On Tuesday we welcomed Goring to SCPS in a match that, due to the withdrawal of a team from the league, would be the title decider. In order to defend our title, we knew we had to win by three clear goals, while a two-goal margin would be enough to take us to a penalty shootout. Anything less, and the trophy would go to Goring.

We started brightly and were the better side for much of the first half. We pressed the opposition all over the pitch and with great energy, and were duly rewarded when Levi fired a low shot in off the post. From here, we could have added to our goal tally, with Louie hitting the crossbar twice and Jonah heading over from close range. Despite our efforts, the score stayed at 1-0.

Until just before half time.

When Goring equalised. Good work down the left wing resulted in a low cross being fired across the box and subsequently tapped in.

And then, disaster struck.

A similar Goring attack followed, ending with a low finish into the bottom corner to send the visitors in 2-1 up at half time and looking certain to claim the league title. Our five-year unbeaten run at home was also under real threat.

With nothing to lose, we came out firing in the second half, again hitting the crossbar. With time running out and chances going begging, it looked like the game was up.

Until Jonah stepped up to fire in a corner that deflected off of a Goring defender and into the net.

2-2.

Game on.

Wave after wave of SCPS attacks followed, with Goring looking to catch us on the counter and secure the victory once and for all, denied only by some great last ditch defending and some cracking saves from Teddy. Nothing gave at either end.

That was until Goring cleared a throw in straight to Levi, who lashed an excellent volley into the far corner to put us 3-2 up and within one goal of taking the tie to a penalty shootout.

But alas, the goal never came.

But the final whistle did, and with that it was confirmed – Goring are the 2024/25 league winners.

Despite a phenomenal effort from the boys, we had to settle for a runners-up medal. We go again next year.

Although we would have loved to retain the league title for the first time, there are still some positives. We haven’t lost a competitive home match for five years, and we travel to the Regional Finals in Bristol as County Champions – lots left to play for!

Thanks again to those who came to support the boys.

The team was: Louie B, Levi B, Felix C, Teddy E, Donnie F, Jack F, Jonah W, Xander O’B-W, Albie H and Charlie C.