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Worle first team become champions!

Worle first team become champions!

Gary Coles14 May 2018 - 11:01
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First team draw 1-1 @ home against Clevedon Utd to take the Division 1 west title.

Worle 1-1 Clevedon Utd - Saturday 12th May 2018 - a day everyone associated with Worle Football Club will never forget.

Worle secured the point they needed from there final league game to secure the league title and hold off strong title challenges from Somerton Town and Uphill Castle. A day that started with the sour news that Clevedon had opted to play their strongest available first team squad as a reserve side, only enhanced the passion and determination shown by everyone involved at Worle to get over the title line and keep the "Worle machine" rolling. Worle in fact had their own secret weapon with Tom Adams returning from University to strengthen the squad, albeit with a facial accessory which appeared to "require the cat to lick if off".

Worle continued with a 4-3-3 formation that had previously gave them ten league wins on the trot before the bank holiday loss to Berrow Castle. Ben Dancey in goal, a back 4 of Jack Hodrien, Simon Hudson, Connor Down and Mike Hodrien, midfield 3 of Jonny Parker, Elliot Nelson and Callum Mcmanus, and a front 3 of Tom Adams, Ryan Hodrien and Ryan Down. The bench was made up of Barry Flynn, Chris Taylor, Ben Wilson, Jason Potter and Cyrus Molton.

The game started at a frantic pace with both sides going "gung ho" for the early goal. Worle had a couple of half chances through Adams and R.Hodrien, but Clevedon seem to come more into the game as the half wore on. Clevedon had a couple of good chances and missed a one on one late in the first half when Probert shot straight at Dancey. Half time arrived with the score @ 0-0 and Clevedon with the upper hand. A stern H/T team talk from management team Down, Leadbetter and Edgar seemed to motivate Worle and a "changing room eruption" from Connor Down seemed to fire Worle up when coming out for the second period.

The second half started with Worle firmly on top and creating a few good chances. Worle continued in the ascendancy but couldn't find the important goal, knowing that any loss would open the door for Somerton and Uphill, Worle went on the attack introducing Chris Taylor in place of Callum Mcmanus and this immediately paid off with the pacey striker latching onto a through ball to put Worle 1 nil up and send the locals into pandemonium. The pressure appeared to be off as Worle controlled the game knowing Clevedon would need two goals to prevent the title coming to station road. The pressure was soon back on though, as with ten minutes to go Clevedon scoring from a cross come shot, that caught Dancey out who appeared to be waving to his father in law in the crowd. This completely changed the game and Worle had ten minutes of "severe squeekybumtime", knowing another Clevedon goal could see Worle finish third in the league. Clevedon had a couple of half chances but Worle managed to hold on for the point to clinch the title. The final whistle arrived and was met with joyous scenes from all involved, Worle had got back to the promise land of the Premier Division and had gone from the bottom of the county league to the top in two seasons with consecutive promotions.

The Somerset FA had attended the game and were on hand to present captains Flynn and Hudson with the championship trophy. The day soon became night and after several verses of Sweet Caroline the whole squad headed around the bright lights of Worle to celebrate their achievements. A great day and night was had by all and Worle now look forward to Premier Division football next season.

Special thanks go to Gary Coles, Dave Brine and Dennis Coles for the continued hard work they put in day in day out at the club.

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