The Bell Inn claimed their first ever bit of silverware yesterday with an outstanding 3-0 victory away to rivals Poringland.
The yellows, knowing 3 points would guarantee them the title with 3 games to spare, were bang up for this one after losing to the same team just two weeks ago.
With the sun shining and a pitch which was in a decent condition (for once), the Bell Inn knew that today was the day.
Despite an injury to Adam Brown and half-fit Richard Donovan having to be named on the bench, we named a strong starting 11 with an equally strong bench.
Cup final mascot Liam Sutcliffe made his first appearance at a Bell Inn game, shaking hands with every player during the warm up and scoring a penalty past Chris Richmond in goal, which he actually did try and save.
After ten minutes of dominating possession, the game evened out for the rest of the first half with both sides creating decent chances.
Joe Pattison was proving a nuisance ‘in the hole’ with Dale Simpson latching onto every long ball which caused problems for the Poringland defence.
Poringland looked most dangerous from set pieces. 40 yard free kicks and corner after corner were slung into the box keeping goalkeeper Richmond busy.
However, no one managed to find the net.
Half time – Poringland 0 v 0 Bell Inn
Any injury to midfield hardman Jack Tarrant saw him replaced at half time. His knee had swelled up to almost the size of Will Farrows big head.
Simon Freemantle and Liam Ward came on at the break and made a difference as the Bell Inn started to take complete control of the game.
With lots of the Bell Inn faithful on the sidelines, including two thirds of the Hyde family, the Farrows, the Donovans, the Appletons and the usual clang, all they were waiting for was a goal.
Eventually this came through top scorer Dale Simpson.
A corner was headed back across the goal by the impressive Luke Appleton, allowing Simpson to scissor kick the ball passed the keeper and begin the celebrations.
Poringland dropped their heads and the Bell Inn soon made it two.
Appleton again provided the assist, laying a ball to Freemantle who performed a catalogue of tricks before cutting inside from the left and curling the ball into the bottom corner.
Their was still time for more, as a late Josh Farrow corner was flicked in by a defender to give the Bell Inn an uncatchable 3-0 win and the league title.
Simpson, Ashman and Pattison were withdrawn for the final ten minutes after each of them putting in superb performances, as the Bell Inn ended the game with centre back/injured Donovan and the hopeless Neil Anderson up front.
Final score : Poringland 0 v 3 Bell Inn.
(Simpson 65, Freemantle 75, Farrow 80).
Again, like two weeks ago, it was a good game played in good spirits by both teams. Poringland now need to avoid a 12-0 defeat in their last game to seal promotion with the Bell Inn.
I would expect them to achieve this, but with Lewis Preston in defence you never know.
As for the Bell Inn, we have 3 league games left and we will enjoy them and have a bit of well deserved fun.
Everyone has played their part this season and everyone deserves the medal they will receive for winning the league.
But it isn’t over yet. The County Cup final on the 28th of this month is what we really want to win.
Finally, thanks again to John and Angela Farrow for providing some decent food at the end of the game.
PLAYER RATINGS
Chris Richmond – 8 – Despite a few dodgy moments in the first half, grew as the game went on and made some big saves.
James Hyde – 8 – His first 90 minutes for a while, played too well to get subbed.
Danny Bland – 8 – Used as a centre back a lot now and never lets us down.
Luke Appleton – 9 – Simply outstanding both at the back and linking up with the attack.
Jamie Butler – 9 – Started left back, played the second half as the defensive midfielder. Does a job anywhere we put him.
Reece Ashman – 8 – Work rate is second to none. Involved in most attacks.
Jack Tarrant – 8 – Superb first half display before being withdrawn due to injury.
Josh Farrow – 8 – Moved into central midfield and looks more at home in the middle of the park.
Will Farrow – 8 – Same as Reece.
Joe Pattison – 9 – MAN OF THE MATCH – Came alive again recently. Links up the midfield and attack brilliantly.
Dale Simpson – 9 – Poringland defence simply could not deal with him. Would have been a 10 if we squared the ball a few times rather than shot.
SUBS
Liam Ward – 8 – Solid as a rock, didn’t let the Poringland winger past him once.
Simon Freemantle – 9 – Back to his best. Outstanding goal.
Neil Anderson – 6 – Blistering pace but attempted a shot from 30 yards from an impossible angle with his left foot was very silly.
Richard Donovan – 5 – No time to make an impact but added to his impressive tally of Bell Inn appearances.
The Bell Inn F.C 