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Gavin Hart has
hardly been a prolific marksman for Edgware, but his 55th minute strike,
and fourth goal of the season, could hardly have been more significant
for it gave his side victory against Chalfont on Tuesday - and with it
the Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division championship, writes
John Comfort.
It was far from being one of the better displays of the campaign by the
Wares, whose nervous and often error riddled performance throughout
reflected the intensity and importance of the occasion. But the end
result was far more important than the means of achieving it, and
winning ugly was a perfectly acceptable outcome on the night.
Any Edgware nerves should have been settled very early on when they were
awarded a penalty after only two minutes. The heels of Stuart Blackburne
were clipped by Chalfont defender Steve Nott-Macaire as they chased the
ball into the visitors' area and referee Sharan, perhaps a little
harshly, awarded a spot kick. Penalty king Richard Morton promptly
converted it to put the home side ahead.
But, despite that early boost, jittery Wares were still unable to get
their act together. Their form deserted them when they needed it most
and their errors constantly threatened to bring the visitors back into
contention.
An unusual save by Darren Bonfield with his outstretched legs prevented
Chalfont doing so when Jerome Okimo fired a fierce drive goalward, and
Rory Smith's desperate tackle ensured the Chalfont striker did not take
advantage from the rebound.
Soon after Morton had to make a similar last-ditch clearance to prevent
impressive Chalfont midfielder Lee Togwell netting from close range
after Edgware had poorly defended a telling Okimo cross.
The cushion of a second goal would surely have settled Edgware, but they
missed a glorious chance of getting it when Blackburne's surging run
into the area culminated in him sending over a low cross which set up
Vince Rispoli, running in at the far post with the goal at his mercy.
But, amazingly, he missed the target.
In the second half there was no indication of Edgware deviating from
their erratic form and it was almost inevitable when Chalfont drew level
within two minutes, more slack defending allowing Alan Hedley to
scramble the ball home from a Terrell Lewis cross.
The visitors might even have gone ahead soon after, but a great save
from Bonfield prevented Steve Griffiths from netting. However, with 55
minutes gone, Edgware stunned the visitors by netting what proved to be
their championship winner. Rispoli's cross from the left was missed by
Blackburne but found Hart lurking beyond the far post. He cut the ball
back then drove a firm, low shot through the crowded area and past
keeper Michael Power-Simpson into the net, to the obvious delight of his
teammates.
Although still far from comfortable, the Wares did manage to hold on to
their advantage, and substitute Adam Wallace was unlucky not to increase
it with an overhead kick, which was cleared off the goalline.
But when Smith fouled Barry Brosnan on the edge of the home area deep
into stoppage time, there was still one last hurdle for the home side to
negotiate before the title was claimed. But, to the great relief of the
home fans, Togwell's free kick was blocked by the Edgware defensive
wall.
Seconds later the final whistle went and cued mass celebrations from
Edgware and their ecstatic supporters, with the bubbly flowing freely at
the White Lion Ground well into the night.
The League Championship Trophy will be presented to Edgware this
Saturday following their final home game of the season against
Leverstock Green.
Edgware: Bonfield, Moore, Rispoli, Smith, Buchanan, Fernee,
Marks, Morton, S blackburne, Ngoyi (Wallace), Hart.
Other subs:
Cain, Gardner, Hayden, R Blackburne.
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