Trade Mark Collections East Cheshire League : In the final-day decider  FC Woodford defied the odds to snatch FC?Flyers’ league title away with a 2-1 victory at Jim Evison Fields.

It was a bitter pill to swallow for Flyers as they have topped the league table for all but one week of the season and looked certain to retain their crown until FC Woodford’s astonishing run-in saw them pipped at the post.

For Woodford it was the culmination of a remarkable season  during which time they have really bonded as individuals  and, more visibly, as a team.

They have showed real courage and conviction to come back after a heart-breaking defeat to Cuddington in the Inter League Cup quarter-final and thoroughly deserve the title.

Greg Mathers opened the scoring in the first half with a goal from nothing as  the teams sparred for supremacy in the opening 15 minutes.

Captain Luke Murray received the ball midway inside Flyers’ half and his ball found Mathers surrounded by players. Somehow he managed to swivel and get a shot away which went across the keeper and found the bottom corner of the net.

Mathers was forced off on the half-hour with a hamstring pull but his replacement Eddie Roberts was a fine replacement,  despite not having played since before Christmas.

Flyers poured forward in search of an equaliser and were unlucky when  Stuart Maylet’s free kick came back off the woodwork but the score remained  the same going into half-time.

Flyers  needed an early goal in the second half and they got a slice of luck almost immediately with Chris Coppenhall conceding a penalty.

Joe Ingham slotted home his second penalty in as many games to level the score.

Midway through the half Roberts was fouled just shy of the penalty area as he ran at the Flyers defence.

In-form striker Jack Butterworth lined up the free kick and sent a stunning shot past McGowan to give the visitors the lead.

Woodford  then managed  to see out the final minutes without conceding again despite constant pressure from their hosts and land their first title.

It was never going  to be a pleasant situation for the losing side and Flyers were undertandibly disappointed but having already got their hands on the Inter-League Cup can consider their season mission accomplished.

Both teams have made many friends this season with their brand of flowing, attacking football and the East Cheshire  Football League can look forward to an exciting battle for the title next time around.

In the day’s other game Old Alts and  High Lane signed off with a 3-3 draw.

Ben Byers scored twice and Sean Holingsworth a stunning third for Old Alts in a game that saw the departure of veteran keeper Robb Richards  and club secretary John O’Connor after more than 20 years of loyal service.

free and easy FC?Woodford’s Jack Butterworth