Hedge End faced the last game of the season looking to move from second from bottom. After some late night scares, we arrived at Fleming Park with 12 but as for most of the season, no decent goalkeeper. Still we welcomed back Sunni and Andy Mays to midfield, James to defence and Dan upfront replacing Dave who was away in Devon. Rumours that he was trying to fetch the ball after one of his shots, was a little unfair. Keith volunteered to go in goal, Andy and James became the latest centre half pairing. There was some discussion about how HE should line up with Andy Mays coming up with a change of formation. This was quickly rejected; after all, who can take someone seriously who goes out to play football in a pair of old Bermudan shorts.

The game got off to a lively start with HE having an early chance. St James slowly got into the game and the two guys upfront were proving to be lively and stretching HE defence but they were coping well. Keith was dealing with a number of back passes successfully until disaster struck and having failed to clear the ball (actually even to make contact) he went to clear the ball but at the same time kicked both player and ball. Was it a penalty, perhaps but I’ve seen it not given plenty of times and therefore felt it was a little hard?  John Jordon put away the spot kick – Happy Birthday!  The game was fairly even and HE nearly conceded another goal after a miss understanding between James and Keith.  James on hearing Keith called, made a back pass to the centre of the goal, unfortunately Keith had gone to the edge of the 18 yard box! Realising the mistake he managed to recover by diving at the feet of the centre forward.  Now deemed as a back pass, HE had to defend a free kick in the by the penalty spot.  Obviously not a problem for the excellent defence.  HE continued to push forward a created a couple of opening with a great run from Steve ended up with the shot just going over the bar.  The first half remained competitive with both sides in a midfield duel.

Unfortunately the reporter missed the half time team talk. He returned to discover that a player’s revolt had taken place. The keeper was relieved of his duties,  Big Andy was pushed upfront and the best bit was, we were going to play with 12 players! Bernard quickly noticed the possible flaw in the great Andy Mays plan.  This was quickly sorted out (thanks Steve) and Keith went to keep James company.

The second half started and finished with HE totally in control. They bossed the midfield and looked extremely comfortable at the back and so much so that Keith spent most of the time as an extra midfielder. The only real problem to the great plan was that HE weren’t able to supply enough ball to the guys up front.  We huffed and puffed but just couldn’t break through a well organised defence.  An excellent drive from Andy M was all we really had to show for the procession.  In the hope of getting the equaliser we went three at the back and three upfront, but still nothing was going HE’s way. The only chance St James had was a shot in the final minute, otherwise Rob had virtually nothing to do except get cold!!

So it remained one nil. It was pointed out that with St James playing in Burnley colours and HE in red and white, surely the same result couldn’t happen in the afternoon. (If I only had put money on it)

So that was it, the end of an unsuccessful/successful season. How can that statement be true? We finished second from bottom but played some good football and the majority of the games were competitive.  We continued to play in the spirit of the league and hopefully won many friends and go the season without so much as a single card or even a talking to by a referee.