Blues secure second spot

AT long last, Ringmer have heaved themselves to the 70-point threshold that finally confirms that which had seemed inevitable for quite some weeks.

Finishing runners-up in the league and its accompanying cup competition in the same season, must be considered a remarkable achievement for a club in turmoil just two years ago.

Reprieved from relegation on successive occasions, Glen Geard took control in 2000 to lead The Blues firstly to mid-table security and now to their highest placing in three decades.

Friday night, though, was nothing to get excited about as Ringmer turned in another heartfelt yet deeply frustrating display in their last home game this term.

Having picked up points aplenty throughout March and April, The Caburn Ground side have struggled over the last few games to collect that final one to see off Chichester's clinging challenge. In any case, Chi would have needed a miracle of biblical proportions to pip The Blues by way of a 32-goal swing in their favour.

Yet, goals were not on the menu as the teams trotted out for action minus one another's star strikers. Tony Holden was missing for the hosts after sustaining a debilitating kick to the chest during the Whitehawk defeat but most intriguing was Sean Randell's exclusion by The Robins. Randell scored 19 times in 25 outings for Ringmer this season before leaving under a cloud following behind-the-scenes ructions.

Without their goal-scoring heavyweight, the home side were limited to limp strikes from distance with only Damion Dobbyn's attempt a hooked volley as a result of some neat link-up play with Spencer Mears bringing keeper Paul John into serious action.

On 23 minutes, Ringmer were caught napping in embarrassing fashion when a mix up in midfield allowed Luke Flomo, a former Blues target, to knee the ball into the path of James Laing. The dangerous No 10 made use of the acreage of turf ahead of him, staying onside to steer the opener under Keith Cheal.

Continuing to lack sparkle, The Blues could only muster further opportunities for Chris Howarth and Shaun Grice who each shot the wrong side of the upright.

The Blues came out stronger in the second half and chances fell for Mears and Grice before Ringmer's tension was relieved with ten minutes left.

Dobbyn, who has been sorely missed in the middle of the park whilst covering for the suspended Stuart Corlett in defence, made a break for it, bypassing the Hassocks rearguard before being halted by the keeper. However, Grant Bean was alive to the circumstances and side-footed into the empty net.

Boss Geard said: 'It's been a successful season, although it's a shame we didn't pick up a trophy. But we've learnt a lot, including myself, and we'll be stronger next year.' Ringmer: Cheal, Bean, Dobbyn, Davies (Garrod 46), Cox, King, M Geard (Martin 64), Mears, Grice, Howarth, Townsend (Longley 71). MoM: Dobbyn.