A sun kissed Athelstan Primary School was the venue for New Bohemians final and most important league game of the season. Due to the season being brought to an early conclusion each side were only to play each team once and as a result Bohemians only had a game to play, third placed AC Southside. The equation for the lads was a simple one, avoid defeat and win the league title.
Bohemians had their instructions from manager Sean Sly and began with a high energy press which was effective in helping the hosts win the ball back, however, due to some nervous touches the final ball was lacking. Eventually it was more of an old-fashioned method that led to a great chance. A long clearance by Slattery was missed by the Southside defence and Gibson saw his chance. The Bohos striker latched onto the loose ball to volley it home past the keeper to give the home side a deserved early lead, 1-0.
The high press continued from the Green and Whites and led to further chances for the lads. After good work down the right a low cross was played into the box and drilled low into the back of the Southside net. However, before Bohemians could even begin to celebrate the referee disallowed the goal for offside, which appeared to be a contentious decision. Bohemians were not deterred by this and were looking a threat from the many set pieces they were earning, eventually it looked as if the sought after second goal had come as Slattery met another whipped in cross with a firm header. It appeared to ripple the inside of the net, but Southside somehow were able to scramble the ball clear and Bohemians half celebrating the goal turned to the ref who amazingly waved play on declaring the ball had not crossed the line. For all of Bohemians hard work the press was starting to drop and some sloppy play led to a Southside cross being deflected narrowly past our own goal which Dixon in net could only watch as it flew out for a corner. Half time arrived with Bohemians holding a precious one goal lead.
After one final team talk the lads came out and started on the front foot once more as Gibson composed himself to play in Kennerley who got his shot off only for it to be smothered by Southside’s keeper. As the second half wore on manager Sly was reluctant to make too many changes and the game settled into a similar pattern of Bohos pressing admirably in surprisingly warm conditions. The second half was not without its scares as Southside came forward. Shaw was on hand to make a crucial interception from a cross which would have certainly been tapped home by the striker. Dixon had a quiet game in net but when called upon was solid and made a superb diving save from a effort late on to keep the one goal lead intact.
As the final minutes came about Bohemians could have added to their tally as both Gibson and Otter came close with their efforts. Bohemians really should have wrapped up proceedings on the break when Gibson had options left and right, but his pass was intercepted by the covering Southside defender. Eventually the referee blew time on the game thus bringing jubilant celebrations on and off the pitch. A close game which deservedly went the way of Bohemians, but credit must go to Southside who with a bare 11 were always in the contest and made the lads sweat on the league title until the very end.
A very disrupted season comes to an end in the best way possible which makes all those lockdown runs worth it. Next season in a higher division will be a real test for this squad but for now attentions turn to the summer cup competition and up next… Southside once more on Saturday.
Starting 11; A Dixon, Bramhall, Slattery, Hollamby, M Barker, Kennerley, Shaw (C), J Dixon, Ayton, Buckley, Gibson
Subs; J Barker, Petre, Hall, Lavington, Otter
Man of the Match; Shaw
The Village Footballer 