‘That team won the league?’ This was the disbelieving response from the younger brother of a Beaconsfield player when told that they had just beaten the Champions. Who could blame him? Ruislip were woeful throughout and were outplayed and outfought from the first whistle to the the last by a team who’d had their own relegation confirmed with a defeat on Friday night. Ruislip just never got going and too many players just didn’t do the right thing often enough. Defenders started to think they were top quality midfielders…with predictable results. The midfielders looked leggy and just didn’t get close enough to their opposite numbers. The widemen displayed all the energy and movement of a training cone. The strikers, with one notable exception were ineffective and, at times stroppy. and disinterested. Bearing all this in mind, it’s little wonder they lost. They even took the lead midway through the 1st half through Charlie Coshall’s searing 25 yard drive with what proved to be their one and only shot on target of the half. Beaconsfield deservedly equalised 2 minutes before the break capitalising on Ben Higgins’ unusually powderpuff attempt at defending. After the expected tongue lashing from the coach at half time, Ruislip although still second best, at least produced more efforts at goal in the 2nd half. Remi Ogunbayo was especially unfortunate not to score with a close range volley that was brilliantly turned away by the keeper. However, it was no surprise when the away side got the winner on 56 minutes with neither Luke Massingham or Lewis Crowley covering themselves in glory in the build up. Given that Ruislip officially won the League only 24 hours earlier and that it’s the end of a draining season, maybe this performance could be excused and clearly they have enough credit in the bank to be forgiven. However, there’s a big lesson to be learned here. Yes we may be champions, deserved champions at that, but this is a tough league and if you don’t get your attitude right then you stand a good chance of being punished even against the so called weaker sides. Something for everyone to ponder over the summer. While it’s a shame that the season ended with such a limp display, it doesn’t detract from the fantastic effort everyone has put in over the whole campaign. The achievement of winning the treble is a phenomenal one! MoM although Harry Sandiford in goal can be absolved from any blame, Eli Soque was the only outfield player who came out of this performance with any credit at all.
