Report

Winchmore Hill hosted the newly crowned league champions for the final match of the season. The Hill have put in some strong performances of late and were therefore keen to test themselves against table-toppers Salesians.

The match began at a frenetic pace with both teams looking to get a foothold in the game. Salesians were causing some problems with their direct approach and some clever movement from their front two. However, it was the Hill who gained the upper hand as Yusef and Jose made a number of dangerous forays down the flanks. It was from one of these that Jose crossed, a shot was blocked and Danny Brennan was on hand to coolly finish from 10 yards out. 1-0 to the Hill.

The lead was short-lived. A diagonal ball in to Hill’s right back position allowed the Salesians’ winger to get to the by-line and pull back a useful looking cross which hit the arm of a leaning Martin Brannigan, the Hill protested but the penalty was (correctly) awarded. The spot-kick was expertly struck in to the roof of the net, giving Carter (in his final game for the Hill) no chance.

The remainder of the first half continued to be a good contest, the Hill making several half-chances but again lacking the quality in the final third and the Salesians’ forwards continuing to be a threat. The Hill had to re-shuffle the pack as Brannigan left the field with a badly torn areola. Dan Putt came on in to the middle of the park, and Mattie Knights moved to Centre-back.

The teams went in at half-time 1-1.

The second half was a more one-sided affair, Salesians started to look like a team at the end of a long hard season and a tough week in which this was their third match. However this shouldn’t take the shine off what was an excellent display by the Hill. They defended with determination and attacked with pace and creativity.

Indeed it wasn’t long before the Hill made it 2-1 as Abi fired home from just inside the box (he could have scored at least three more!). Other goals were added by Davison, as he astonishingly rose like a salmon at the far post and headed a deep cross back over the goalkeeper in to the corner of the net. Jose shook off criticism from the gaffer to smash home the fourth after a barnstorming run down the inside-right channel. Barrell added the finishing touch as he converted a good cross from Davison to make it 5-1.

All in all, a good performance from the Hill to finish the season and provide plenty of encouragement for a stronger title challenge next season.

Man of the match had to be the retiring Andrew Carter. On a number of occasions he came through a crowd of players to catch or punch clear and also made a number of other excellent saves.

Winchmore Hill Football Club will sorely miss the veteran goalkeeper who has made the decision to end his playing days (unless of course the Gaffer manages to convince him otherwise!).

In amateur football you come across many good players but only a handful of exceptional ones, you hear plenty of people willing to voice their opinion but very who really know what their talking about, you meet plenty of decent blokes but very few that command respect and admiration from all they meet. Andrew Carter has been an outstanding goalkeeper for the Hill (undoubtedly the best in the SAL) but more than that he has been a truly inspirational leader. His impact on the team and the development of many of its 1^st team squad has been immeasurable. Carts – thank you for all you have done for the club, we wish you well in your retirement from the game but look forward to seeing you around the place and sharing a pint or two with you whenever we can.