Braishfield clinch title

Braishfield held their nerve to win Saturday’s Southampton League Junior Division 2 title decider – and deservedly secure only their second Saturday league title in their 107-year history.

The club has enjoyed much success in Sunday football, but the only Saturday trophy they have ever won was when the newly formed Reserves won Junior Division 8 way back in the 1979/80 season!

Both sides needed to win to secure the title and unsurprisingly started nervously. Student side Montefiore began to get on top but Braishfield soon created chances. Scott Shepherd’s flashing cross just eluded top scorer Marc Beston.

Braishfield grew in confidence but couldn’t get the vital breakthrough. The visiting student side also had their moments on the counter attack but impressive defending by club stalwarts Craig Fielding and Adam Beston kept them at bay.

Kicking downhill, Braishfield made a strong start to the second half and wide men Luke Shergold and Shepherd took the game to Montefiore. And the deadlock was broken on 50 minutes when a clinical effort by the impressive Josh Harfield gave the keeper no chance.

Cheered on by a large crowd, Braishfield took control and Beston and Harfield both went close.

Montefiore would not give in but a quick break saw good work from Beston release Luke Shergold for a simple tap-in.

Braishfield missed other chances – but held on to deservedly clinch the title and regain Junior 1 status at the first attempt.

It was a superb all round team effort and just reward also for the many people who work so hard behind the scenes.