BRAISHFIELD are celebrating winning only the second Saturday league title in their 107 year history.
They defeated championship rivals Montefoire Halls 2-0 to clinch the Drew Smith Southampton League Junior Division 2 title.
The only other divisional trophy the club had won was when the newly formed reserves took Junior Division 8 back in the 1979/80 season.
Both sides went into this crunch game knowing that victory would secure the title.
Student side Montefoire began to get on top as Braishfield took their time to settle, but once they did then chances were soon created.
A good cross from Scott Shepherd on the right side flashed across the goal mouth, agonisingly just beyond the reach of top scorer Marc Beston.
Braishfield grew in confidence as the game progressed, creating more chances.
It was not all one way traffic, however, as the students had their moments on the counter attack.
Impressive defending by club stalwarts Craig Fielding and Adam Beston ensured there was no way through.
Now kicking down the hill, Braishfield made a strong start to the second half.
Wide men Luke Shergold and Shepherd took the game to the their opponents and on 50 minutes the deadlock was broken through the impressive Josh Harfield.
The relief was clear to see as Harfield was wrestled to the ground in celebration by his team mates.
Cheered on by a large crowd, Braishfield took control and chances kept on coming with Beston and Harfield both going close.
As expected, Montefoire never gave in but the all important second goal arrived when, after a quick break, good work from Beston released Luke Shergold with a simple tap-in.
There could have been more goals in the final stages with Naz Brora and Ben Jacobs both having chances.
It mattered not, though, as Braishfield held on to deservadly clinch the title and regain their Junior 1 status at the first attempt.
“This was a superb all round team effort and just reward also for the many people who work so hard behind the scenes,” said Braishfield’s Lee Whitelock.
“Most notably club legend Dave Old, who spent many hours ensuring the pitch was playable after heavy rain the day before.
“With a superb multi-purpose pavillion and a thriving youth set-up, the future looks very promising.”
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