A huge game at the JSJ Stadium with an expected mammoth attendance was about to take place. Stotfold took on Shefford Town & Campton in what might prove to be a decisive game for both sides. Stotfold started the day in 1st and a win would see them promoted to step 5 and also be crowned league champions. Shefford started the day in 3rd and need to pick up as many wins as possible to confirm play-offs.
The game began and as expected it was a fiery start from Stotfold. Shefford needed to keep them out and slow down the game. They did this but there were a few close calls. Stotfold hit the crossbar after a corner lead to a thunderous header which rattled the crossbar. Also, there was long ball over and some miscommunication between the Shefford defender and goalkeeper as he headed the ball back towards an empty net. Luckily, he got to it and cleared it before it trickled over the line.
Shefford had a few decent chances as well. The best chance of which was when it was a 2 on 2 for Shefford on the attack and Ashley Ingham had the ball. He got past his man and the Stotfold goalkeeper Liam Gooch slipped but Ashley Ingham mis-kicked it and it went just wide. Henry Snee had a decent effort as well but he saw his volley sail over the crossbar. At half time it was 0-0.
Stotfold started the second half well but Shefford still contained them. This lasted for less than ten minutes as Stotfold soon had a penalty after the Shefford goalkeeper brought down the Stotfold forward in the box. Conor Clarke stepped up to take and smashed it into the top right corner to give Stotfold a crucial lead.
This goal livened up both teams as the game sparked into life. Shefford came close a few times but Liam Gooch was there to keep them out. Near the end of the game Stotfold sealed the win and the title after they doubled their advantage. Ashley Kersey received the ball on the edge of the box and thumped it past the goalkeeper to surely win Stotfold the league and he did it in style. It didn't take long until it as 3-0 and this goal really started the celebrations. A ball through which the Shefford goalkeeper ran out to but Codi-Lee Spavins got to it first and headed it into the empty net to get the party started. A few minutes later the referee blew for full time and confirmed Stotfold's title and promotion to step 5.
A huge congratulations to everyone at Stotfold FC on a phenomenal season and a deserved title win. A remarkable achievement and also the quadruple is still on!
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