Coates Reserves set up a thrilling finale to their season with a comfortable 3-0 away win over fellow promotion hopefuls Thorney. The result means not only are Coates all but gaurenteed their first promotion within their short history, but also that the winners of their final match of the season - against 2nd place Ramsey - will take the championship.

Despite the difficult weather conditions, Coates started brightly against a Thorney side which boasted no more than 7 first team players in the starting 11. Dictating the tempo with some good passing football, the visitors showed exactly why they have the best defensive record in the league - restricting the home side to only 2 notable chances in the first half. At the other end, Sercombe and Doyle were working hard but Coates were struggling to find a breakthrough even though the game was being played mostly in the Thorney half. Fortunately, set pieces proved to be the difference, a perfectly floated corner from the left found an unmarked Sam Wilson who coolly headed past the keeper for his 7th goal of the season. Coates continued to press but never really looked like carving out many clear chances from open play.

HALF TIME: Thorney 0 – 1 Coates

Coates started the second half just as the finished the first, taking the game to their opponents. Ding, Wilmer and Butcher looked calm and assured at the back whilst Crofts, Dewdney and Colbert out played the opposition in the middle of the park. Once again however it was another set piece which made the telling difference. Yet another perfectly placed corner kick from Lewis Fletcher found a Coates player at the back post to make the score 2-0. Unfortunately my view was obstructed so it’s still debatable who actually got the goal. Shortly after, for the third time in the game, Lewis Fletcher delivered another perfect ball into the box for a Coates player to head home. Once again my view was obstructed.
Chances we’re still few and far between for Coates but manager Trevor Sercombe will undoubtedly be pleased with the way his side played, there’s little doubt that if they had maintained that kind of form throughout the entire season they would already proud owners of the league title.

FULL TIME: Thorney 0 - 3 Coates