Lost today but Champions

Saturday 24 May 2025, Herongate Athletic 3 Corinthians 1 - Essex Olympian League, Division 1, Herongate Recreation Ground

Corinthians needed 2 points from 2 games to win the Championship, but the team looked to be missing many of those who played last Saturday. It was Herongate who seemed more 'up' for the game with their midfield dominating the much changed away side.

It was the home side who took the lead on 17 minutes then one of their better players added a second with a cracking shot from distance that completely fooled the Corinthians keeper.

We then started to see some of the ill discipline from the Corinthians team that was very evident last week, not helped by having two club linesman unlike last week where 3 neutral officials were in place. Herongate then added a third in injury time, from a header after the home player was left unmarked.

Herongate thought they had a 4th goal in the second half but the Corinthians linesman had seen an infringement, and the Ref took his word for it and disallowed the goal, this led to some ill feeling and some shouting between various players/managers/coaches - and ended up with the Ref ( who had a good game) sending off the Corinthians linesman!

The Corinthians management were not prepared to replace him, but in the end one of the Corinthians supporters took the flag, so at least the game could continue.

I thought we would have more bother but word came through that Harold Hill were also losing so the result would not matter, this seemed to calm things down and  in injury time, Corinthians got a consolation with a low driven shot into the corner of the net.

So Corinthians put in  a poor display, seemed to be missing numerous players, their first league defeat of the season, but they were still crowned champions, with one game to go.

Like last week at least two Essex Olympian League Officials were present, this time wearing EOFL Logo fleeces, too cold for Polo shirts, but again did not seem to be concerned about the ill discipline of Corinthians, I did stand near them at one stage and they seemed more concerned that they were not given enough free hospitality tickets at a recent cup game! Priorities!!