South Manchester Sports Club 1st rounded off their Accountants League Premier season with their third win on the bounce to finish in the lofty position of fifth.
Missing a host of regulars against Manchester Villa, a number of players were forced to play out of position but this seemed to encourage quick passing football and within 20 minutes they were two goals to the good.
Dan King, who has played at left back all season, was causing havoc as one of a front three and it was no surprise when he set up Marc Parry for a 20-yard curled finish into the top corner.
King turned provider again when after winning a 50-50 challenge with the opposition keeper, he squared for Laurence Newman to tap in from a yard.
Over-confidence crept into the South ranks and this resulted in their lead being halved. However they continued to press forward and King was upended for a penalty, which he took and missed.
Manchester Villa made them pay within 60 seconds as a low shot beat keeper Rabbett to make it 2-2.
At half time South manager Darryl Lee encouraged the team to revert to their opening style of moving the ball quickly with short passing and as a result a host of chances came and went without success.
The turning point came when an off-the-ball incident saw Jack Rowe struck by an opponent, with the referee taking no action.
South upped their efforts and gained their retribution 15 minutes from time when King squared for Parry to seal the game.
Considering their flirt with relegation, a top five place finish is a good outcome for South Manchester and this young team can look forward to next year with confidence.
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