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Premiership football for Park next season as they snatched the point they
needed to seal second spot, but it was a mighty, mighty close thing!
In a terrific game, with football of high quality from both sides the result
was always in doubt until two minutes into injury time and with defeat
for Park looming, the Horley Town defence hesitated and Jorden Bartlett
was in like a flash to stab the ball home, send Park up and send the supporters
wild.
On hard pitch which made control difficult both sides struggled to settle
in the early minutes but it was Park who got into rhythm first and proceeded
to control much of the first period. With Oliver and Honey commanding in
midfield, good approach work down the flanks from Sandford and Varley and
the threat of Bartlett's lightening speed, Park created several openings
but post and last ditch defending contrived to keep them out. It was not
all one way traffic though, Horley Town had chances but a tight Park defence
kept these to a minimum.
Park took the lead on 34 minutes. A free kick from O'Grady bounced between
Horley defenders, Oliver was on hand to calmly slot home and Park were
good value for their half time lead.
Needing to win to snatch second spot from Park, Horley came out for the
second half fired up and took control of the game. Harvey made a fantastic one handed save after a poor clearance and Holliman,
Greenslade and Johnson made interception and tackle after tackle. Eventually
the pressure told when the Horley skipper headed home from an accurate
corner. Park were shell shocked and Horley kept up the attacks and took
the lead 17 minutes in when a cross shot eluded Harvey..
Park were not giving up the fight and took the game to Horley. Only three
minutes later Bartlett chipped the ball over the Town keeper and walked
the ball in to level it - 2 a piece.
Both sides were now going all out for the win in an enthralling game and
chances came and went. With less than 5 minutes remaining a Horley shot
looked to be going wide when a wicked deflection saw it loop into the net
and Park's hopes of finishing second looked dashed.
But this Park side don't know the meaning of the word 'beaten', they redoubled their efforts and got their just rewards when Bartlett struck and the Park supporters celebrated.
A word for the substitutes, Dawkes and Dunne who both played their part,
as they have done all season. A word too for Horley Town, the two games
against Park have produced 17 goals and some fantastic football.
So Park have finished their firts season with promotion and we can look
forward to premiership football next season.
A final word of recognition for the efforts of Chris in managing the boys
brilliantly all season. It was the spirit this team has, that got them
the draw against Horley and that is down to Chris. Roll on next season.
Reporter: Martyn Dawkes