With only one league game left before the cup final on 18th May against Hazlemere Crusaders, manager Chamberlain felt it would be beneficial for the team to keep fit and competitive. There a friendly against league rivals St Clements was just the ticket. Unfortunately for the Golds, they had to play with only 10 men due to late withdrawals and transport issues. The team therefore looked a little bit different than usual as JK moved into the centre of defence, Pete Gledhill started on the right of midfield and Stuart Bevan returned to the side at left back.

With hot temperatures this was always going to be a difficult game, especially with 10 men, so the Golds had to put in the 100% effort that Chamberlain craved. In the opening twenty minutes Gold Hill appeared to be extremely lethargic even though they were down to 10 and extra effort was required. This disappointing start meant that chamberlain's men were two goals down with half an hour played. The first goal saw goalkeeper Stu Laws lobbed again after Chamberlian was out muscled by the St Clements forward, Tony, who headed the bouncing ball over the Gold Hill number one. It is believed that the 'Release the Kracken' star is worried that this may jeopardise any chance he has with his long list of PWAGs. The second goal triggered a response from the Golds, who started to play some excellent passing football, which created the illusion that they were not down to 10 men.

At half time changes were made as St Clements loaned Gold Hill one of their players for the second half to make the contest 11-a-side. This meant that Simon webber was able to move up top to partner Mendleton and Bevan was able to partner Wilkinson in the centre of midfield. Gold Hill played with a lot more confidence in the second half and Webber playing upfront meant that Mendleton was no longer isolated. The Beaconsfield Rangers old boys were therefore able to have more of an influence on the game. Within 10 minutes of the second half Mendleton was able to turn in the box and was brought down by the St Clements defender. The responsibility for dispatching the penalty was left to centre midfielder Bevan, who missed a penalty earlier in the season, but he was able to coolly place the ball into the bottom corner to make the score 2-1. This spurred on Gold Hill to the extent that the team started to believe in miracle and a miracle did happen when Simon Webber laid the ball to veteran Wilkinson on the edge of the box who struck the ball sweetly with his left foot into the top corner! Glorious scenes as that was the player's first goal in 7 years! Bevan then grabbed another goal for the away side after combining well with Mendleton.

St Clements however scored 3 goals in the second half exploiting some tried legs. The game finished 5-3 and proved to be a very worthwhile game for the Golds in terms of match fitness for the final at Adams Park. There were a few standout performances so selecting a starting line up for the final will prove to be a difficult task for Chamberlian. The question on the fans lips though is should Bevan play in the centre of midfield or in defence? You can have your opinion by taking part in the new poll!

Next up for Gold Hill: Roxeth (league)