As the push to secure promotion hots up Shipley took on Southwater 3rds for the second week in a row hoping for another big win.
The game got off to a shaky start with TD not really utilising the quality of the pitch to support their normal passing game and inviting unwanted pressure. This came to a head when stand in goalie Ben Peppercorn displayed why he the top assister of the season with his 20/20 footballing vision and saved the ball onto the opposition striker just so he could goal line save (only just so he could chat about it at the bar after). The deadlock was finally broken when Gasson found Adam Dinkovski in the box who superbly glided past the defenders and rifled home at the near post, an unstoppable shot.
Southwater equalised shortly after however after however to push the pressure back on TD. But pressure makes diamonds and up steps Dan Henstock. From 30 yards out Henstock unleashed an absolute rocket from his right foot into the bottom right of the goal, nearly taking the back of the net off in the process. The long range strike from Henstock was one of those unstoppable shots, reminiscent of a prime Frank Lampard combining power and accuracy perfectly to give Shipley the lead. Finishing the first half at 2-1 there were a lot of questions asked of TD and a lot still to play for.
TD took to the field with renewed determination after a rousing speech for technical genius and assistant manager Josh Humphries. Midfield Magician and first half goalkeeping hero Ben P gave Shipley some security when he blasted a volley home from inside the area to make it 3-1. Shortly after a chance to put the game to bed fell the Tiago when a distribution error from the Southwater GK meant that T ended up 1 on 1 with the goalie. Possibly the only striker in sussex that is scared of 1 on 1 decided to try and chip from 2 yards away which the keeper calmly caught and probably thanked him for. Southwater were able to claw a goal back which the reporter won't comment on due to Spencer volunteering to do an hour between the stick!
When Shipley needed a goal and top scorer Dan Mc is not around, who stepped up? Man of the Match Dan Henstock showing his power. This man definitely goes Gym.
Then the game was well and truly Shipleys and the Crawley Giroud - Andy Ham - found the net after a cross from OAP winger GT.
Finally just before the final whistle GT added to his stats for the season with a trademark goal utilising skill and speed from the wing.
At the final whistle TD secured for the second season in a row the coveted title of undisputed 3rd team champions and doing the double in the space of 7 days. Honourable mentions to Ben Peppercorn and Spenny for stepping up and doing a shift between the sticks.