deserve it.’

Kirkbride Strollers claimed the title with a thumping 4-0 win over Bolton Hillbilllies. In a thoroughly one-sided contest the home team took the lead courtesy of a powerful effort by Mike Bell on four minutes. Five minutes later and it should have been 2-0 as Keith Ellison had a penalty saved by Dittmer. A half-volley by Craig Stockdale was also saved by the ‘keeper before Malcolm Graham did make it 2-0 with an excellent volley into the net. Ellison would see a shot saved by Dittmer on 24 minutes before he added a third just before half-time with a super diving header. The second-half saw fewer chances but a free-kick by Stephen Robinson hit the post before Graham lobbed in a fourth on 65 minutes. Bolton Hillbillies’ evening went from bad to worse as Perry Gower saw red before MasterReid left his post after the game. With the squad seemingly in a decent position, though, it is hoped they will find a replacement soon. As for Kirkbride they were left celebrating the title with Jazza explaining that he is ‘proud to have come out on top.’

PSV Eindhoven completed the great escape with an excellent 1-0 home victory over promoted Manchester United. Manchester United had the first chance but Darren Gibson saw his free-kick saved by Reina. PSV would soon capitalise on this as Xabi Alonso looped a header over Kuszczak for the opening goal. Reina was in action again soon after with a routine stop from a Wayne Rooney header and United would go in behind as a result. Rooney would be denied by the ‘keeper again at the start of the second-half as the cat gathered at the forward’s feet as he tried to round him. At the other end Kuszczak tipped over a Jeremiah McNally header to keep the lead down to just one. United would have one final chance to pinch a draw but Rooney unluckily struck the bar with a spectacular lob and PSV survived. Kadri somewhat understatedly said ‘good kids’ after they pulled off their escape before adding that he ‘expects everyone to raise their skill bar’ in the change report. Meanwhile, Pakya can look forward to top-flight football next season and the fans will be hopeful they can adapt quickly to the level.

Belly Tubbies were the unlucky side to be relegated after a 4-2 home win over Reggae Reggae Sauce. William Ralph Dean steered in the opener as early as the fifth minute and Tim Cahill put a similar effort wide as the hosts started strongly. Despite this a powerful header by Wayne Mardle levelled matters on 19 minutes although a Gary Linekar volley from distance re-established the home side's lead before the break. RRS saw Tyrone Barratt demand a save from Fitzsimmons as they looked to level for the second time after the interval. They would manage the equaliser on 65 minutes as Mardle netted his second goal with an excellent volley. However, Belly Tubbies wouldn’t be denied with Paul Bracewell powering in for 3-2 before Linekar placed the ball beyond Taylor for a 4-2 lead on 82 minutes. Linekar had a further shot saved but they had done enough to secure the three points. Unfortunately this wasn’t enough to keep them in the division and now Fitzy is charged with the task of leading his side in Division Two next term. Xpertelevener will be hopeful of a better season next term after two successive relegations have left his club reeling.

Kensington Boys Club picked up the point they needed in a 0-0 draw at Villarreal. KBC saw Harry Whitlow hit the angle with an excellent lob before the home side responded with a Richie Chalmers header striking the post. Adrian Gray had a volley saved as the visitors enjoyed the majority of possession during the first-half. They would begin the second-half strongly but Aubrey de Vere hit over before Maurice Jacobs shot wide as they couldn’t make the most of their chances. A Martyn Darby free-kick at the other end was comfortably saved by Lorentzen and both sides settled for a point apiece. Patrik can now concentrate on progressing his side in Division One next term and the same can be said of Cathal at Villarreal following a season of transfer dealings.

AJ Rovers finished an excellent campaign with a 2-0 home success over St Omer. Rovers began brightly with Gordon Hogg overcoming a tight angle to put them ahead on seven minutes. Hogg would go close to doubling the lead before the break as he toe-poked against the outside of the post. The second-half opened with Taylor Grape making it 2-0 with a flick header while Elling Jarnoy shot wide. Further chances came in the last ten minutes as Byron Simon narrowly missed from a free-kick before Chad Atlee’s header was saved. Joseph Radders did try to respond for Omer but his shot was saved and the points belonged to Rovers. Rothion can be proud of a fine season and will now challenge his troops to go a place further next term and win promotion. ConyTottee can now assess his squad following a tough season but with the players progressing all the time the future remains promising.