Hot on the heels of Greens' dramatic last day of the season SSYFL U16s Division 1 League Title win, they were back in action last Saturday at a sun-drenched Meadowbank Stadium for the SSYFL Trophy Final versus Loxwood and Kirdford. In a tense first half, Greens' dominance in possession couldn't translate to a goal, and at the half-hour, on a rare break, Loxwood won a corner and converted well with a committed header.

0-1 down at half-time, Greens started the second half in command, but just couldn’t find a way past the excellent Loxwood keeper. Mid second half, Loxwood doubled their lead when their striker stole the ball in Greens' final third, riding two challenges, and credit where it's due, finding the top corner from the edge of the box.

Greens remained patient. They were the better team, they were on a 9 match winning run, they had belief, but despite having nearly all of the possession and chances, the goals would not come. A tactical change was needed for the final push. Switching to 3 at the back, aided by the fresh legs of Freddie C in the back line, allowed Lucas P to add a different dimension to the Greens midfield, and Sam R to support Freddie H as an additional striker. What followed was pure drama.

With 12 minutes to go Sam R scored the first. He picked up a superb pass from the excellent Thomas R in midfield, beat 3 defenders on a mazy run and slotted the ball calmly into the corner with a composed finish. 1-2! Within two minutes, the electric Oliver Q, who was unlucky to have hit the post seconds earlier, received a cross ball from Adam B. Oliver Q took his defender on and shot, Loxwood's keeper parrying the ball to Freddie H who smashed home from 4 yards. 2-2!

With the sizable home crowd roaring them on, Green’s won a freekick on the half way line in the last minute of normal time. Lucus P delivered a pinpoint ball to Oliver Q on the penalty spot, who knocked it down for Sam R to shoot and score mid-stride. Pandamonium from players, coaches and supporters alike. 3-2!

To the delight of coaching duo Matt Russell and James Mayes, who were enjoying their final game together in a ten year coaching partnership, Greens successfully saw out 5 minutes of stoppage time as a shell shocked Loxwood couldn’t respond.

Double Winners. The perfect 10 match winning run, and the perfect send-off.

By James Mayes