Strollers started the day as league leaders but with 2nd placed Matlock expected to win both their games it meant Stamford needed two wins to retain their title.
Ist game was against much improved Boston who proved a tough nut to crack. Strollers looked edgy and never really got into their stride. Boston kept possession well and defended resolutely.HT 0-0.
The 2nd half saw Strollers on top but the pattern was similar to the 1st half. With the clock ticking down it looked like Boston would pick up an unlikely draw until David Kelby struck a late winner with only a minute to go helped by England keeper Sykes making a rare error. FT 1-0.
The 2nd game was against Bramcote who had held Strollers to a 1-1 draw the last time they met. Strollers were not at the races in the 1st half failing to test the Bramcote keeper and failing to close down Bramcote’s best player who scored twice with 2 rasping drives. HT 0-2.
The 2nd half was different again with Strollers playing the ball quicker being sharper and getting their shots away. Gerry Monaghan gave the opposition defence a torrid time and his 2 goals brought the teams level at 2-2 with 4 minutes remaining. Strollers were now on top and pushed for the winner but a breakaway saw Bramcote strike again.2-3. There was still time for David Kelby to score with a fine shot but the final whistle went soon after. FT 3-3.
So Matlock took the title with 30 points Strollers being 2nd on 29.
Matchday squad was:
John Hutchins (capt)
Tony Fisher
Graham Curry
Gerry Monaghan
Will Barrett
David Kelby
Nic Poletti
Chris Keirl