| Gadeside Rangers have been crowned the champions of the Watford Sunday League First Division following a 3-0 win over fellow title contenders West Herts. An own goal, a Russ Popplewell strike and penalty from Tom Mitchell set Gadeside on their way while Tom Oliver saved a spot kick as West Herts pushed Gadeside hard all the way. Whilst the scoreline maybe flattered Gadeside, they could not be denied their title and they defended superbly throughout. It has been a remarkable second half to the season as Gadeside went into the New Year sat in 8th place. A run of 7 straight wins and just one league defeat in 2010 coupled with a superb defesive record of conceeding just 4 goals in 11 games turned Gadeside's season around as they triumphed in an exciting end of season run-in. |
| Player-manager Adam Hills was forced into changes with Matt Evans, James Bryon and Kieran Marks all unavailable but there were returns for Jason Brownhill, Tom Mitchell and Ben Higginson. Gadeside knew they had to win the game and attacked West Herts early on. Much of Gadeside's good early play went through striker Hills and it was his deep cross towards Russ Popplewell that led to the opening goal. The West Herts keeper called for the cross but defender Jones ignored the call and went to head it back. With the keeper stranded in no mans land the ball bounced in to the unguarded net. The visitors moved the ball well on the big Mill End pitch but like the previous weeks game, most of the play was in front of the Gadeside defence and they were relatively untroubled. The pace and trickery of Sam Saleh looked the most likely threat and several marauding runs looked dangerous but we were well dealt with. Gadeside doubled their lead on 18 minutes when Hills turned his marker well and found Tom Mitchell. His first touch slightly ran away from him but perfectly into the path of Russ Popplewell who easily side-stepped a defender before cooly planting the ball in the bottom corner for his 9th of an impressive season. The remainder of the half belonged to West Herts as they sought a quick reply to get back into the game. Gadeside were guilty of standing off their opponents and inviting pressure onto themselves. However, Tom Oliver's only save was from a long range volley that was straight down his throat and Gadeside took their two goal lead into the break. |
| As expected, West Herts came out all guns blazing in the second half and put Gadeside under almost constant pressure. Gadeside were happy to play on the break and hit West Herts with counter attacking football. The third goal was always going to be crucial and it went Gadeside's way in controversial circumstances. Hills' right wing cross found Tariq Khan's whose effort was blocked by the keeper. The ball fell to Tom Mitchell who shaped to shoot but dumied the shot before being brought down by a lunging defender. Referee Mannix did not hesitate to award the penalty. It seemed soft but Gadeside were not to complain. Mitchell's penalty lack conviction but somehow managed to squeeze under the keepers body who will feel he really should have saved the weak effort. |
| West Herts piled men forward trying to salvage the point they needed and they were given a great chance when they themselves were awarded a penalty when Ian Freeman brought down Saleh after Hills had lost the ball in a dangerous position. The referee really should have sent Freeman off seeing as he was the last man but he did not produce any card. Tom Oliver was the hero for Gadeside as he dived to his left to push away the penalty and Gadeside cleared. Oliver was to have a lively few minutes as shortly after he raced out to challenge Saleh who squared the ball to ball to Baptiste but his effort was headed off the line by Jay Evans. Next another wondeful run by Saleh then saw Oliver pull off another wonderful low save before the rebound was turned against the post as Gadeside rode their luck. On the break however Gadeside had chances to add another goal as sub Will Byrne's effort was straight at the keeper and Dave Nelmes' mazy run and shot was off target. |
| The final whistle brought triumphant scenes for Gadeside who celebrated what had seemed the most unlikely of titles several weeks ago. Whilst they had been put under severe pressure by West Herts, their all round display was superb and was the main reason they succeeded. Adam Hills' 100th game in charge was met with their fifth trophy and the chance to play against Watford's elite next season. |
| Tom Oliver, Ian Freeman, Jason Brownhill, Ben Higginson, Jay Evans, Daniel Brooks (Kevin Putman), Tariq Khan, Dave Nelmes, Adam Hills (Will Byrne), Tom Mitchell, Russ Popplewell |