26 April 2009
GFSN League
Home (Victoria Embankment)

Nottingham left it late to secure a 1-0 victory and the GFSN League title with an injury time winner from James H.

The Ballbois came into the game needing just one point to be certain the League title. Leicester, however, were also in with a mathematical chance of winning the league, and were always going to make Nottingham work for their glory.

Leicester defended well throughout, making it difficult for Nottingham to achieve any sort of breakthrough. Nottingham had the majority of possession, but were constantly frustrated in the Leicester box. The visitors managed to contain play in the centre of the field, with Nottingham unable to release the ball out wide to take advantage of the two speedy wingers.

Leicester frustrated Nottingham without making any serious attacks on the Ballbois goal, but at 0-0 there always remained the chance that they could spoil Nottingham's party. Their best chance came with a second-half free-kick on the edge of the area, but this went straight into the Nottingham wall.
The game was tense and nervy, but as the minutes ticked away into injury time Nottingham seemed to have ridden out a goalless draw to grab the point needed for the title. Then, as if to kick-start the imminent celebrations, a Nottingham goal came in the dying seconds of the game (right).

Damian S had possession in the Leicester box, but harried by three Leicester defenders he passed back a few yards to Craig S. James H, lurking out on the left, received the subsequent pass across the box, which he drove into the Leicester net to secure the match 1-0 and the league title for Nottingham Ball Bois.

The celebrations began with Nottingham players saluting the 100-strong crowd that had turned out for the game, and whose noisy and vocal support was a vital part of the home team's victory. A great day for Nottingham was followed by a great evening as the Ballbois celebrated being GFSN National Champions 2008/9.

Team: Dave S, Shaun B, Jeff N, Brett L, Adam R, Jordan K, Craig S, AJ, James H, Damian S, Chris L
Subs: Paul B, Chris W. Suns unused: Matt H, Gareth D, John S, Kaz H, Tony L
Goals: James H

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