Ashton Prime 2-3 Frant
Saturday 17th March 2012, Cadogan Recreation Ground, Tunbridge Wells
Prime rounded off their season with another double-header against title-chasing Frant at Cadogan. The match was to be Chris Gilbert's last for the club after 6 years of tough-tackling, high-pitched whinging and a tendancy to hoof balls over into St Augustine's school! He was awarded the Captain's armband for the game.
Gilbert played right-back with Mazurkiewicz filling in for man-flu victim Ellis at centre-back. Barnham got the nod at left-back. In midfield, Sander started on the right, with Barker returning up front to replace the injured player/boss Goldsmith alongside Ferguson.
Prime started well and were ahead within 5 minutes when a typical long throw from Chapman caused chaos and Barker was there to smash home his 17th of a prolific season.
The home side were rattled 5 minutes later when Chapman had to come off with a mysterious shin injury. Walters was rushed into action down the left-wing.
Frant were clearly a much-improved side and they created several good chances but poor finishing let them down on several occasions and then when Kerton half-saved a shot, Gilbert was on hand to stop the ball on the line and smuggle the ball to safety.
Mazurkiewicz and Cary were looking solid in the air and Barnham's mud-covered face showed how many headers he won down the left. In midfield, Abu and Henshall were competing well and both looked good in possession - with Sander putting in a much-improved shift down the right.
It was 1-0 at the break, but Frant levelled 10 minutes into the second period when a long throw of their own was bundled home.
Prime threw on Flamank for Barnham and Overy for Ferguson as Prime looked to get back into the game - but it was Frant who took the lead when indecision between Cary and Kerton proved costly and Frant's striker nipped in to tap home.
There were only 5 minutes on the clock, but Prime showed real character to level matters when Abu's chip cleared the back 4 and Barker got his toe to the ball before the keeper. The ball rolled agonisingly towards the line and Sander managed to shield the ball from a Frant defender to enable it to creep into the net.
But Frant showed why they are title-contenders by scoring straight from the restart. An attack down the inside-left channel resulted in their striker turning inside the centre-backs and slotting home confidently - giving Kerton no chance.
The final whistle sounded as Prime kicked off - a disappointing end for Captain Gilbo.