Mustangs went into their last game of the season with promotion just a point away. Following results last week the Mustangs could have been caught and overtaken only on goal difference so any point would guarantee a promotion spot.
This weeks opposition were Addiscombe and on a sunny afternoon at Therfield, and with plenty of support on the sideline, the team went about their jobs to secure second spot. It was clear from the start that the team were up for the task and that Addiscombe were there for the taking. It was just a matter of when the goals would come and how many and with Graham Cox missing, following a DIY mishap, who would on the score sheet?
Lots of early pressure resulted in several short corners and attempts at goal and finally we discovered that Adam Kerven had turned up with his shooting stick this week and was in the mood to try and secure the club Silver Stick for top scorer again. He scored 3 in the first half and was joined on the score sheet by David Orr with a brace, including a fine volley in full flight following a rebound off the keeper, and Dan Kerven.
So six up at half time and 35 minutes from promotion. The team were urged to finish the season in style and keep working hard and chase every ball. This they did with some fine passing moves and total control of the game. Poor Ollly in goal had a very quiet afternoon with the defence playing its part by defending high and snuffing out any chance well away from the defensive 25yd zone. Several substitutions saw father and son Orr partnership in central midfield and the Kerven brothers combining up front. Liam White also had a spell in centre midfield and had an excellent game. Alex Scott and Alistair Heading took turns to tease and run an Addiscombe defence ragged and super sub Matt Kavanagh completed a well taken hat trick. Matt Bishop played for most of the second half at right defence and kept feeding the right side attackers with good early balls and Chris Dendy provided energy and probing runs on the left.
I should also mention the mature players in the team who didn’t make the score sheet but did their jobs and allowed the colts to shine, Mark Hutton in defence and Matt Huggins who finished the season with a customary sprint for a lost cause and ended up in a crumpled heap by the pitch fencing having run out of pitch! Oh and then there was Chris Breese who did pop up with a goal and boy did we hear about it. I’m sure there will be a book and movie release soon. Also a big thanks to Andy Holder who has been in goal for us for most of the season but watched from the sideline yesterday having played for the 4s earlier.
The final score was a terrific 11 nil victory. But more important this took us to the top of the league having completed our fixture list as scheduled and 2nd spot a certainty. Promotion to Surrey League 3.
This has been an outstanding season with some fine individual and team performances. It is the 2nd promotion in four years since the Mustangs came into existence and during that time some of the early Mustangs have found themselves promoted to higher sides in the club. I’m sure some of this current crop will also be on their way but I’m also sure there are more colts ready to take their place and become a Mustang.
Thanks everyone for your support this season and to all the parents who turn up and spectate. It was great to see everyone back at the club to celebrate the season.