A thrilling end to the season saw Worcester retain their League Championship in a “down to the wire” final day of competition in the League.

Going into the start Sporting Club Albion and Worcester were tied on points but with the Albion edging ahead on goal difference.

The start did not suggest that Worcester were going to come out on top as in their first game, Middlesex & Home Counties, who have been improving all season caused a shock by winning a very entertaining and close game with a Michael Smith rocket. All day the combination of David Clarke and Michael Smith supported by their other team members caused problems for all the teams.

Albion on the other hand did not enjoy a good day. Missing a couple of players which would have added to their fire power, they struggled to impose their usual authority on any of their opponents and finally finished in third position.

Without a doubt the team of the day was the young and developing RNC team who won all their games without conceding a goal and deservedly, on their latter performances, finished in runners-up spot.

The Leicester team battled valiantly but were under strength and then lost a key player in Mats Rahman who suffered a nasty cut to his head necessitating hospital treatment. They will be back next season wiser and stronger.

Following the conclusion of the games, Worcester were quite rightly crowned as League winners and were presented with the Cup and individual trophies by Tony Larkin, Head Coach to the England and GB Elite Blind Squads. The Golden Boot for the top goal scorer in the League was Darren Harris of Sporting Club Albion with 21 goals and this was received on his behalf by a Team colleague.

This season has seen a pool of referees operating in the League following the success of the World Championships in August last year and this augurs well for the future of providing English officials to IBSA European and World Competitions and of course the Paralympics in London and beyond. The referees have worked well to gain experience and they were presented with a momentum as a thank you for the excellent work they have carried out this season in the League.

With the futuristic changes in the development of Blind Football from next season, the National League looks to have a progressive momentum building which will enhance its reputation in the years ahead and help to develop players who will grace the World stage.