Town made the short trip to local rivals Epping on Saturday for their final league game of the season. A win would definitely secure Town's Premier League status for another year, a draw would probably be OK, but a defeat would leave them in a perilous position and reliant on other teams, so this was a big game indeed. Given that Town know as much about playing for a draw and shutting up shop as Lodgey knows about Gymnasiums it was decided to go for the win. After pondering all week, it was decided to leave young Brad Merrick out to go for a bit more experience and solidity on the day – this was harsh on Brad as he was one of a very few players who showed a bit of fight in the previous debacle against Potter Street, but as a 17 year old in his first season at this level he deserves enormous credit for a magnificent season. So Andy Allen was drafted back in to partner Mark Neal in central midfield and Flighty was moved out to the left side of midfield. The remainder of the team was unchanged from the Potter Street game on the basis that I couldn’t drop them all (Chris Neal excluded who was superb) !!!

The game kicked off, in very hot conditions, on a nice, but rock hard pitch, and straight away Town looked nervous, found it difficult to settle and couldn’t keep hold of the ball, so for the opening 10 minutes Epping, possession wise and territorially, had the better of the game without really looking threatening as even at this early stage the defensive trio of Grandy, Dave Martin and Lodgey looked very solid and in determined mood. After 12 minutes, against the run of play it has to be said, Town took the lead – a Lee Humphrey free kick from the half way line, wide right, was helped on by a glancing header from Mark Neal, and the ball ended up at the feet of Polley on the left hand edge of the box and unmarked – in these situations there is normally only one outcome and this proved to be the case as Polley, controlled the ball instantly and coolly and neatly “passed” the ball into the bottom corner,0-1. Town now settled down a bit and the game became a fairly even midfield battle with neither team creating, or looking like creating any chances. Town’s midfield of Flighty, Lee Humphrey, Mark Neal and Andy Allen worked like Trojans and the slightest hint of danger was dealt with comfortably by the back 3 and Chris Neal in the Town goal, was grateful for a nice quite day. Up front Polley and Jeater were frustrated when several passes just failed to reach them when they could have been in on goal. Then Town conceded a goal that, as I sit here, Tuesday, writing the report is comical but at the time, surprisingly, I didn’t quite see it that way!!! First of all a wayward pass in midfield which completely took out the midfield, followed by an “air shot”, followed by a missed tackle when it was 90/10 in Town's favour followed by 3 players going for the same ball: the ball eventually landed at the unmarked Epping strikers feet who rolled the ball into an empty net from 5 yards out, 1-1. Half time arrived with the score still level and thankfully no more comedy routines.

At half time it was felt that, maybe due to anxiety and a need to get the game won, Town were going for the killer ball far too much and squandering possession and they needed to be more patient, keep the ball and build the play by shortening the game down.

The second half kicked off and try as they might Town couldn’t quite get into gear and the game remained a fairly even midfield tussle with chances at a premium both ends although the midfield and defence remained rock solid and I couldn’t see Epping scoring. Then after 18 minutes came the goal Town craved – From a right wing corner the ball was slightly overhit and landed at the feet of Lodgey, close to the left hand edge of the box, on a tight angle – although he may not know much about Gymnasiums he certainly knows how to strike a ball and he chested the ball down and hit an unstoppable right foot “half volley” into the roof of the net for a quite magnificent goal, 1-2. Five minutes later Town were handed the chance to wrap the game up, and get the managers blood pressure down when they were awarded a penalty but the keeper made a magnificent save from a Polley penalty that was destined for the top corner. The game now was strangely subdued with Town anxious not to commit too many men forward and Epping running into a brick wall in the form of Towns midfield and defence who were both superb on the day. Polley did break the shackles once but his shot from the edge of the box went inches wide. Brad Merrick replaced Headon with 12 minutes remaining and Flighty moved back into a defensive holding midfield role to shore things up although in reality they didn’t really need shoring up as Epping never seriously threatened the Town defence but it was a “belt and braces” move. With 4 minutes left on the clock Town finally put an end to the agony when Lee Humphrey hammered home from close range and the relief was clear for all to see, 1-3. A few minutes later, just after Mark Neal booted the ball half way to Harlow , the final whistle went and Town can look forward to another season in the top flight.

A mention should be made of the Epping players and management – given the fact that this result meant they had just been relegated their sportsmanship, before, during and after the game was absolutory outstanding and a credit to the club.

Player of the match this week is Grandy who marshalled the defence superbly, was majestic on the ball and knew exactly when to play and when to “hoof it” – a simply outstanding performance. The bad news is that this could have been Grandys farewell performance for the club due to a possible relocation – from a selfish point of view I certainly hope it isn’t but if it is, I wish him well and thank him for an outstanding contribution to our club from a very high quality player.

El Col