And so it came down to the last weekend of the season. With Ruislip needing just 2 more points from their last 2 games to be officially crowned champions and complete the third leg of a brilliant treble, they ensured, with this hard fought win against well motivated opponents, that it was mission accomplished before any last day nerves could take hold. Ruislip started fast and it took only 4 minutes for them to hit the front as Mark Webb’s right wing cross was spectacularly volleyed home by Charlie Coshall for a long overdue goal from the hard working frontman. Jack Neill nearly added to this 2 minutes later but his shot after a jinking run was smuggled off the line. If he was unlucky there, he only had himself to blame on 17 minutes when he somehow put his free header wide from Luke Massingham’s corner. It was a chance that even some of the mums on the touchline would’ve fancied their chances of burying. But Neill had a fine game and some of the interplay between him and Webb was a joy to watch, no more so than on 24 minutes when some sublime one touch play between the pair resulted in Eli Soque, who else, tapping home Webb’s inviting low cross for a late contender for goal of the season. Soque should’ve scored again just before the break but he failed to force home after Lennox Kedman’s effort was blocked on the line. 2-0 then at the break. The 2nd half proved to be something of an anti climax for the home side as maybe a touch of complacency set in. Bourne End signalled their own intentions in the 1st minute after the restart but Harry Sandiford was alert to thwart a 1 on 1 situation. As always Ruislip were a big threat from corners, Massingham should’ve scored at the back post and Ben Higgins’ meaty header was brilliantly tipped around the post by the visiting keeper. Then halfway through the half, Webb blotted his copybook by sloppily conceding possession in a dangerous area and was punished as Sandiford was beaten by a clever chipped finish. It was no more than the away side deserved and for a time they were the ones in the ascendancy. Ruislip withstood this period of pressure and as the game entered the last 10 minutes, they created more chances of their own. Coshall’s shot was comfortably fielded by the keeper but his save from Finn Edwards’ drive was right out of the top drawer. Neill very nearly got the goal his performance deserved when after dancing through a number of challenges in the box, he pulled his shot narrowly wide. The title was now within reach as the game entered the final minute but Bourne End launched one final attack to try and spoil the party. However, Sandiford stood firm and it was job done. One more game to go and then the celebrations can really begin. MoM Jack Neill – always had a touch of quality Paul Massingham 07841 699 431
