Congratulations!

Dover/Sherborn Raiders

2008 EMMSA Open League Champions!

Congratulations to Dover/Sherborn Raiders who have been crowned the new EMMSA Open League Champions after defeating current holders, Shipyard in a thrilling finale.

After a tentative first half of action, it was the defense of both teams who held the upper hand, denying any clear cut chances to the opposition attack. The deadlock was broken mid-way through the second half when Tony D'Angelo converted a close range shot to give the holders a slender lead. Dover/Sherborn reacted to going a goal down by upping the tempo and created some good chances of their own. However, Shipyard always looked dangerous on the counter attack and could have found themselves doubling their advantage on a number of occasions.

Dover/Sherborn's persistence finally paid off when 15 minutes from full time Michael Francalangia scored a spectacular 20 yard strike which was too strong for the diving goal keeper to keep out.

Both teams tentatively played out the remainder of the game with the likelihood of extra time and penalty kicks being the only way to separate two evenly matched sides. However, the action wasn't over as with seconds to go Sean Carey (Shipyard) nearly sealed the result by hitting his own goal post from 25 yards with what proved to be the last kick of the game.

With the light deteriorating quickly, extra time was played out with the same cautious approach from both sides, still neither team being able to make the crucial break through. The referee sounded his whistle to bring the game to its end and the 2008 EMMSA Open League Final was to be decided via a penalty shootout.

Conditions were becoming tough for both goalkeepers and kickers with visibility fading fast. Both goalkeepers made valiant attempts to give their respective teams the upper hand in this epic shoot-out, which saw 15 rounds of spot kicks. The Final was eventually won by Dover/Sherborn with a 11-10 score line.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved during this past season, from the Managers and Players to the Officials that diligently officiate our games for making this year's EMMSA Open League a success.

We hope to see you all again next season.