Despite being without a game last Saturday, Beer Albion 1st’s finally clinched the Devon Football League North and East Division Championship when 2nd-placed North Molton Sports Club, needing to win their remaining 3 games, could only muster a home draw against Newtown writes Richard Honnor.
It has been a remarkable 12 months for the Fishermen who have exceeded all expectations in a short period. They won the Devon Premier Cup at the end of last season and after finishing 3rd in the Devon and Exeter Premier Division they were promoted to the DFL. Now in their very first DFL season, they are league champions.
No one deserves this success more than 1st Team Manager Mark Rooke. Showing great leadership and coaching skills, he has developed a squad of talented individuals into a cohesive team who work hard for each other and are difficult to beat yet without losing any of their attacking flair.
It was typical of Mark’s dedication to the club that he was running the line for Beer Reserves away at Exeter University 3rd’s on Saturday. With uncanny timing, news of North Molton’s draw filtered through just as the Fishermen’s 2nds who are embroiled in a fight to avoid relegation from Devon and Exeter Div 1 scored a dramatic late winning goal to notch a fine win 2-1 over the Students.
The players, coaches and small band of travelling supporters had double reason to celebrate and did so in style. There will be more widespread celebrations on May Day when the the new league Champions entertain Exeter University 1st’s in the final home game of the season, a game which is certain to attract a big crowd. Kick off is at 3pm and match day sponsors are Colyford Butchers.
But Beer’s season doesn’t finish there! The Fishermen have the opportunity to win “the double” next Saturday May 6th when they meet DFL South and West Champions Mount Gold in the DFL League Cup final at Barnstaple Town FC. The Plymouth side will present a tough challenge as they are unbeaten this season in all competitions. Kick-off is at 3pm.