MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
FC TEAM A 0 NORTH WEST NEASDEN 0
Stirling Kay praised his players after they avoided relegation with a resilient performance earning them the point they needed against FC Team.
NWN followed up their excellent performance against former champions Hendon with another gutsy display in which FC Team goalkeeper Michael Myers denied them a win.
Tipped by many to go down in pre-season, NWN delivered when it mattered in a competitive contest in Borehamwood, and they recorded the point they needed to maintain their Premier Division status to climb out of the relegation zone at the expense of Lions Blue.
Relieved NWN boss Stirling Kay told JC Sport: "It was no more than the lads deserved. Playing against a big powerful side on a tight pitch, with the grass needing a cut, this was never going to be a game for the purists, but it was a game were both teams were totally committed - certainly FC Team were there to win the game.
"However, our biggest concern is that we had three one-on-ones which their keeper saved very well, and two other great saves which kept them in the game.
"Being such a big side, they also posed a big threat at every free-kick and corner, but our back five were superb and competed for every header and never gave their forwards a kick, so much so they had one shot on taget the entire game.
"All 13 players who played today did not give FC Team a chance to settle. We defended from the front, we came to win the game but we came up against a inspired back four and keeper.
"The last 15 minutes was squeaky-bum-time, but we saw the game out and the great escape was completed.
"No question this was a most fantastic effort from the squad. We were dead and buried in December but we stuck together reached semi-final and quarter-final and somehow we achieved what we set out to do which was to stay in the Premier.
"We played on the the front foot and, as Frank Sinatra would say, we did it our way ..."
Team head coach Ben Gilbey told JC Sport; "Neasden got what they wanted and stayed up, so they were delighted after being extremely pumped for the game.
"All in all, even though we weren't quite at the races attackingly, our defensive display against a roaring Neasden was very impressive.
"The season is now finished and after being tipped to be in a relegation dog-fight at the start of the season, on reflection we have had a successful year. We finished fifth comfortably and I think all the boys can be really pround of themselves for what we have achieved.
"Going forward we are going to be looking to bring in more players and that of a high standard. Next year we intend on challenging for the title."
