05th May 2001
 

Upper Beeding 3:0 Southwater

"An afternoon stroll" was Beeding Manager Mick Barrys' interpretation of
this end of season encounter in which Southwater had nothing to play for and
Beeding looked forward to the presentation of the Premier League trophy by
League Chairman Peter Wilkins.

Beeding were in party mood and never really exerted themselves after leading
goals corer Lee Strange opened the scoring in the fifth minute. A poor
clearance by the young Southwater goalkeeper was pounced on by Strange. His
one - two with fellow striker Stuart Barry left him with the easiest of
opportunities.

Barry had two memorable chances to add to his seasons tally of 15 but
blasted over after good work from David Smith and then shot tamely at the
keeper when Strange carved open the Southwater back line once more.

Steve Barber and Scot Redfern contrived to give the visitors the chance to
equalise after thirty two minutes but the chance was squandered. Southwater
should have made more of an indirect free kick on the edge of Beedings six
yard box after Redfern picked up a back pass but John Burgess's left foot
turned the ball past the post.

The second period was just as dreary. Strange doubled Beedings' lead on
sixty five minutes, latching onto Burgess's through ball and chipping the
keeper from just inside the box.

Mick Barry brought on Mat Doo for Barker and Lewis Partridge for Glyn
Edmonds and Beeding did liven up.

Southwater found it almost impossible to get hold of the ball as the League
Champions retained possession content with their afternoon's work.

Doo completed the scoring in the dying seconds after good work from Mark
Salter and Strange.
Beeding collected their magnificent trophy and headed off to the pub to find
out how many bottles of champagne it would take to fill it.

Seven....................................................
 

Upper Beeding: S. Redfern; J. Ireson, S. Barber, G. Salter;
G. Edmonds, P. Barker, J. Burgess (Capt.), D. Smith,
M. Salter; S. Barry, L. Strange.
 

Subs: M. Doo (Barker 65")
L. Partridge (Edmonds 70")
V. Gretton (nu)