Lambourn went in search of the league title at Harwell but with Harwell's recent form seeing them take half there season's points total in there last 4 games this was a tough fixture.
The game started that way for Lambourn as well, Harwell taking control very early. A quick passing move followed by a mazy run from the Harwell right winger allowed him to pick out a pin point cross that was headed home powerfully by Gareth Fenton. Lambourn were struggling to get to grips with Harwell & seemed to be playing into their hands, Long ball after long ball were being won with ease by a strong Harwell back 4. Harwell looked like they would extend there lead except for some sharp goal keeping by Clough & some solid defending by Westall & K Willmoth. Another mazy run by the tricky right winger took him past two challenges before Griffin hit him with a hard but fair sliding challenge. The winger didnt last much longer & was taken off much to the relief of right back Pleass.
Lambourn were starting to get their football going Griffin & C Willmoth finally getting some ball on the floor and they started to make things happen. It was A Hendren who would provide the pass that finally got Lambourn going. A driven cross to the back post was met by the on rushing Davis to finish from close range.
This was the boost Lambourn needed and they now started to show why they were looking to complete the double. Mooney & Davis starting to come into the game and this allowed Lambourn much more possession. They were moving the ball well on a decent pitch but couldn't break down a resolute Harwell back line.
As the half time whistle was approaching Westall hit a 50 yard diagonal ball into the path of Livings who carried the ball into the box dropped a shoulder and hit a left footed strike low to the keepers right, The keeper got a hand to the strike but was unable to keep it out.
Lambourn 2-1 up at half time and the title was within touching distance & with news coming in that Saxton were beating Didcot it looked all but over.
Lambourn started the second half with a real purpose & it wasn't long before top scorer Livings smashed home his 20th goal of the season. Dart crossed into the box and a poor header from the centre half meant the ball bounced on the edge of the box, Livings struck a half volley that curled away from the keeper and into the net. Lambourn celebrated like they knew the job was done and a season's hard work was had come to fruition. With Westall, Willmoth, Dart and Pleass now looking in total control at the back & the midfield 4 looking good in possession Lambourn controlled possession for long spells frustrating Harwell who started to rack up the fouls. The ref doing well to allow Harwell to keep 11 on the pitch. Lambourn made changes with Goodey replacing A Hendren, Joyce for Davis & M Hendren for Dart. This did not change Lambourn's grip on the game and they played out the final moments of a fantastic season as they had spent most of it, In total control. The party started as Club Captain Mooney lifted the trophy & carried on long into the night as the boys from the Valley enjoyed a double winning campaign.
MOM C Willmoth.
The club are now waiting on a verdict on their promotion bid.
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