End of an era for Dros Delnoch as HM Gunners survive
DROS DELNOCH 0-2 HM GUNNERS
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Second half strikes from Edward Schillen and Jim Egesten secured victory in this winner-stays-up encounter as Dros Delnoch waved goodbye to their long standing manager Waylander.
Both sides new before kick off that a win secured their survival, defeat would relegate them and a draw would only be good enough for Dros Delnoch to survive and therefore there was an emotional and tense atmosphere.
Before the game Waylander received a plaque commemorating his service to the club. The Delnoch boss had been in charge for nearly two-and-a-half years guiding them to two promotions and 1 major trophy.
When the game itself got under way it seemed both sets of players were overowed by the occasion. The hosts had the better of possession but neither side could produce a chance of any note with defenders Graeme Westwood and Önder Özgültekin superbly marshalling their respective defences.
In the second half though, it was the Gunners who looked more confident and took the lead when Edward Schillen headed in a cross from Rico Gallardo. Delnoch were unable to respond and Jim Egesten doubled the advantage with just 16 minutes to go.
Frustration got to Delnoch defender Hugo Beasant as he was shown a straight red card in the closing minutes but the Gunners held on to secure their top flight status for another season. As for Dros Delnoch, they will start life in Division One next season with a new manager and a new name.
Teams:
Dros Delnoch (4-5-1): Malkin; Westwood, Tillery, Wardley, Beasant; Patton, N.Weaver, Boxall (Kinsella 38), Dooston, Bean; Owens (c)
Bookings: Bean, Owens
Red Card: Beasant (84)
HM Gunners (4-4-2): Belletti; Jones, Pratt, Özgültekin (c), Gallardo; Stride, Ware, Mackay (De Poli 22), Egesten; Schillen, Dubrovskij
Bookings: Özgültekin
Goals: Schillen (52), Egesten (74)