Hi All,

Managed to get a Media Pass for the Blue Square Conference South Play-Off Final between Farnborough and Ebbsfleet Utd. There was obviously a lot of tension beforehand due to the enormity of this match, and the fact that this was Farnborough's highest ever gate proved that both sets of supporters were expectant that their team was going to get through. The stewards even had to open another section of the ground to get all of the away supporters in and the kick-off was inevitably delayed by 15 minutes.

Once the match got going, unfortunately the home supporters were not given much to shout about as Ebbsfleet took immediate control and did not let Farnborough have any space or play any kind of fluent football. Ebbsfleet were in charge of this match from the word go and over the course of the first half built up a comfortable 1-0 lead. At half time, the talk was really how Farnborough could stop the rot and get a foothold in the match. The general concensus was that if Farnborough could get a goal early in the second half they might stand a chance. As it was, Ebbsfleet scored that vital second goal and 20 minutes later a third to then lead by 3-0 which they held on to until about 5 minutes to go.

All of a sudden, Farnborough scored 2 quick and very well taken goals and with the score at 2-3 with a few minutes of injury time left to play, I guess anything could have happened. The Farnborough supporters turned from accepting their fate to thinking perhaps a comeback was on after all. Unfortunately for them, Ebbsfleet had other ideas and finished the game off with a fourth for them leaving the score at 2-4.

I must say this was a highly entertaining match, and for the neutral observer had everything. Well taken goals, a dramatic comeback, hard tackles and excitable supporters. It was one of my favourite matches of the season to photograph, and I applaud both teams for giving us a match which was a great showcase for the league.

As I mentioned in a previous blog, I did think Ebbsfleet would be too strong for Farnborough, and at 3-0 thought that my prediction of a close match was going to be blown out of the water. Farnborough's comeback shows that they have a lot of spirit, and some great players that will no doubt be challenging for the title again next year. I think that with a couple of additions to help the team strengthen, they could well go all the way next season.

As for Ebbsfleet, well I think they thoroughly deserve this promotion. Everytime I see them they show a level of excellence that I did not see in other teams in this division. They are not always consistant, and they do have lapses in concentration which are worrying, but generally they have the personnel to do a lot better than BSS. In fact, I would go so far as to say that I predict they will finish at least mid-table next season. I think that Liam Daish is instilling a determination in them that will see them do well, and by improving their consistancy they should be able to hold their own in the Conference.

Commiserations to Farnborough, but many congratulations to Ebbsfleet Utd and I hope you push on and have a very successful 2011-2012.

I will speak to you all next season. Till then, be good.........