Leyton Pennant2

Yeading1

(Ryman League Division One North)

IN the end it was this win on Saturday which assured Pennant will be playing their football in Division One next season, after a midweek defeat for relegation rivals Wembley against Arlesey Town meant that they can't be caught on the final day of the season.

Right from the start victory looked to be in the balance though as mid-table Yeading pushed forward and the home side appeared tentative and nervous in the knowledge that three points were vital.

The visitors fed on this and scored an early headed goal through Danny Jordan after only eight minutes.

That though was the last time the home defence was to be opened up and their only moment of searching came when home keeper Peter Goodman had to go off injured in the second half to be replaced by Ali Turhan for his first match.

Yeading's lead did not last long though as Robert Still popped up on 11 minutes to knock home from ten yards after visiting stopper Matthew Dodson misjudged Warren Ryan's corner and let the ball skim through the danger area.

It was Still again who sealed the three points on 17 minutes when Dodson once more misjudged a long through ball coming out of the Lilywhites' defence when he ran outside his penalty area but was beaten to the chase by Steve Shaw, who swung over an inch perfect cross to Still who calmly headed home.

The Lilywhites remained strong in defence and went in at the break with a deserved lead, which they managed to hold on to for the next 45 minutes thanks to Turhan, who wasted no time to impress when he pulled off two excellent saves after replacing Goodman midway through the half.

Right on the 90th minute Yeading's Nevin Saroya was sent off after failing to keep tight lipped after a yellow card and a warning and from then on the only question was for the home defence to remain solid.

Talking yesterday, a delighted Pennant boss Hakan Ramis said: "I was brought in to keep us up and whatever some people think I have done that job.

"A lot of people had written us off but I always had faith in both my own and the players ability and to take seven points from our last three games was what has really got us out of this.

"It has been a stressful time for myself and the players, but now we can enjoy the last game of the season and I know I certainly will be having a couple of beers."

May 1, 2003 10:30