After last seasons rout, Season 53 was an absolute stunner. After 21 games, all of the important positions in the table came down to straight head-to-heads in what was quite a beautifully scripted finale. With twists and turns right up to the final whistle of the final day, we take a look at the key moments and how it shaped the season
The fixture computer turned up what looked like a potential title decider from the opening day, and it certainly did not disappoint. Iffley Flanuers having finished 2nd three times in the past four seasons held a 2 point lead over two time EPL Champions Knights of the Spring as they went into their final round head-to-head
All eyes were on Emile Zola to see if he could handle the pressure after his two penalty misses in a single game handed the EPL title to Hextable United in Season 52. It was a battle of the team who has been there and done it twice before, against the perennial nearly men of England. The season had crescendo-ed into a thrilling finale.
The reality turned out to be a massive anti-climax, Iffley didn’t turn up, and it was over after half an hour and Dominik Marenghi and Zackary Bowe putting them to the sword in ruthless fashion before professionally closing the game it. It was the polished performance of a team that has done it all before, and leaves Iffley with a 4th runners up medal and undoubtedly the tag of ‘best team not to win the EPL’, but still someway of Bergy’s legendary title.
At the other end of the table Ossett Youth Academy found themselves in a shock relegation dogfight against AC Milan, the former NC candidates team were just a point above the relegation spot going into the final game. Ossett raced into an early lead and then fired in two more goals to seal a play-off place. AC Milan brought it back to 3-2 with two late consolations but they are going straight back to Division 1 for a second time. Ultimately Ossett will be following them after finishing 3rd in the play-offs.
The drama didn’t stop here either. Greenbay hosted Thorpe-le-Soken, in a match to play for ultimate survival. A win for Greenbay would guarantee EPL safety and a 19th season in the Premier League out of the last 20. It all looked good as well Rich Hird put them home side in front just before half time. Thorpe-le-Soken piled on the pressure but it looked like Greenbay’s knack of just doing enough was going to hold (they have finished 7th in each of the past 3 seasons). The resistance was eventually broken however and Reuben Elwick bagged the equaliser 15 minutes from time. That’s how it finished an Greenbay went on to be relegation via the play-offs while Thorpe-le-Soken celebrated their first ‘safe’ finish.
Onto the rest of the league now. Harchester United once again underperformed, this time too many draws means they failed to surmount a proper title challenge, despite having a team that has seen them finish in the top 5 in each of the past 8 seasons. With talismanic striker Alan Holt having now hung up his boots, it looks like that chance has now passed them by.
On the other hand, newly promoted KamiKaze Stars spent most of their time at the top end of the table. At one stage they looked like shock title challengers, ultimately they fell away as the season dragged on but will be very proud of 4th place and a 40 point haul.
Chelski FC also reached that 40 point target and game in 5th on goal difference. An impressive performance from a side who’s last two EPL campaigns have ended in relegation, they will hope to push on once again and try to beat their highest finish of 4th in Season 38.
Nothing much can really be said about Tottenham United, 18 points on the way out, 17 on the way back and finished 6th. A model of mediocrity, they will be delighted that their season didn’t collapse in the way that has traditional for them in previous campaigns.
We’ve covered off the rest of the teams further up, so just to Hextable United and Real Brid, both non-runners.
UKI Zone Magazine 