To quote that famous great thinker of our times…Forrest Gump, “Life is like a box of chocolates and you never know what you are going to get….” and that certainly was the case with Shinfield and their last league match of the season…..
After an impressive run of results, you could have been forgiven to expect another comfortable win and thus the acquisition of the league title. However life often throws the unexpected at you and this game did not deliver the triumphant conclusion that the team and their loyal supporters had hoped for……
In wild and blustery conditions Shinfield and Yateley played out a hard fought match. Our opponents were supremely well organised at the back with an impressive back four who worked together to protect their excellent keeper. Our normally impressive front line of Sam, Will, Tyson and Tom tried repeatedly to break them down, but it was a formidable task and time after time they were firmly repelled.
Yateley were also impressive going forward, blessed with pace, guile and strength – they caused real problems to Cameron, Ash, Josh, Ben, Ethan and Luke. It was no real surprise when they broke through and scored in the bottom right corner from a strong shot from inside the penalty area.
Sports don’t build character, they reveal it and Shinfield did well to try and get themselves back in the game. They refused to give in and won themselves a penalty. The ever reliable right boot of Sam however was unable to convert the spot kick and the keeper made the save.
The second half started brightly for Shinfield as Sam’s determination in the box saw Shinfield equalise with a deflected shot that got the better of the Yateley keeper. Encouraged by this foothold in the game, supporters hoped against hope that the team could hold on to this position or even increase their tally… as per the familiar script of this season. Sadly though this was not to be, Yateley retook the lead with a penalty that was clinically dispatched past a diving J’Zsiah.
It was time now to call for bravehearts and heroes. Devon worked hard in defence and Liam drove forward from the heart of midfield trying to make a breakthrough. Tom had space and time and flew down the left wing trying to set something up but frustration grew as the ultimate prize slipped tantalisingly away as the minutes ticked down. Sam’s corner was headed narrowly wide by Zish and his free kick from the right fizzed just past the post. While throwing everything and the kitchen sink in the search for an equaliser, Shinfield were open to the counter attack and Yateley were able to break swiftly and took the score to 3-1 just before the final whistle.
This was such a disappointing result after such an impressive season. Yateley were a strong team and on the day took their chances, whereas Shinfield showed courage and determination but lacked the spark of magic that they have often displayed.
With all their matches now played, it will be down to our opponents to see who claims the title…we will watch as passive onlookers as the season draws to it’s conclusion over the coming weeks…exciting times await and we must remember….“Don’t let today’s disappointments cast a shadow on tomorrow’s dreams”
A big well done and thank you to all the players who have entertained us so royally over the last 6 months and to Will for his time and dedication to the team. It’s been a great season…
Score Shinfield 1-3 Yateley