In the end it didn't matter with both our rivals losing, however Town once again showed why they are deserving of the title.
Five minutes in Dave Collis handled a hoofed ball into the box and Gate scored from the spot. For the rest of the half it was mainly Town on the offensive with their hosts susceptible in the air. With countless half chances and a number of goal line clearances, Town deserved parity but did not get it. Early in the second half with Town pushing for the equaliser, Gate counter attacked and the ref deemed Rob Swaine to have pushed one of their forwards in the box. Dale brilliantly dived to his right to make the save but a Gate forward put the loose ball away
The players heads never dropped and 15 mins from time, the ref awarded his third penalty of the afternoon after a Gate player handled in the box. Glen Poole confidently put the ball way and Town scented the opportunity. It came less than 5 minutes from time when subsitute Junior Luke arrowed a long throw deep into the penalty area which was headed on for Rob Swaine to bury a powerful header past their keeper. There was still time for Emeka to be put through but he went for glory and blazed over.
Three minutes of added time were endured and at the end there were great scenes as the players and supporters celebrated in the pouring rain
The crowd was well over 500 and I reckon more than half were from Billericay.
Roll on next Saturday for the crowning of the Champions COYB
