Minnis Bay wrapped up the Division One Title with a thumping 12-1 victory against AFC Thanet. Needing just a point for the title Minnis were at near full strength with only Captain Wayne Draper absent whereas their opponents could only muster seven players.
Minnis took just five minutes to open the scoring, Adam Hobbs crossing for Aaron Beech to score. Two minutes later and the lead was doubled through Joe Taylor’s first goal for the club. There was acres of space for Minnis to exploit and the heat of the morning was already taking its toll on the seven men. The visitors numbers rose to eight but Minnis were still in total control and goal number three arrived after twenty minutes when Aaron Beech scored his second of the half. Just two minutes later and a fourth was added when Joe Taylor was the recipient of a Goalkeeping error to slot into the empty net.
On the half hour mark Joe Taylor raced clean through only to be upended in the box and Sonny Newman calmly tucked away the spot kick. Minnis were creating chances almost every minute and just before halftime Joe Taylor’s pass enabled Sonny Newman to add his second of the half.
Halftime arrived with Minnis in total control and keen to enjoy the second half. They started the second period with a goal straight from the kick off. Sonny Newman’s cross was headed home by Matt Richards. As Minnis enjoyed the occasion and passed it around at will they were given a quick reminder as AFC Thanet broke away to score with a fine finish. Shane Brown, Sonny Newman and Joe Taylor all came close to adding the goal feast before Joe Taylor did complete his hat trick on the hour mark from Sonny Newman’s pass.
Rob Maugham was introduced for hat trick man Joe Taylor and slotted in straight away. Jon Learmonth and Nathan Mileham also came on for Adam Hobbs and Shaun Jarman. Sonny Newman became the second hat trick man of the game when he scored number nine with twenty minutes remaining.
Sonny was again in on the act with ten minutes to go as he rose to head home Brett Brunning’s cross. Nathan Mileham scored his first goal since returning to the club in January when he tucked away Matt Richards cross and the final goal of the morning came when Rob Maugham broke through before unselfishly passing to Mike Dispirito to score into the empty net.
Moments later and the final whistle went to signal jubilant celebrations from Minnis players and supporters as they were crowned Division One Champions. Mike Disprito was presented with the Trophy and the Champagne flowed.
A superb end to a fantastic season! Playing under immense pressure since late January knowing they couldn’t afford any slips ups if they wanted the Title, Minnis went unbeaten for their last nine matches winning eight of them. Minnis ended up Champions by two points, with the best Goal Difference in the Division, least goals conceded and second only to Ash in terms of Goals scored.

Minnis Bay Division One Champions!