I made my first visit to Belfairs Park to see a promotion show down between Leigh Ramblers and Springfield. The equation was a simple one, if Rams won and drew they would be promoted as Springfield would miss out, if Springfield won, they would be promoted and Rams would miss out. So quite a lot was riding on this and both teams looked nervy in the first twenty or so and Leigh probably looked more nervy than their opponents. From the 20th minute to 30th minute Springfield hit the post twice and missed two other chances as they ramped up the pressure but, on 30 minutes Ramblers took the lead with their first real chance. After a defensive slip allowed Ramblers to cross into the area and the ball was volleyed first time into the corner for a 1-0 lead. Springfield continued to create but fail to convert although Ramblers were playing better football by now and should of added to their tally when the ball was played over to the backpost the goalscorer looked for all money he would head into the gaping goal but he headed wide. How costly that proved to be later on. Springfield came out second half with, dare I say it, a spring in their step and levelled the match on 48 minutes when defensive error allowed Andy Elgar in to slide past the keeper for 1-1. This seemed to rock the hosts but they hung on in the game for the next ten minutes or so but they were caught napping for the second Springfield goal which was a good shot across the keeper by Ross Lamb for 1-2. It was quickly 1-3 and almost game over when a cross from the left was headed in from close range by Steve Wareham to send the boys from Chelmsford wild with delight. Leigh Ram's heads totally went after this and Springfield got another goal from another defensive slip, allowing Matt Chorley in to finish past the keeper for 1-4. Ramblers had ten or so minutes to get three goals to keep their promotion dream alive but despite afew half chances they could not convert these and Springfield easily ran out 4-1 winners and will be in the Olympian Premier Division next season. Ram's miss out on promotion on the final day showing how cruel football can be sometimes but Springfield deserved their victory today.
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