The day was Sevenoaks’ as they defeated hosts Erith Town 2-1 thanks to a second half strike by Kenny Pogue to secure the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division Title with one game left to play.

Whitstable Town going down to a late defeat at Cray Valley meant a draw was good enough for The Oaks but they did it in style taking all three.

It was a slow and somewhat cagey opening for the league leaders as The Dockers were more than a match for their high-flying opponents although it was the visitors with the first effort on goal as Harrison Carnegie found Kenny Pogue unmarked and in front of goal but The Oaks’ front-man could not direct the ball home as he planted his header wide of Adam Molloy’s right-hand post.

The Oaks were dealt an early below as Carnegie pulled up holding the back of his right leg and moments later upon going to ground once more saw his day ends early.

The Dockers’ Jack Bray almost gave his side the lead as he poked a loose ball 8yds out goal-ward but miscued it as it harmlessly rose high of the goal.

The home side had certainly settled the better and were edging the early encounters.

However the sign of a good side shone through as, despite that early and shaky opening, Frankie Sawyer gave his side the lead side-footing home after good work by Pogue.

The goal breathed life into the visitors and gave them the confidence to begin to dominate proceedings – Pogue and Sawyer linked up well again as the latter saw his first time volley sting Molloy’s gloves with The Dockers ‘keeper gathering the ball at the second attempt.

Molloy was on hand once more as Sawyer and Pogue saw strikes in quick succession saved well by the home sides ‘keeper.

Harrison Hume almost gifted the visitors a two-goal lead passing straight to Pogue who through on goal saw his shot rise over the crossbar.

The Oaks’ Billy Bennett was then given plenty of space and volleyed just wide of Molloy’s right-hand post from the edge of the penalty area.

Hume’s error turned to joy deep into first half injury time as The Oaks’ Ben Bridle-Card conspired to fumble and innocuous free-kick in and around the penalty spot with The Dockers man there to slam home the loose ball – Humes’ first goal for the club.

The whistle shortly afterwards blew for the interval and with Whitstable also all square the title was still up for grabs.

Byron Walker lacked composure when well placed in space on the left corner of the penalty area but The Oaks man saw his effort go high and wide of the target.

And just short of the hour mark came the telling moment for Sevenoaks albeit courting a degree of controversy.

Greg Benbow found room on the left hand side and found Pogue at the back post. Pogue rose and headed the ball strongly at goal and despite Molloy’s fine effort to scramble the ball clear the assistant referee waved his flat to indicate the ball had indeed crossed the goal-line and The Oaks celebrated the lead for the second time.

Pogue’s goal saw him score his eighteenth goal in eighteen games in this league campaign.

The Dockers’ felt aggrieved and with the referee waving away their vocal protests Hume booked for his over-zealous protestations.

The lead meant Whitstable now had match Sevenoaks’ result at Oakwood to take the title decider to the final game.

But as the games approached the final ten minutes news filtered through that Whitstable had gone behind – As it stood The Oaks would be crowned champions.

The Oaks still had a job of their own to do despite the players hearing from the sidelines of what was taking place elsewhere.

The Dockers almost capitalised on a degree of complacency as Steven Ita broke clear on the left touchline and after good work and cutting inside Bridle-Card and his back-line were grateful and alert enough to respond to the ball beating The Oaks ‘keeper and ricocheting off the post in clearing the danger.

In the closing stages Pogue slid and narrowly missed an Osman Proni cross with the goal at his mercy.

And as the fourth official indicated four minutes of injury time to be played news filtered through that the Sevenoaks players, staff and fans wanted to hear as their close rival Whitstable had succumbed to defeat.

Barring an injury time comeback from The Dockers akin to Manchester United’s Champions League comeback against Bayern Munich to score two goals and turn the game on its head The Oaks would be crowned champions.

With the final whistle blown The Oaks’ players and officials invaded the pitch amid glorious scenes of jubilation crowned champions to add to their already secured promotion.

The celebrations are sure to go on throughout the evening and night for The Oaks however with one game left to play both sides must take stock ahead of their final league fixtures on Monday night.

The Dockers’ final game of the campaign is again at home whilst Sevenoaks are perhaps glad to have secured the title this weekend as they are on the road once more at third placed Crowborough Athletic.

Congratulations to Sevenoaks Town on their promotion and as champions and also congratulations to Whitstable Town who, despite defeat today, are also promoted with The Oaks.

 

Erith Town: Molloy, Scotter, Bray, Day ©, Fitchett, Hooper, Tobon (Risk, 83), Hume (Olutalayo, 90+1), Bilal, Callender, Ita

Sub not used: McCarthy, Mitchell (GK)

Goals: Hume (45+5)

Sevenoaks Town: Bridle-Card, Mills, Benbow, Thompson (Proni, 72), Ripley, Holder ©, Carnegie (Edwards, 11), Bennett (Springett, 84), Pogue, Sawyer, Wilson

Subs not used: Walker, Jones

Goals: Sawyer (24), Pogue (58)