BUMPER GATE CELEBRATES

PARTY ATMOSPHERE AS PLANT SEAL FOURTH SPOT

Broadford Plant.......3 Crown FC Reserves.....2

A capacity crowd went home in raptures from Park Street Stadium this lunchtime as Plant sealed fourth place in Division 4 and almost certain promotion with a hard fought victory against stern opposition.

Plant started woefully and a mix up at the back between Mick Clayton and Denis Ryan proved costly as a Crown striker seized upon the mistake to give Netts no chance with a low shot across goal and beyond the keeper into the bottom corner. Plant were caught out a couple of times in the early exchanges and were fortunate not to conceed again but for poor finishing.

Then on the half hour Plant began to take comand and started creating some half chances and dominating possession. The equaliser duly arrived from the trustly left foot of Danny Burke (pictured above) as he converted a Fitzgerald cross from two yards out. Plant continued pressurising up until half time but were caught on the break when Clayton didnt hear an offside shout from George Grant and the Crown striker ran through to cross for a headed goal to put the visitors ahead against the run of play at half time.

Plant came out of the traps for the second period and pushed for the equaliser. News was constantly relayed to fans via Radio Broadford 1089AM regarding Sycamores being in front against Waggoners meaning a victory would guarantee Plant fourth spot and promotion.

Danny Burke admist a roar for another Sycamores goal  cooly ghosted in at the far post to put a cross from Faisal into the bottom  corner and Plant were back on course. The crowd were exstatic and roared the Saltaire side on with a great passion they urged them forward and the winner arrived when Dom Fitzgerald ran on to a hopeful ball over the top and squeezed it past the advancing keeper. That prompted an improntu pitch invasion as Stewards fought hard to keep the fans in the stands.

Plant were hanging on abit in last quarter of an hour and good handling by Netts and abit of good fourtune ensured Plant finished fourth. Boss Alan Walker with a smile as big as the Salts Mill said ' Its been a long season, but this is the best group of players I have had at the club we dig deep and play for one another, the side was missing a couple of key men today but we worked hard and ground out a great result'

Plant Secretary George Grant said afterwards ' I love this club, its my life. Finishing fourth is one of the proudest moments of my life.

Danny Burke said afterwards munching on a pork pie in the Vic 'Hmmmmmm leave it I've got my mouthful'