With Owen, Bill and George B already missing a late call from Ben telling us he couldn’t play due to illness left Carshalton with only 10 fit players. A further blow was dealt when we realised Shane hadn’t turned up and after many calls we just couldn’t get in touch with him so we were forced to face the champions of our league with only 9 men, a scenario that many of the players had unfortunately become used to, nevertheless we were ready and raring and extremely focused.

With players out of position and Thomas playing in a defensive role alongside the ‘rock’ that is Franz, we packed our midfield out with Sam, Levi and Luke. With strength, power, skill and much determination we decided with the 3 in midfield to try and avert any danger coming straight down our throats, force them out wide and deal with the crosses which we did fantastically. Charlie was given an almighty task of playing up top on his own which he did very well.

A very evenly matched start to the game the 1^st chance fell to Charlie, after Levi had won the ball in midfield he gave it to Sam who’s ball over the top allowed Charlie to race through and his shot was well saved by the keeper. Kingstonian’s were very much limited to only a few attacks due to a strong and determined Carshalton defence, limiting them to just a couple of corners which we dealt with comfortably. A slight lack of concentration (which is expected from a team with only 9 men playing against a very good side) allowed Kingstonian to break leaving 3 on 2 in their favour and after George W made a great tackle the referee adjudged him to have handled the ball after it had inadvertently bounced up and hit his hand. A harsh decision but the kingstonian forward confidently stepped up and slotted it past James.

Carshalton determined and staying strong as a unit carved a few openings, noticeably Thomas who smashed a volley from all of 35yards which looped and crashed onto the crossbar fantastic technique and very unlucky. Another attack from Kingstonian’s saw their forward hit a shot from the edge of the area which many of us thought was heading in but James had over ideas, he produced what was probably his best save of the season, displaying fantastic strength and agility not to just get his hands to the ball but to also push it over and wide ( I feel James deserves a special mention not just for this save today but for his overall performance this season, his bravery and overall ability this season has helped us pick up more points this season and keeping us in many many games fantastic season James well done! ) The end of the half saw an extremely harsh free kick awarded to Kingstonian after the forward had fallen over his own feet, luckily for us the free kick never went in and we weren’t punished.

 At half time there was a distinct confidence and buzz about the team, we just sent them out to do exactly the same and keep going until the final whistle. We had our moments in the second half, Thomas’s long range strike was well saved and earned us a corner. Luke’s left foot volley lacked a bit of power to really trouble the keeper. Sam’s fantastic run down the line beating 3 defenders and finding Charlie who was unable to get a clean shot at goal. Charlie then went on a run after receiving the ball from Omar he beat the kingstonian defence with pace and skill but only managed to find the side netting. As Carshalton pressed hard and began to tire Kingstonian’s had the luxury of bringing on fresh legs and they made this count scoring a further 2 goals.

Overall a fantastic effort from our boys today, James made a fantastic save, Franz was strong and commanding, Thomas was unlucky with his efforts, Omar was focused and used the ball well, Sam did what Sam does best and covered every inch of the football pitch, Levi was strong and played some good passes, Luke (scruff) showed neat footwork and was unlucky with his shot, Charlie never stopped running and as their manager said to me he was a real handful for their defence. But today for me a special mention goes to George W a fantastic display at right back, winning everything in the air, strong in the tackle focused, determined and their manager couldn’t praise him and all of our team enough. It just goes to show how far we have come as a team and how much you have improved as individuals. A fantastic season myself and Chris couldn’t be more proud.

Furthermore a massive thank you goes to all the parents thanks for your continued support all season, baring the rain, hailstones and the heat you were always their to show your support. Thanks to everyone who helped setting up the goals on a Sunday morning which made our job as managers a lot easier. And finally to everyone who helped in the kitchen a massive thank you to everyone. Bring on next season!!

The Invincibles : James, George W, Franz, Thomas, Omar, Sam (c), Levi, Luke and Charlie

Jack Mesure