A visit to FC Highnam is always a difficult trip and always seems to fall on blazing hot days. This was no exception with the weather perfect for the sunbathing spectators and with it also being Highnam’s final game of the season we knew it would be a tough test. The boys couldn’t have got off to a better start when they took the kick off, switched the ball from right to left and then an inch perfect cross found Luke at the back post and he headed home. And that was after just 20 seconds, and without Highnam even touching the ball! It seemed an age before the next chance, well a further 5 minutes, when Simmo weaved into the box and was fouled twice, leaving the Referee no choice but to point to the spot. Up stepped Jimmy and he gave the keeper no chance with a fine finish. Highnam looked shell-shocked and Alex B made them feel even worse when he unleashed a wonder volley from 30 yards that flew into the top corner. With only 15 minutes gone the game was surely over. However, Highnam showed their fighting spirit and pulled a goal back after a good move down their left flank and a good cross that was met by their striker to poke it home at the near post. That lifted their spirits as half-time approached.

HT: 1-3

The big concern was whether the boys would think it was a case of job done and switch off and enjoy the sunshine. Webby took only 4 minutes after the restart to make his mark on the game when he split the home defence with a great pass for Sean who was upended in the box for our 2nd penalty of the game (just like buses you don’t see any for a while and then two come along at once!). With Jimmy having a rest on the bench it was Webby who stepped forward and he too left the home keeper with no chance tucking the ball into the bottom corner. Still Highnam would not give up and they contested every ball and pushed players forward looking for a way back. They pulled a 2nd goal back after 50 minutes when a through ball was spilled by Ryan and it was poked home. That gave Highnam a lift, but it also switched the boys back on and they comfortably saw out the remainder of the game with most of the play taking place in the middle of the park.

FT: 2-4

MoM: Ben