Loxwood 0 (0) v (0) 1 Godalming Town – League

Three points was the target at the starting kick off. It meant the pressure would be back on second place Infinity in the title race. The Gs started the day on 66 points, 5 points in front, with 3 more games for both sides yet to be played.  So, if Infinity were to stay in the race for automatic promotion, they would need to match whatever points that the Gs got from this game, to keep the point difference to less than 6 with only two games to be played. A tense watch would clearly be on the cards. It is not like the Gs to do things the easy way.

It was a bright day on our first ever visit to Loxwood F. C. and what a pretty place it is, surrounded by tall trees. All relatively new with a good Clubhouse and a grass pitch with a considerable slope across it, side to side, but although it has none of the characteristic undulations that Wey Court features, it seemed pretty hard and bumpy. Possibly Sussex clay. Then there was the wind, gusting really fiercely from the start and throughout the game.

 Stephen Douglas was in goal as usual and joining Rob Parrott and Elliot Creely as the centre back pair, were Alex Afful on the right and Malik Shittu on the left. As we were without Deji Adeosun, James Mariner returned, as captain, in front of the back four and Kieran Campbell and Cameron Edwin were set up in the middle.  Mark Soares was wide on the right and Malachi Thomas on the left and Tayo Adekoya was upfront. The bench comprised Ollie McAleese, Louis Lindsay, Deji Alabi, James Frudd and Will May.

To be honest, it was a strange game. Rather scrappy and probably the wind and maybe the pitch played a part in it, but we saw little of the quick passing approach play that we have been treated to recently.

 So, I will not dwell on that too much because we got the result that we wanted in the second half from the penalty spot via the cultured left boot of Mark Soares.

I think sometimes, after some particularly outstanding results, any team goes through a bit of a lull. We had played probably our best game for some years against AFC Walcountians on Bank Holiday Monday, the fourth game in ten days and not only did we take all the points available in that time, we did not concede a single goal.

We had the best of the chances in the first half, but we failed to convert with Kieran and Malachi going close from two opportunities from Dougie’s clearances. Also from two super low crosses in from wide on the right by Nana some excellent chances came and then went when we would have expected the net to bulge.

But, to be fair to Loxwood they played with energy and created chances, which we are not used to. Fortunately they also could not convert when the opportunities arrived.

The second half was more solid from the Gs defence and they stopped any real threat once we went in front. But we could not create too many clear chances.

Tayo went down again with what looked like the same reoccurring injury, which is a worry. Will May came on to replace him, but also could not find the net.

I must mention the referee in this game. He looked like he was the youngest guy on the pitch, but for me had a fine game, kept up with play and issued cards only when necessary. Nothing dramatic and was in charge.

So, at the end of this game, we had all been closely monitoring the score from Infinity against Uckfield Town. Uckfield having been two goals up early on, but were pegged back to 2-2 by half time, and, as full time approached, the score remained unchanged. Then minutes into injury time we saw that Infinity had indeed taken the lead. That was disappointing as it meant we would have to go again against Jarvis Brook this Saturday, to settle things then. But, amazingly, as we trooped towards the exit and some Gs supporters had already left the Loxwood ground, the news came in that Uckfield had scored in the dying moments of the game to level the score at 3 – 3!! Incredible news for the Gs and we heard the cheers from the lads who were still on the pitch going through the usual debrief. The Gs had done it!

Promotion back up to Step 5 football!!

“We Are The Champions”  and “Championes Championes Ole – Ole – Ole” rang out around the Loxwood ground and things all of a sudden looked so much brighter.

The relief was palpable to those who had been on the pitch and those who were on the sidelines. But so deserved.

Our lads have been outstanding throughout this season from front to back. Once again the lowest goals conceded in the League, by quite a way. That comes from team effort and no little skill. To finish the job with a couple of games to go is something to be proud of. We salute you all and thank you for the season you have given us. I hope that you enjoy the contact you have with your supporters after each game.  It is much appreciated from the other side of the railings.

Of course there is so much work done off the pitch as well and Mo Sher should be lauded to the rafters for his efforts and those of his great management team (Jack Webb, Richard Keown, Steve Snelling, Toby Sleight) in creating such a superb squad for us to follow. Mo has created a great squad and belief in their own abilities.

Mo would undoubtedly have been carried around Loxwood several times on the shoulders of the players and maybe the supporters, but in his present state of health that is not something he would relish I am sure.

After all that there is a small matter of two more games to complete. The final one will be against Worthing away. But, before that, we will be hosting Jarvis Brook at home this coming Saturday. We saw a great turn out of supporters at Loxwood. So, please all those who can shout and cheer, come along to this final home game of this memorable season to applaud the lads and what they have achieved in the name of Godalming Town F.C. and to see them receive the trophy. It should be a party atmosphere with far less stress than normal.

 #COYGs