Parson Drove went into the last game of the season at home to potential runners up Clenchwarton. The opposition are the only team to have taken anything from the league champions this year and even though the Drove had nothing really to play for, the hunger to succeed and play good football is always ever present. A fierce wind was something both teams had to contend with, and to a point it ruined the chance for both sides to show what great sides they are. The Drove had the wind against them in the first half, and it showed as they struggled to get to grip with it. Clenchwarton really tried to use the wind to their advantage, and after slowness to mark the opposition Clenchwarton broke the deadlock with a well worked throw in and through ball to take the lead. Clenchwarton had a further chance to increase their lead but shot over from the edge of the box. Harry P and James B were superb in defence for the Drove. In the last five minutes of the half the Drove started to keep the ball low and started to string passes together. The second half was a total reversal, with Clenchwarton having the wind against them and on the back foot, and now it was the Droves time to attack. They created a few half chances but nothing clinical. That was until Jake B unleashed a fantastic shot 20 yards out which forced an even better save from the visiting goalkeeper, only for Pat S to slam home the rebound to make it 1-1. Pat S then picked up on a misclearance and had a chance to put the Drove ahead only to blast high over. Dale R hit the side netting, but Clenchwarton defended well and when the final whistle came, neither team deserved to win, and a fair result was gained by both sides in the end. A good performance of football from both sides, and ironically the draw was enough for Clenchwarton to secure runners up in the league against the league winners. These two sides performed at a high level throughout the whole season and have played some great football. |