Gascoyne Inspires Field Shield Win
14th May 2008

Haddenham United won the Field Shield for the 10th time on Tuesday 13th May 2008 after a 3-2 win against Bierton at Tring Athletic's Grass Roots Stadium.

It was a fitting end to Haddenham's season, ending the season on a double high after also winning the ADL Premier Division 3 days previous.

Having lost in the final of the Field Shield for the past two seasons against St. Johns and Walton Court Wanderers, this season's opponents, Bierton, didn't suggest it was going to be any easier, but just seconds in to the game, Haddenham went on the offensive and mounted 5 minutes of constant pressure on the Bierton defence.

This lead to Paul Alleyne grabbing the opening goal after 6 minutes when he converted a 25 yard free-kick with a precise right foot effort, with the skilful Nando Perna having won the free-kick.

The goal fired Bierton in to life though and Lee Parrack gave Bierton a 2-1 half time lead with two goals in the space of 5 minutes, and Haddenham were struggling to find their form of the first 5 minutes.

The second half proved to be a tense affair, with both sides looking to create the chance that would either put the scores level or put the game out of reach, and luckily for Haddenham, the next goal pulled the scores level, with substitute Darren Gascoyne striking a 30 yard volley which the Bierton goalie could only parry and watch as momentum took the ball in to the net.

Haddenham had now regained the upper hand and minutes later Darren Gascoyne latched on to a Stuart Barr right wing cross to volley home a deflected shot and send the Haddenham players and support in to wild celebrations.

Despite a few nervy last minute moments, Haddenham held on to claim the win and mark the end of a successful season.

Super-sub Darren Gascoyne may have only been on the pitch 25 minutes, but his introduction added new life to the team with his fresh legs and powerful running, and the two goals ultimately won Haddenham the match at a time when it looked as though Haddenham were running out of ideas.

Unfortunately, the match may mark the end of an era, with Manager Kevin Poole moving on to pastures new and uncertainty as to the players who will report back for pre-season training in July, but the cup and league success will be savored for the time being, and hopefully Haddenham will be back as a force to be reckoned with again next season.

 Awards Presentation Evening
12th May 2008

Haddenham United held their annual Awards Presentation evening on Saturday 10th May 2008, with the best, most passionate, most hard-working and most reliable players and club officials rewarded for their season's efforts.

In a change to the club's traditional Annual Dinner and Dance, this year's committee decided on a less formal evening in the Sports & Social Club, with a buffet instead of a sit down meal, and the evening was very enjoyable and successful.

First up were the Young Player of the Year awards, with Glen Paul grabbing the Reserves award and Aaron Rogers for the first team.

The Top Goalscorers weren't much of a surprise, with Paul Alleyne grabbing 50 goals for the first team and Will Smail notching 18 for the Reserves.

The First Team player awards saw Matt Wakelin pick up the Manager's Player of the Year, with Nando Perna securing the votes of his fellow players with an impressive season to win the Player's Player award.

James Ward was selected as the Reserve Team Manager's Player, for his loyalty and reliability off and on the pitch, and youngster Gavin White got the player's vote to pick up the Player's Player award.

Clubman of the Year saw secretary Jane Kenny emotionally pick up the award for all the hard work she does on behalf of the club, with no other person more deserving of the award.

Lastly, the Achivement Award went to the long standing Chairwoman of the HUFC Supporters Club, Linda Bamford.

It was then disco and nibbles all night, celebrating the end of a successful season, made all the more enjoyable with the first team's league title win earlier in the day.

 Champions!
12th May 2008

Haddenham United were crowned champions of the ADL Premier Division on Saturday 10th May 2008 when a 5-1 away win against Aston Clinton finally put everyone else out of reach and secured Haddenham's place at the top of the pile.

On a very hot Saturday afternoon, the game started off with Haddenham applying the early pressure, but Aston looked to spoil the party when they took an early lead through Shaun Walker.

Luckily for Haddenham though, man of the match Aaron Rogers ensured they were quickly back on level terms when he volleyed home from a wide angle on the left to level the scores.

Minutes later Rogers latched on to a brilliant curling free-kick from Ben Lazaruk to head home and put Haddenham in front, much to the delight of the big travelling support.

Haddenham didn't look back from here on in, with Ben Moses racing away and using his strength to get a third for Haddenham, and then Nando Perna added a fourth when he was felled in the away and stepped up to convert the spot kick, albeit at the second attempt after the keeper saved and parried the ball back in to Perna's path.

Haddenham were now in party mood, but kept their heads ont he game with the second half still to come, but the second half had a typical end of season feel to it and a single goal from goal machine Paul Alleyne, his 50th of the season, made the final score 5-1, and the final whistle was greeted with the popping of champagne corks.

It was deserved league title for Haddenham, who have without doubt been the best team in the league throughout the season. The league should have been wrapped up before the last game, but a dip in form towards the end of the season allowed Bierton to close the gap, but the form was regained when it mattered and congratulations to Manager Kevin Poole and all his players and coaching staff.

The day was completed with the Annual End of Season Awards Presentation Evening - news and photos to follow soon.

Haddenham's season isn't quite over yet though, with the Field Shield Final against Bierton still to play on Tuesday 13th May at Tring Athletic - 7.45pm kick-off.

 Nearly There
9th May 2008

Haddenham United took a big step closer to winning the ADL Premier Division on Thursday 8th May 2008 with a 3-0 home victory over Aston Clinton.

With just one game now left to play, against Aston Clinton again on Saturday, a victory for Haddenham would seal the title and put Bierton out of reach.

Haddenham appeared to start off a bit nervy, knowing that only a victory would do, but still started the brighter team, immediately going on the offensive and looking for goals.

It took a while in coming, but after hitting the bar through Nando Perna, Haddenham eventually took the lead when Paul Alleyne beat the offside trap and beat the 'keeper to a lofted Aaron Rogers through ball and nod home.

The second half saw Haddenham extend the lead early in the half when Paul Alleyne grabbed his second of the game, and his 49th of the season, racing clear to side foot home.

The game was effectively over at this point, although Haddenham did have periods of defending to do in the remainder of the match, but substitute Darren Gascoyne made completely sure of the win by side footing home a Paul Alleyne cross with 5 minutes to go to give Haddenham a 3-0 victory.

So, it's now all eyes on Saturday, when hopefully the title will be clinched, and anything other than a win would mean Haddenham relying on Bierton failing to win one of their remaining games.

After the match it is back to Haddenham for the Annual End of Season Awards Presentation evening, this year held in the Sports & Social Club. No ticket is required, so just turn up, take in the awards and enjoy the disco entertainment.

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 Last Updated - 14 May 2008

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