We find ourselves at the pointy end of the season and today our penultimate game was against age old rivals Inst away at Bladon Park.

A potential feisty affair with success meaning the lads in white go into the final game fighting for league victory.

A beautiful sunny day on a fantastic grass surface saw the lads run out upbeat and fully briefed on the style of play the coaches desired.

An IFA referee laid the ground rules to both sides and emphasised that he wished to see a highly competitive but disciplined duel.

Our talisman in front of goal, Sonny, was injured and not available for selection so the coaching staff got creative and courageous and started with midfield general Jamesy leading the attack.

It was great to see young Rory back after a nasty arm injury some weeks ago and his influence was clear for all to see.

Right from the whistle the lads knew to play the style of football we were best at; along the ground with the ball always on the move. Some of the early play was a delight to watch and the passing and movement of the players left the lads in Yellow totally bewildered at times.

Jamesy leading the line ran the defence ragged and DC and Andy in the midfield basically owned the centre ground.

The back four were solid and whilst not overly tested managed everything that came their way with the calmness and composure of lads enjoying their football.

Continued forward incursions into the Inst half saw a corner to the lads in white and a super ball in saw big centre back Carter rise and confidently see the ball into the back of the net. Another goal to Carter taking his tally beyond what is to be expected for a defender. Smashing stuff.

From the kickoff the lads continued to play great football and Paddy worked the left flank whilst young Rory demonstrated superb skill, confidence and football intelligence on the right leaving the Inst left side running in circles, like a dog chasing its tail. Great to watch (Rory, not the dog!)

Our second goal was worth the entrance fee – if there was one of course – as Tom played a clever ball inside which was quickly moved on the first touch into the path of the advancing Rory who buried it into the net. An absolute cracking team and individual goal.

Half time was blown and whilst the lads needed a drink the opposition needed a wee lie down.

Some salient coaching matters were forthcoming but no changes to the line up just yet. Full credit to our bench who turn up and await their call without complaint and this shows the measure of the squad and the comradeship that exists therein.

Second half saw more of the same and James and Tom came close to adding to the tally. Tom is the only player I have ever seen who has enough energy to play a fast paced physical game and give a continued running commentary as he goes. He should be on TV as a Duracell advert instead of the wee rabbits. Unbelievable.

To be fair to Inst they didn’t capitulate and continued to try and make an impact and late in the game managed to test Paddy in nets. Goalkeepers rarely get nominated as man of the match, and this trend continues today, but recognition must go to Paddy between the sticks for his reliable solid performances when required and we saw him make a fine close range reactive stop on the rare occasion the defensive wall was breached, keeping the game at 2 nil.

Full time came and the game was great for the neutral and relatively easy for the official. Played in great spirit, maybe against initial expectations, competitive but fair.
Another clean sheet and the 2 goals to the good.

So many excellent performances across the board, with Andy playing his best game in the shirt, Tom and Jamesy running the show, the back four seemingly enjoying a day out in the sunshine, but Man of the Match must go to young Rory who was simply brilliant. His performance was a joy to watch and his first goal for the club was worthy of several repeats on Soccer AM. Its an added bonus that we have Rory and several like him coming through to take us into the next few seasons.

The last game will be played in due course against Bangor Grammar and just like before the league title goes to the wire on the last day. Some could argue it’s a case of déjà vu all over again.

All in all a decent run in to the end of the season and full credit to the squad for their efforts in all competitions this season, breaking new ground and raising the bar continually. This is not done by accident and as a wise person once said, the only place success comes before work is in the dictionary.

Happy easter and we will regroup to see where the league goes thereafter.

The futures bright , its black n white.