THE DEACON FALL AT THE LAST

Haughton booked their place in the Technocopy Final after beating The Deacon 2-1 at Eastbourne. After a frantic opening, the Division 2 got their noses in front when Lewis Henry exploited the space down the left and played in Huscroft whose cross was bundled home by Michael Barnett. The home side looked to hit back, but were frustrated in their efforts despite keeping stopper Denham busy with some with well worked set-pieces. With half-time approaching, Haughton equalised when Jamie Hind’s arrow like dead ball cannoned off the post and Nimmo was quickest to react. Following the re-start the temperature continued to rise on, and off the pitch as both teams fought for their place in the final. Grey Horse gradually took control, pegging their visitors back and gained the advantage when a partially cleared corner was smashed home. Despite a late rally, including Barnett hitting the post, Haughton held on for the win. Ronnie Coleman said he was proud of his players efforts, 'We were missing a few players and credit to The Deacon they gave us a good game, but I think we deserved the win in the end.' With the title already in the bag, Coleman was hoping to make it a double, 'We've already beaten both Allstars and Argos in the League so hopefully that will give us an advatage whoever we face in the Final'. 

In Division 1 action, Craig Lavelle and Sam Richardson were fighting over the match ball as they both grabbed hat-tricks in RFC's 8-0 demolition of CBMI who will be glad to see the back of this season as they finish bottom. RFC move up to third but their final game against Allstars this week will decide who finishes in that spot.

In Division 2, a five star showing from Slaters kept their feint promotion hopes alive with a win over struggling Croft. They still have fellow chasers Huntsmen and also contenders Grants still to play but if lady luck is smiling James Gilby's side could still be dark horses for a top 3 finish. Meanwhile, ACE Cars Man of the Match, David Waters, did his best to stop Max Rees' Havelock Arms making it 3 on the bounce but his 2 goals weren't enough as the Havvy ran out 5-2 winners at Tommy Crooks. Finally, Goodfellas ended Harrowgate Hills’ title dream in a 9 goal thriller at a sunny Moore Lane. Lee Gray opened the scoring with a glancing header which was cancelled out by a headed Harrowgate equaliser. Gray smashed in a 25 yarder but Harrowgate quickly replied again. However, Musgrave, Stones and Mackintosh gave the home side breathing space before the Hill staged a late rally with another header and a penalty, but the Pizzaboyz held on to take the 3pts. Harrowgates' Neil Atkinson said his makeshift team did their best, 'Obviously I’m disappointed and it's a shame as I wanted to finish a good season strongly, but we literally down to the bare bones; i had to play and I need a knee operation plus one of the lads played his first game in 18 months so given the circumstances I can't really argue with the result'.