The big game was upon us. Nerves were jangling and the pent up adrenaline was surging through us. A single point for promotion (not bothered) or all three for a victory and championship glory.

Even a slip up in the warm up (see Lemon) did not stop South coming out strong in the first half. The defence moved the ball around slickly, transferring to the forwards, who were only thwarted by an impressive Ely goalkeeper. However, the keeper was nowhere to be seen for one particular chance (see Lemon), but somehow Pearson screwed it wide.

The words from Jim (about fear or something) were still resonating with South and 0-0 at half time gave credit to the visitors' defence, who were holding back everything the boys in purple could throw at them.

When Graham had a shot saved incredibly from a trademark deflection, it was starting to look like one of those games. Even more so when Captain Hockley had a penalty flick awarded against him after a goal line save, which may or may not have caught his foot. A turning point if ever I've seen one (cliche no. 10). Jason dived to his right to keep it out and South suddenly had the momentum.

South kept the pressure high and it finally paid dividends, Spencer picking the ball up from Ely’s centre back and smashing it through the keeper - a roar from the watching Cambridge South crowd (including Paresh, straight from dance recital). But the job wasn't done…

(See previous paragraph x 3 as Spencer kept being passed the ball - clearly an Ely player had a bet on Spencer for goal king.)

The game became disjointed towards the end as tackles flew in, Pearson with the worst of the lot and got a deserved green card for his dirty play…if only he knew what it meant (see Lemon). Stu needed a massage to heal his mystery cramp - Neil was not bothered and play continued.

The whistle (anti-climax…) sounded and South had won the title. The champagne corks popped and 'all day long' sounded around Long Road.

Now for the celebrations…and speeches. And speeches. And more speeches. Graveling, the MC for the night, encouraged speeches from all - some more inspiring than others. Quite rightly, Mark was taking credit for his inspired choice of captaincy. Many pointed to the recruit of a new left half for the upturn in fortunes.

As with any great night, it ended in The Regal (moving back to Cambridge just for this) and Jagers and beers flowed. If only I could remember more about this part…please feel free to fill in.

Congratulations to all. Another clean sheet, another few goals leaves #MWon on track for 100 goals and fewest conceded by a team anywhere (records everywhere - Mark/Dave to fact check).

#ADL

#longroadfortress

#pearsonisalemon

#speechesforall