Lydeard crowned champions
1:58pm Monday 12th May 2008
Somerset County League Division 1: Churchill Club 2, Bishops Lydeard 2.
BISHOPS Lydeard clinched the title after edging over the line with a 2-2 draw at mid-table Churchill Club last Saturday.
Lydeard had been suffering some end of season jitters with just one victory from their last four games and needed a point to be certain of being crowned, providing Odd Down Reserves won at Street.
It looked like a case of here we go again' as Lydeard fell a goal down inside five minutes when keeper Shaun Locke's clearance cannoned against a striker and into the net.
Lydeard probed in search of an equaliser but they looked nervy and failed to create any clear-cut openings in the first half.
Then, disaster struck on the hour mark as the hosts doubled their lead with a powerful header from a fine diagonal pass.
Lydeard then learned Odd Down were leading 1-0 at Street, so manager Neil Harper switched to 3-4-3 in a bid to get back in the game.
With 15 minutes remaining, they pulled a goal back when man of the match Nick Whyborne scored from close range after a shot had been parried.
The visitors piled on the pressure, forcing a number of goalmouth scrambles while Lee Palk fired over from close range.
But, with just five minutes left, Graham Mercieca's long throw was nodded home by Palk and Lydeard held on for the title.
They later discovered Odd Down had lost 2-1 but that did detract from a excellent fightback.
Lydeard manager Neil Harper was delighted his side's triumph, which has come at an exciting time for the club. He said: "I'm really pleased for the club as a whole.
"With the new clubhouse about to be built, the ladies side winning their league and the Sunday team lifting a cup, it couldn't have come at a better time.
"The players have been fantastic and worked really hard for this success.
"After our run of 17 games unbeaten, we put our feet up a little early, but we got there in the end.
"We've got a great blend of youth and experience in the side and that mix has served us well."
Harper also thanked the club's sponsors www.powells-toys.com
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