Evo Stik Division One South
Rugby Town 1-2 Shaw Lane Aquaforce
Jono Wafula jumps on Gav Allott to the celebrate the opener
Shaw Lane Aquaforce did all they could by winning at Rugby, but Coalville Town were unable to answer their prayers.
Aquaforce needed Coalville to beat Stafford Rangers as well to win the title. Coalville’s late equaliser handed Aquaforce a lifeline, but Stafford held on for the draw to become champions.
The biggest news prior to kick off was the surprise return of the Division’s player of the season Gav Allott, who only returned from holiday on Friday and was not expected to risked because of a recent injury.
His importance to Shaw Lane came to the fore towards the end of the first half. Understandably there were a few nerves and a lucky escape in the opening forays. Defender Oscar Radford earned his corn with an amazing block from David Kolodynski.
Wafula heads Aquaforce ahead
Allott puts the thumbs-up to corner taker Matt Thornhill
Shaw Lane manager Craig Elliott praised Coalville for their efforts
Steve Istead battles for the ball
Aquaforce captain Matt Thornhill takes the ball forward
Aquaforce right-back Gary Stohrer
Oscar Radford and Aquaforce assistant Daz Smith wait for news from Coaville
Adam Priestley looks dejected after the news of Coalville’s draw
That was the wake-up call as Aquaforce soon took control of proceedings. Allott missed an open goal before Jono Wafula’s header placed them ahead.
Goalkeeper Tom Morgan kept them in front at the start of the second half with an exceptional double save. Within a few minutes, Aquaforce scored their second. James Walshaw set his strike partner Allott away and the forward coolly placed the ball past the oncoming goalkeeper Courtney Belford.
Jake Healey’s late goal for Rugby sparked a nervy finish for Shaw Lane, but to the visitors’ credit Rugby were unable to get out of their own half for the final few minutes.
The final whistle went at Rugby while Stafford and Coalville were still playing. Phones were constantly looked at as the Aquaforce players, management and supporters grouped together, but there was to be no final twist.
Shaw Lane Aquaforce manager Craig Elliott:
Rugby Town: C Belford, Curley, James, Tullin (Willis 67), Ryan, Tower (captain), Powell, Parker, Piggon, Thornton (Delaney 77), Kolodynski (Healy 61). Subs unused: Revan, D Belford.
Shaw Lane Aquaforce: Morgan, Stohrer, O’Brien, Istead, Radford, Meynell, Wafula, Thornhill (captain), (Potts 61), Walshaw, Allott (Priestley 70), Bennett (Edwards 77). Subs unused: Davidson, Dempsey.
Referee: Oliver Bickle
Ref Rating: 8/10
Attendance: 264
Man of the match: Gav Allott (Shaw Lane Aquaforce)