On a cold, wet and windy April afternoon; the mood was opulent heading into the final game of the season with a win needed to seal promotion from the East Midlands Counties League and into Step 5 and the United Counties League. Alas, this was not to be.

In front of the EMCL’s record attendance for this season the Oadby Town players failed to rise to the occasion and did not show anywhere near the class nor talent that had produced two fine cup runs earlier in the year. During the first half Oadby secured the majority of possession but failed to deliver any real chances.

Thurnby, probably enjoying the hype of the occasion and being able to cause an upset, pulled off a fine counter attack and scored the opening goal of the game.

HT 0-1

Unfortunately, things went from bad to worse for Oadby and the home side seemed to lose all ability to string a set of passes together and the game looked like something you would expect to witness in Victoria Park on a Sunday morning rather than in Step 6. Thurnby scored once more and the game looked almost out of sight for Oadby. Jon Stevenson having a chance to open Oadby’s goal account but was flagged offside.

However, just as many in the crowd had given up, Oadby came back into the game with two goals in quick succession on 71 and 74 minutes respectively. Yet, the cruel hand of fate decided that this was not to be and a sloppy Oadby tackle resulted in a red card (last man) and a penalty. Thurnby were back in the lead with only 13 minutes left on the clock.

The final nail in the coffin came just before the end of the match as a tackle on the halfway line deflected the ball high and goal bound. Dan Whatsize was taken, understandably, unaware. 2-4.

However, it would be a shame to end the final report of the season on a low note; this season has been fantastic and congratulations to Lee Harriman and his management team, as well the small army of matchday volunteers, who have really pulled this club around.

To reflect back to 12 months ago where a 4-2 loss would not have seemed a bad result in front of a home crowd of around 30-40 fans; the change around has been brilliant. Oadby’s support is second to none in the league and the club, generally, produces excited and talented football and we have had the excitement of a good run in the FA Vase. Hopefully players, managers, staff and supporters alike can look towards the positives of this campaign and build an even stronger club next year.