Accies 4ths 2 (Max Lovell, Mark Esiri) Old Aloysians 0 (Steve Woodrow).

4ths Report from Jon Logie

Despite missing a host of regulars for their final match of the season, the 4ths ended the season on a high note by beating the league champions and claiming third spot in the table.

A patched together eleven started the match and, playing with a prevailing wind, set about the opposition, harrying and forcing mistakes. New boys (well old boys but new to the fourths) Mike Bailey and Gareth Jenkins were showing neat touches on the ball and the front pairing of Barndoor and Lovell constantly worrying the Aloysian defence with their pace.

However it took an injury to left back Mark Emmerson for the Accies to take the lead. After Emmerson hobbled off to sulk under a tree , Barndoor dropped into the centre of midfield, and within five minutes had won a crunching 50-50 tackle and released Max Lovell with a defence splitting pass. Lovell burst onto the pass and coolly lifted it over the keeper. 

The second half brought more sustained pressure from the visitors, but the Accies battled wilfully and Fox made two saves that would have pleased goalkeepers half his age (48). And, inspired by Fox's heroics, and although Gareth had picked up an injury and moved to left back, he still managed to curl a measured left foot cross onto the head of substitute striker Mike Esiri to head into the corner of the goal. 

His work done, Gareth made way for the Accies own Roberto Carlos, aka Danny McConnell, to patrol the left flank, and he and the rest of the back four closed the game out for an impressive 2-0 victory.

Many bold statements were made at the end of season gathering, including Fox's pledge to stay on and chase the elusive Cup dream for at least another season, despite having to splurge on a new pair of goalkeeping gloves. Skipper Dan Willoughby also later admitted, after about eight pints, that his love for the team means that he is likely to continue as 4ths captain for another 12 months, despite his impending nuptials. Based on their second half of season performance, he will be looking to pick up another league title, and possibly that elusive cup triumph, next season.

Old Buckwellians 2 Accies 3rds 1 (Derek Fowler).

Optimists 1 Old Minchendenians 4.

2nds Report from Danny Fewkes

Accies concluded their league campaign with a 5th straight win (7 including our LOB Cup successes), finally overcoming a spirited Parkfield outfit at Shenley. We lined up with a strong squad featuring 12 of our cup final heroes, but were aware with Roberts still looking for a ground in Chigwell, long term injury absentee Walker still looking for a hamstring to pull, and Nash still absent, we were lacking several inches of height and a little power across the pitch, qualities always useful against this particular Parkfield outfit.

We began into a breeze, that, combined with a typical end of season hard bouncy surface made it difficult to settle into any passing rhythm or clear defensive lines with any control. The visitors looked to knock the ball forward quickly and without having previously threatened , took the lead on 15 minutes with a fine header (assisted with the benefit of a marginal doubt regarding a strong challenge). The home side responded in a satisfactory manner working hard, suffered no more significant defensive scares and created a few half chances but weren't at their best.

Accies have put in some terrific second half starts throughout their league campaign and Saturday was another example. Within a minute, Shrimpton found Crotty with a measured pass, who in turn released Jennings on the right flank in plenty of space to bear into the box. Clipped from behind, the speedy striker clambered up to despatch the resultant penalty. On 50 minutes a trademark free kick from Jenkins was met by the head of Nat Keast for a rare goal to put Accies ahead. We now settled and began to gain a measure of control, though Parkfiled always maintained a degree of threat, with an old friend of ours always dangerous up front. Aided by a highly controversial decision (I try my best to be more objective than some websites I could mention, and this really is no one-eyed opinion! ) they equalised on 65 minutes and for a brief spell Accies looked a little unnerved.

It was encouraging that our improved resilience and footballing qualities were again demonstrated, and a deserved lead was regained on 72 minutes as Crotty swept home following a fine flowing team move. The best was yet to come from the increasingly influential midfielder, as he cracked home a classy half volley from 20 yards when selflessly set up by Jennings. Parkfield were now tiring as the game neared its conclusion and Jennings passed over a wonderful opportunity to complete our nap hand, and more importantly catch Roberts in the Golden Goals.....

P.S Apologies to our readers for no report regarding last weeks Brent match and many thanks for your numerous letters and emails throughout the season. I have been a little overloaded, or should I say deluged with information and kiss and tell stories whilst working on some research regarding the Fox. The conclusions of this, a brief Brent report, and a synopsis of the season will follow in due course.

I'm sure you can just about cope with the suspense...