The final game of the season for Meadow saw us overcome second placed Byrons once again with a 3-2 victory. It was in all fairness a close game. Byrons have a good strong side and could have made the title race alot closer if only they could have fielded their best eleven each week. They have, deservedly finished second place and along with Swindon Irons have provided very good competition for the top 3 spots. KMLC are another side who have surprised by not coming close as they were a good footballing side with good individual players. Meadow decided to field a changed lineup and played with Andy Kitchener and Chris Ejsmont up front and Ryan Gardner and Mark Reynolds at centre back. 10 minutes in Meadow were awarded a penalty which Kitchener converted. Byrons equalized 20 minutes later through a free kick just outside the box which left keeper Stuart Hodson grounded. Just before half time Kitchener struck again after a ball over the top was not met in time by the Byrons keeper and was neatly placed into the bottom corner. Second half started and Justin Lowe and Mark Smith were brought on for Matt Eustice and Andy Kitchener respectively. 20 minutes into the second half Meadow were awarded another penalty which was missed by Chris Ejsmont, the less said about that the better ;-)
Byrons then scored direct from a corner after Hodson flapped and let the ball pass through his hands. Shortly afterwards, Ryan Gardner switched to centre forward and was left unmarked on the right hand side and put in a inch perfect cross for Mark Smith to finish first time into the bottom corner. A couple of chances then fell begging to Meadow, closest of which fell to keeper Hodson who came up for a corner only to have a bullet header cleared off the line !
A good win today and proved that even with people reverting to other positions, we can still win and score goals due to quality, strength and depth allover the park against a very good side in second spot. We're sure to be putting our eggs all in one basket for the cup final against Chalke Valley in a couple of weeks time. Man of the Match awarded to Ryan Gardner for an excellent and solid display at centre back.