Late drama sees Sporting claim stunning title triumph

Sporting went into their final fixture away to local rivals Sedgley Rangers requiring a win by at least a three-goal margin to edge out Woodside Inn for the top prize, and literally seconds remained of a nervy encounter when they pounced to take the spoils by a 4-1 scoreline!

In what proved a nerve jangling final few moments, in which Rangers had played their part in attempting to stop the Sporting charge, the all important title winner came from Tom Timmins, whose effort took a slight deflection and looped over the opposing keeper to find the net.

Rangers had looked the more likely side to break the first-half deadlock, but it was Don Thompson who gave Sporting a crucial lead on 36 minutes.

Sporting moved further ahead on 55 minutes through Alex Trout, before Sam Davies cut the deficit for Rangers to increase the nerves in their opponents camp.

Fifteen minutes remained on the clock when Sporting boosted their hopes again with a third goal from Brad Lewis.

And a match official claimed there were only 15 seconds of normal time remaining when Timmins struck the vital fourth goal with the last kick of the game – and wild celebrations soon followed from delighted Sporting manager Jacob Webster and his title-winning squad.

Immediately after the final whistle, Webster, who is stepping down after three years in charge, said:”We’re all absolutely buzzing. It has been a great season, and to win it the way we have is credit to all the players and I’ll never forget it.

“It was very emotional at the end and, after losing a cup final last season (under the banner of Sedgley & Gornal United), I told the players we had a second chance to win something this time and we have.”

Prior to the November lockdown, Sporting had led the way with six straight league wins, but after the league return in early April they suffered two defeats in three games as the likes of Woodside closed the gap.

But Webster’s charges kept plugging away and in the end were rewarded for their battling qualities to take the Concentric title by a better goal difference of one.

Next season will see the duo of Joe Hunt (manager) and Andy Day (assistant) replace Webster and take control of Sporting, hoping to extend the club’s success story.

While newcomers Woodside have to settle for runners-up, CTS United will be out to take third spot when they face AFC Sporting Gornal in the final Beacon fixture of the season this weekend.

Another reminder this week that applications for Beacon League’s 2021/22 campaign are now being received. Interested teams, new and old, should contact general secretary David Clinton on 07964730275 for full details.

Along with two open age sections, a popular over-30s will continue to operate, together with various cup competitions.