Allstars are Champions - Groucho 0 Allstars 1 (Apr 15)

After a not so impressive display against a well-psyched Groucho, I am delighted to announce that Gower Allstars are officially Champions of Division 1 and are promoted to the Premier Division!

In 80C, on hard astro, with the beaming sun, Gowers quality of football was never going to be at its best, and Groucho took full advantage, certainly in the first half, when wave after wave of attacks came onto the back four of Gowers – as the midfield struggled to string any form of passing together.

Apart from one perfect cross from Durrant which fell nicely to Klingers left foot, but was blasted wide and over, there really was not much to talk about. The defence stood firm and halftime we went in, luckily at 0-0.

The second half had to be better and it was.

Switching to a 4-5-1 gave Gowers more width, and we began to play some football down the channels, with Klinger and Durrant both playing well. But Groucho did not give up. Having lost to us twice this season, they were determined to “get one over” the champions elect. But some great defending by the back four, kept the Groucho attacks at bay. And it was Sam Howard, playing at centreback for the first time, who stood out.

Headers, tackles, fouls – Howard was everywhere, preventing Groucho from scoring.

Gowers goal came from a classic Durrant long throw, which Medley somehow got his head to, in between two defenders. It hit the bar and bounced in – unglamorous but effective.

The one time, Groucho did break through our defence, John Davis in goal spread himself superbly and made a great one on one save.

With 20 mins to go with everyone exhausted with dry white bits on the side of their mouths, Gowers battled very hard, in a tough old game, to see out the victory – and become Champions of Div 1.

Played 12, won 10, drawn 2. Doesn’t get better than that.

MOTM = Although strong performances from Durrant and Klinger, it was unquestionably Sam Howard. He was dominant throughout and led by example, in an unfamiliar position. Well done.

This a good old victory – one which prepared us well for nexts week big final against Cricketers – both in terms of fitness, but also over-confidence. We cannot for one second let the possibility of over-confidence creep into our game next week. Yes, we haven’t lost for over 6 months, but you haven’t won the cup yet, and we will have to be at our absolute best to beat a decent Cricketers side. Make no mistake about it – this will be a tough game, one which we need full concentration and big heart. But we will be winners. Believe it.

Pysche up email is coming – but I’m simply setting the tone for now….

Well done all – you can now officially call yourself a “Champion”.

Allstars - please bring running shoes for after training.

Those that wish to come along to watch on Sunday we are playing at 3pm at Kingsbury FC, Silver Jubilee Park, Townsend Lane, Kingsbury, NW9 7NE

Come on the Gower!