Saints overwhelmed

'Scholars' finish the season in style

The final league game of the season and a crowd of 60 saw the ‘Scholars’ conclude the season in style.

For the final Saturday of the season, where better to seek to change our fortunes than a visit to Chalfont St Peter.

We achieved our third win over our most welcoming hosts, this season, but for 40 minutes, it looked the same old problem, with only one shot, from a free kick, on target. Chalfont had most of the pressure, but shot wide, or our defence held firm.

But then two goals in two minutes, changed the game.

On 42 minutes, Max Hastings ran at the defence, laid the ball square to Michael Murray and from the edge of the area, he hit it crisply into the back of the net.

Two minutes later and Chris Doyle burst forward, played a one-two with Hastings, again on the edge of the area, and hit a shot into the corner.

HT 0-2

The second half was dominated by the 'Scholars', as they reacted to the supporters desire for a season's finale.

Soon, Rob Hastings, desperate for a goal, was put through, but his shot was not to trouble the keeper.

Then on 55 minutes a quality goal from Ashley Nathaniel-George. He teased the left back, cut inside, played a one-two with Murray and as the keeper advanced, he calmly slotted the ball past him.

Minutes later, Ryan Forde nearly finished off a great move.

Nathaniel-George was now in full flow, running at defenders, but the 4th goal on 65 minutes, came from a classic corner routine, as Murray found Carl McCluskey at the near post and he flicked his header into the corner of the net.

Luke Maguire, the hosts busiest striker, pulled a good save out of keeper Berkley Laurencin, before the visitors subs, Femi Ogunsola and Alfie Gibbs, combined to give each other chances. On 75 minutes, Gibbs pass set Ogunsola clear, he chipped the keeper, but the bar as well. He returned the compliment two minutes later, but Gibbs fired wide.

Another Murray corner, on 80 minutes was met by Will Wambeek, but the keeper saved his close range effort on the line. Forde had another chance, but shot over, as did Gibbs from a Murray pass.

There was just time for Assistant Manager, James Duncan, to gain his appearance of the season, before the curtain fell on a successful season for the 'Scholars'.

FT 0-4

It was now the turn of the Players to acknowledge the Away support they had received this season.

The ‘Scholars’ finished ninth - twelve points off the playoffs - with nine home defeats a reason for missing out this season.

Team: Berkley Laurencin, Billy Baird, Garry Jones, Carl McCluskey, Will Wambeek, Ryan Forde, Max Holland (Alfie Gibbs 70 mins), Chris Doyle, Michael Murray (James Duncan 83 mins), Rob Hastings (Femi Ogunsola 70 mins), Ashley Nathaniel-George

Unused subs: Shane Gilsenan

Man of the Match: Ashley Nathaniel-George

A season of achievement - progress on and off the field - again!

- Highest position at Step 4 - 9th
(Step 4 is the Ryman or Southern League Division 1's)

- Highest number of Points at Step 4 - 62

- Highest number of league goals scored at step 4 - 71

- First time with a Plus Goal Difference at Step 4 - +10

And only the second time we have reached the FA Cup fourth Qualifying Round in our history