A day of raw emotion ended with CP Sarrià crowned champions by the width of a post. A dramatic end to what has been a dramatic season. The unfortunate part being that our beloved Metros were forever at the periphery on this, the last day of the season. Let’s rewind….
For the Metros to live happily, ever after – or at least to end the day with the league title – they needed to condemn Naino Knights to defeat, Sarria to lose & GOBLINERA to come away with no more than a draw. All three title contenders had to travel away to complete the mission. No easy task.
While the Metros were locked in battle, news filtered through that GOBLINERA were fast making mince meat of their opponents. With our title chances effectively ended by the 45 minute mark, the game took on much less significance.
Of much more significance was that with Sarriá locked in a 1-1 draw v Dodge F.C, GOBLINERA seemed poised to complete a smash & grab only for Sarrià to hit the front with 16 minutes remaining. With two minutes remaining, Dodge almost managed to find an equaliser. However, it was not to be with the post denying both them a draw & GOBLINERA a late shift in the table which would’ve seen them crowned champions.
And yet, our heroes bravely battled on. In a game of few goal-scoring opportunities, Dermot Spira pounced on a defensive error 12 minutes from time, thus ensuring a winning end to the season.
Coach Bruno Anulo was fulsome in his praise of the players at the post-match press conference. “Hugely proud of every one of them, yeah. We finish third but with 3 points more than when we won the title last season. We end as top scorers in the division. We took 19 of the 21 points on offer at home. It’s very hard to be critical of them on the back of all that.”
And of the outcome of the title race? “Look, whoever tops the table at the end deserves the title. Sarrià dug deep today from what I’ve heard & I wish them well in the promotion play-off.”
This report wouldn’t be complete without a mention of Benet Font. The veteran winger, who had already announced his intention to retire at the end of this season, was given a huge reception by the away support when substituted at the 70 minute mark. “We felt it was apt to give Benet his individual moment to sign off with 20 minutes to play” explained Anulo. “His experience will be very hard to replace but the team is in constant evolution. That’s the way it goes. His name will go down in Metros history, that much is certain.”
Font himself was pragmatic upon the end of a career that comprised 325 appearances & 57 goals. “I’ve loved every minute of my time here and to have played every minute of my career at the same club makes me very, very proud. I was very eager to depart on my own terms & this is what I’m doing today. Much better than getting crocked for 7 weeks & never recovering! The club is in a strong position with a young squad so I’m sure they’ll be pushing for promotion again next season.”
Most of the key members of the squad are already headed for the airport & a well-earned break as I file this report. The message from captain Boaz Shavit was simple. “Whatever you get up to, keep yourselves out of the tabloids”! If only it were always that simple….