A strong second half performance wasn’t enough to rescue a point for the 8s in their final league game of the season. In difficult playing conditions (terrible pitch, hot sun) the home team started the game well enough, with Dave Potter and Olly Tolcher causing the Winchmore Hill defenders problems. The two of them combined well after 15 minutes with Tolcher beating two players for pace and crossing for an unmarked Potter to finish well for 1-0. The 8s couldn’t build on their lead and showed signs of fatigue for the rest of the first half, with a defensive mix up leading to the visitors equalising from a corner. By half time they were 1-2 behind after a decent move and headed finish from the away team.
The 8s seemed to wake up in the second half and the introduction of Eric Madgewick to the midfield gave them extra energy and attacking purpose. The 8s used the slope to their advantage and pegged back the visitors but couldn’t find a way through. Paddy Knight went close with a shot and a header, Dave Potter had one cleared off the line, and Olly Tolcher was denied in the closing seconds by a brilliant last ditch block from a Winchmore Hill defender.
The 8s deserved a point from the game but were made to pay for a sloppy first half.
So, after a much improved season the 8s finished on 25 points from 20 games and a likely 6th place in the table. They’ll feel disappointed with their end of season run, which ended with 4 straight defeats, after looking a good bet for 3rd spot a few weeks ago. All is not over though as their season now hinges on the prestigious Spring Cup. With the return to the squad of some big names, they’ll be hoping for some silverware to end the season with.
MOM – Dave Potter……..Mentions also go to George Waldrum, Eric Madgewick and Olly Tolcher, who all put in strong performances.
