Kingswinford aces bridged the gap in stunning style

But that was not the case for one Kingswinford based outfit who, 20 years ago, made an immediate impact on the Beacon Sunday league, writes Dave McLean.

After enjoying life as Kewford Eagles under-10s right through to under-17s in junior soccer, the squad took a 12 month break before starting back up in the Beacon set up for the start of the 2000/01 season, under the guidance of stalwarts, team manager Keith Poole and secretary John Lain.

Although it may have looked a big challenge for the youthful squad, who recruited one or two slightly older players, they changed their identity to The Bridge, Kingswinford, who backed the team as sponsors.

And Poole's charges flew out of the blocks, swooping to claim a memorable first season league and cup double in division two (third tier), taking the crown by a three point margin from Northway Bullets, with Sedgley White Lions in third spot.

"I was surprised how well we started. But we soon settled down well (to open age football) and had cracking (first) season," said Poole.

They did indeed and they rounded off their debut campaign when emerging 3-2 victors after extra time in a Clinton Cup final cracker, as prolific marksman Charlie Bill inflicted most damage that term with a 54-goal return.

In the final itself they took on nearest rivals Northway Bullets and a Bill double gave them a commanding lead, before the Bullets fired back with a Darryl Farmer double to send the clash into extra time.

Chris Lain, much to the delight of dad John, notched the all important winner for the Bridge, while fellow son Matt Lain weighed in with an impressive 23-goal tally in that superb first season.

The Bridge were immediately promoted by the league to the Premier division and they adjusted well, finishing a creditable sixth out of 12 teams, although Poole admitted:"It was a bit tougher in that section."

A further name change saw the now British Oak (Kingswinford) squad finish eighth in the final Premier league standings at the end of the 2002/03 campaign.

And the club picked up their first Beacon honour that term when Lain was rewarded for his loyal work behind the scenes, the league nominating him Secretary of the Year.

However, those celebrations soon turned to sadness for everyone connected with the club when long serving John Lain died suddenly from a heart attack within weeks of picking up his award.

"John was a lovely guy, who even stepped in to run the line in a cup semi-final at Windsor Avenue ground when one of the officials didn't arrive," said league secretary Simon Cater who was playing in that same game. "John's team didn't have a match that day and he had just popped over to watch the game."

That same year, a Beacon League select X1 played in a charity fundraiser against British Oak to raise money for the British Heart Foundation in memory of John.

"All the players paid to take part and, along with a raffle and all three match officials giving their time for free, raised almost £400," added Cater.

The following season (2003/04) was to be the last for this squad in the Beacon league, after which they joined the Kidderminster Sunday league for a few years.

However, they bowed out in some style, pulling off one of the major cup shocks ever witnessed by league officials.

Although University calls had seen the Oak missing several regular squad players that season, Poole's charges, who had finished second bottom on the league front, battled through to the final of the Premier Cup.

They faced the challenge of champions Perron Village and stunned their opponents when running out impressive 3-1 winners with goals from Andy Jones, Charlie Bill (who had just returned from a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to injury) and stunning individual third goal from Adam Crellin.

It was some finale for the British Oak and Poole admitted the players were very much up for that final and "they did it for John Lain."