v Wimbledon (A): 04 April 2009

Ho him, here we go again. For the last game of the season, we visited a ground which has the distinction of being your correspondent's favourite venue, but a ground where he has always lost. At least the post-match sauna helps ease away the pain of yet another defeat. Checking back through the records for this season, our previous away game this season against Wimbledon on a filthy wet day saw us play out a 9 goal thriller - to which we contributed 1. The omens were not promising. 

But this was different. With the warm spring sunshine smiling down on us, and the comforting presence of Bobby A, Paul M and Neil S to boost our regular ranks, we fancied it. The GMB danced around in the right place at the right time to ensure our kennel stayed clean through the early minutes, then we began to establish control in midfield. Then, even at this late stage of the season, we found a new phrase to add to this season's Lexicon of Improbable Tactics, the Parabolic Arc. There seemed little danger as a ball came in to their 'D'; from the right. But Maxie had other ideas. A swing of the stick and up she went, many a mile into the sky before dipping devilishly just behind their stranded 'keeper in a perfect parabolic arc (see?) and under the bar: 1-0 'Dogs. Then it got better. Richard S, making as much of a nuisance of himself on the left wing as he does at home, scampered down their left, drew the defender and wrongfooted the goalkeeper before laying the ball across an empty goalface for Maxie to add his, and our second. So far, so good.

HALF TIME: Wimbledon 0 'Dogs 2

Wimbldon tried to get back at us but their attacks grew less frequent and less convincing as they seemed to sense it wasn't going to be their day. Every 'Dog, regular and ringer, played his part in a really impressive team effort. Tight at the back, dominant in midfield and incisive up front, we gave them no way back in to the game. It was no more than we deserved when Richard S swept in from close range to put us into the dizzy heights of a clear 3 goal lead. The only remaining question was could the GMB finish a difficult season with a flourish and a second clean sheet? Oh yes he could. A couple of smart stops later, and some excellent teamwork at a series of defensive short corners, and we were there. Revenge was ours, big time. Over half the side who had left the same field 5 months earlier soaked through and defeated 8-1 by the same opposition now walked off in warm spring sunshine, to the score of:

FINAL SCORE: Wimbledon 0 'Dogs 3

The showers were as hot as ever: if only the sauna had been working, it might have been the perfect day. But it was more than good enough, as 'Dog Days go. As last year, we ran into form just as we ran out of season, finishing with successive good wins. The 'Dogs End of Season Curry later the same evening saw the following awards made to the Top of the Pups:

Young player of the year: Richard CRUDEN

Top goalscorer of the year: Richard SHELLY

Player of the year (including most creative use of the whole 'D' in frequent adversity): the top goalscorer's Old Man, the GMB

Congratulations to them, and hearty thanks to all those who have ensured - whether regularly or occasionally - that the Bulldogs have not only survived another season, but ultimately finished with a flourish. 

It would be remiss to sign off without recognising also the tireless contributions of:

1.  our captain, Peter Taylor, in good times and bad: the embodiment of all that is good about our Grass Conference: and 
2. Nigel Gallifant, who made sure we had as many games as possible. 

Thanks also to all our opponents, especially those who made long treks across South London, and beyond, to play us at Fortress Teddington. Being a Bulldog may not always be a story of constant success on the field (Amen to that - Ed), but it's never dull and always fun.

Good summer, all, see you in the autumn. But for now, it's woof woof from me.