Ellistown FC finished a successful league season in 6th with a comfortable 2-0 home win against Northfield Emerald.

It was also a fitting end to Manager Lee Windrams' time at the club, who oversaw a 13 game unbeaten run to end of the season.

With Northfield prioritizing a key Sunday cup tie (we wish them well), it was a much changed side that took the field against town.

Therefore, it was no surprise that town started on the front foot and looked the more organised side. It's in Northfield's DNA to have skillful players who can beat 4/5 players and today was no different but our defence with debutant keeper Ben Hammerton in the sticks was on its usual top form with man of the match Adam Poxon working well with Michael Hills and fullbacks James Warren and Trafford Pickering.

Ollie Coe, George Wesley, and Aaron Windram had the midfield under control with Captain, Leader and Legend Chris Nettle leading the line that branched out to flying wingers Ben Warren and top scorer Haydn Brown. The only minor disappointment was we were unable to carve out the chances our play deserved.

Due to this, the 1st half was like a game of chess as both sides were unable to breach the pawns and get at the queen.

EFC 0-0 NE HT

The 2nd half opened up as both teams creating chances and Ben Hammerton was called on a number of occasions to make crucial saves.

Eventually two of those chances were taken in double quick time as on 60 mins George Wesley stabbed home a loose ball to give town the lead.

EFC 1-0 NE 60 mins

Then 2 minutes later, Aaron Windram headed home a quality Haydn Brown cross.

EFC 2-0 NE 62 mins

With the 2 goal cushion, town relaxed and Northfield with nothing to worry about created some good chances, but so did Town who also had the luxury of bringing on 17 year old Finn Chaplin and 16 year old Saul Chaplin for the final 5 minutes. Saul becoming our youngest ever 1st team player.

The Chaplins are the 1st of a batch of local youngsters who over the next couple of seasons you will see playing for town.

The game ended with a proud Manager walking off the pitch for the final time knowing his team had put in an impressive performance.

EFC 2-0 NE FT

Summary

Well done lads for ending the season with a great win against a decent Northfield side. Our thanks also goes to our Manager, Lee Windram, and his family who through the last 4 years have kept the team afloat against all the odds. During these last 4 years, it would have been easy for Lee to walk away but to his credit, he dug deep and carried on.

We wish Lee well on his next journey and the family will always be welcome back at Terrace Road.