Match report:
"Some people are on the pitch. They think it's all over......It is now". Kenneth Wolstenholme 30th July 1966.
Great seasons are decided by great performances in key games. Ones where you look back and remember when the heat was on, the team stepped up to the plate and got the job done. Sunday away to Caldecote was such a game. With Langford kicking off their final fixture at the same time, Westoning Under 9's knew that a win would guarantee them at least a share of the title spoils. Sky really should have shown both games simultaneously on Sky Sports 1 & 2, such was the drama that unfolded across the two matches. A good warm-up prior to the game, and the boys looked sharp and raring to go. The parents were looking a little more worried, hoping that all the good work so far this season would bring home the much deserved silverware. Caldecote lying in 3rd place in the league were going to be dangerous opposition, and wanted to go out with a bang on home soil. The pitch was looking in good nick, and receptive to the boys passing game. A full squad was available, and as usual each one would play a key part in the action that followed. The starting line up: Billy, Jack M, Ryan, JJ, Joel, Josh and Cam. James, David and Jack D limbering up.
From the off the boys went about their business with style. Joel won a corner which he played quickly to Josh, who fired over from an acute angle. A fine interception from JJ was played back to the home keeper by a defender. The referee called a backpass and Westoning had a great opportunity to open the scoring. Joel set his sights, his free-kick had power but was just off target. Caldecote found their feet and looked sharp on the break. A rasping drive was tipped expertly over the bar by an impressive Billy. Jack M dealt with the corner with a great clearance. Ryan found JJ who took the ball forward a few strides before smashing the ball just over the bar. Moments later the deadlock was broken. A quick throw from Josh found Joel in the box. A neat turn and cool finsh into the bottom corner. 1-0, and a huge cheer from the away section. Relief more than anything, and better was still to come. Jack M put in a trademark tackle and fed the ball to Cam. He set off from inside his own half, beating three defenders. Taking the ball into the area, he turned and arrowed a right footer past the stunned keeper. 2-0, and a great piece of individual skill from the stiker. Caldecote though were a dangerous outfit, some slick passing broken up by another great Jack M tackle. He played the ball wide to Ryan who linked up with Cam, who touched on to Joel. The skipper was unlucky to see his first-timer fly past the right-hand post. A quick piece of thinking by Josh from a short corner found Jack. Everyone expecting one of his howitzer's into the top corner. It was not too far away, and missed the angle by a whisker. Jack D came on and was straight into the action with a galloping run down the wing. He then combined with JJ before firing a shot towards the top corner, and almost scored a wonder goal, but the angle was too acute. David came on for Josh and put in several fine tackles on the left. JJ fired another arrow goalbound, but the excellent home keeper made a fine stop with his legs. James came on for Cam and was making a nuisance of himself to the home defenders. A key moment came just before the half time whistle. Caldecote attacking with pace and a great shot saved brilliantly by Billy. A crucial piece of work by the shot stopper. 2-0 at HT, and a fantastic game, but still plenty of work to be done.
James moved into centre midfield to give JJ a rest and his early tackle was a sign of his intent. Caldecote though came out on the front foot, and won a corner. The delivery was perfect as was the header. A real bullet that crashed into the back of the net. 2-1 and this game was far from over. Ryan and Jack were working overtime to keep the slender lead, and JJ came on to continue where he left off in the first half, having an excellent all-round game. First his pass found Joel, but the captains shot was saved bravely by the keeper. This was to be the first of three quickfire chances all saved superbly to frustrate the rampant Westoning attack. Cam's one on one was deflected over the top, then JJ hit a corker which cannoned off the top of the crossbar making the goalframe shake in the process. It was end to end stuff and the next goal would be crucial. Billy made a fine save from a long range free kick, and had to deal with a couple of high balls, both times catching confidently. When the next goal game it had a touch of good fortune. But there was nothing fortunate about the careful build-up. Ryan, Cam, Jack D and Joel passed the ball with great skill before Joel's goalbound effort was deflected over the unlucky keeper. 3-1, and an important cushion, and Westoning seemed to have weathered the storm. From here on in it was confident football again, as another gear was found. Josh was looking dangerous on the wing, and his pinpoint pass found Cam. His first effort was fierce, and superbly beaten away by the goalie, but no mistake was made with the rebound which was lashed into the top corner. 4-1, and game over surely? But Caldecote found a second wind, and David's brilliant defensive header stopped a certain goal, and Ryan timed his sliding tackle to perfection. Another free-kick was saved again by the almost unbeatable Billy. As the final whistle sounded a huge cheer for the boys was fully deserved. Caldecote too had a great game, and showed why they have had such a strong season.
So a happy away section filtered back to their cars, knowing that the job was nearly done. Had Langford won their match at Bedford, meaning just a point would be needed from Westoning's game in hand? It didn't take long though for the news to filter through that Bedford had played their part in a see-saw 4-4 result, meaning Westoning were the CHAMPIONS!! With a game in hand. What an effort it has been. A roller coaster with far more ups than downs. Some brilliant football, and real moments of quality to remember. But still a job to be done on Thursday against Mid-Beds Tigers A, who will be looking to spoil the party. I think that party may just continue though for some time to come. Well done to all concerned, and a highlights of the season report to come after the final game. Success in football can be fleeting, so this moment should be savoured. Well done Westoning Under 9's. Champions.