MGBSFL DIVISION ONE

LOS BLANCOS 2 NORTH LONDON RAIDERS B 1

It was an emotional day on Sunday, Grosse told his players that it would be his last game in charge, possibly even as a player. He have been at Blancos since 2013, which is not nearly as long as Adam Hersh, Joel Kutner, Benjy Israel and Jeff Gross, who were all founding members playing their final game for the club.

Grosse told JC Sport: It has been an honour and a pleasure to manage and play for the team. Throughout its short history there has been a philosophy of comradely and friendship which has meant that my team-mates have been top quality guys with strong values and good spirits. The youngsters we leave behind to continue the Blancos legend have the ability to take the club all the way to the top, that was my parting message to them and I hope they believe it as much as I do."

Their first task was to ensure that we ended the season on a high against a tough opponent. The game started well for both sides and it was quickly apparent that it was going to be a very competitive afternoon. The wind was in Blancos favour in the first half and Louie Libbert took advantage after 20 minutes with a cute finish into the far right corner with a curling shot from a standing start. Blancos continued to press but were unable to capitalise on two or three very good chances.

When the second half started the wind seemed to pick up, goal kicks were holding in the air and almost heading back where they came from. Raiders took full advantage and piled on the pressure which eventually paid off through a neat 25 yard free-kick from Josh Goldstein into the top corner.

Blancos showed great character not to collapse under the constant pressure and managed to creep ahead from a corner with an Avi Kestenbaum near post header. Blancos switched to a 4-1-4-1 and successfully to keep Raiders at bay afor the final 15 minutes.

Grosse told JC Sport: "It was a cracking end of season effort from the lads, finally we got what we deserved after a harsh season. COYLB!"

NLR boss Jonathan Adelman told JC Sport: "It was a very scrappy game, where the wind dominated proceedings. That said we had enough chances to have won by five or six.

"We hit the bar and post five times and Nick Grosse made a handful of excellent stops. To concede shortly after equalising was hugely frustrating. Ultimately Blancos were more clinical.

"Our inability to score the goals our chances demand has been our achilles heel this season which is baffling given how strong our forward line is.

"The return of Nicky Woolf for the Blilbaum game on Sunday will no doubt be a welcomed by the fans!"