Comet are shooting stars as Claydon crumble

Magpies well beaten in Trophy Final

Steeple Claydon FC were beaten by the better side on a scorching day for the Division Two Trophy Final.

Comet MK had earlier wrapped up the league title and have only lost 1 game in the North Bucks & District Football League all season - an Interdivisional Cup game.

Claydon were full of confidence on the day, arriving looking sharp with an extremely positive warm-up and build-up to the game. Pre-match photos were taken and manager duo Dave Terry and Tom Pitt gave their players a final pep talk before the match.

"We basically told the players to have no regrets on the day, to play as if Stratford Fields was Wembley or Old Trafford or the Emirates or wherever. If the players gave it everything on the day and didn't hide out on the pitch then whatever the result they wouldn't look back on any should haves, woulds haves or could haves"

Claydon started brightly but Comet were in front with a dinked cross finding their striker to loop home a superb header into the back of the Claydon net. This settled Comet but clearly rattled the Claydon back line who found themselves 2 down then 3 down within the space of 20 minutes.

Comet were stroking the ball around and playing basic but attractive football. It worked against a tiring Claydon side who had efforts from Sam Fedoriw and Jacob Hodgins go inches wide. Comet took their chances whilst Claydon's went begging.

Comet added a 4th before the break with the game more or less over. Pitt and Terry asked for the same mentality that they had asked their players to go out with in the first half and the Magpies started to play some improved football, keeping Comet under pressure.

Comet added a 5th from a well worked break against the run of play, but Claydon could have nicked one or two with chances falling to Jacob Hodgins and Darren Harnett. George Carpenter fired home a well taken half-volley in the dying minutes of the game but the dream wasn't to be for the team in black and white.

Manager Dave Terry on his final game in charge noted; "If our chances had gone in we could have won the game, or the scoreline would have been less flattering to Comet. They took all their chances whereas we played some good stuff but couldn't find that cutting edge. Credit to Comet, we said at the start of the year they were the best side in the Division and should win it, they've completed their job today. I wish them all the best for next season. I'm proud of the lads for their efforts today and throughout the season. Its been a difficult season from the very beginning but to end in the top 5 of the league and make it to a cup final has been excellent. We can look forward to a summer break with our heads held high and regardless of whether we play Div 1 or Div 2 football next season we will be one of the teams to beat."