Hertsmere, Sunday, January 27

DEPRIVED of key players by off field politics, the Edson side took the field for what will sadly be, after four years, the last game this group of players play together as a unified outfit.

Not withstanding this handicap, the remaining players, with Tommy Latimer making the starting line up for the first time, set about their task with some relish despite coming up against an excellent team in Hertsmere A.

Hertsmere created most of the running in the first half, giving Harry Russell in the Edson goal the opportunity to turn in his finest performance to date. Jack Davies also excelled at the back.

Although pressurised, Edson managed to furnish a few chances of their own with perhaps the key opportunity falling to Joseph Casey, who hit the goalie from close range.

Substitutions at half time and with Edson initially struggling to reorganise at the back, a fine Hertsmere side took the advantage scoring 3 times in quick succession.

The travelling Edson faithful feared the worst for their charges.

Was this last game for many going to precipitate a collapse?

We should have known better. Edson roared back and with Daniel Casey now commanding at the back, Joel and Yusef busy, and Michael Sapo demonstrating his athleticism they dominated the remainder of the game after Mattie Walsh scored with a fine free kick. Despite heroic efforts, they could pull no further goals back.

As the final whistle blew on this game and for many of this group of Edson youth, we shall all be left with the abiding memory of a group of players whether winning or losing, playing or watching as subs, who always tried their hearts out till the last minute.

Report by Tim Casey