Haven Seal Record Promotion to Ryman Premier in Style

With Leatherhead surprisingly losing at Herne Bay, Haven’s comprehensive 4-1 victory, was enough to secure promotion to the Ryman Premier Division as deserved Champions.

For the second season in succession, Shaun Saunders has masterminded an incredible promotion. Last year, the ambitious club won the County League in some style, and now they have topped the demanding Ryman South division at the first attempt, with five games to spare.

With Jon Marzetti serving a one match suspension for his harsh sending off against Guernsey, and Steve Metcalfe also unavailable, Haven started with Lloyd Cotton and Wes Millis deputising in the full back positions.

After holding Leatherhead to a close result on Thursday night, the visiting supporters expected a lot from their team, but to be brutally honest they offered very little going forward all match.

Literally from the kick off, Haven were in the ascendancy. Their first attack ended with leading scorer Charlie Walker, netting within two minutes.

Tom Burton then sent in a sharp volley from the edge of the box, after being fed by the impressive Tom Lawley. On this occasion Burton was out of luck with the shot going straight into the keeper’s arms.

The lead was doubled in the 11th minute when Lawley’s in-swinging corner went over the heads of everyone, and nestled in the top corner.

Walker then went close with a header that just dropped over the bar onto the netting. From a long clearance by Ash Jones, Walker went even closer. His first time shot had the keeper flailing, but went inches wide of the post.

In total control of the match, Haven looked to emphasise their superiority in the second half. Six minutes in, and elation for the home fans as Walker floated in a free kick from 20 yards for three nil, and news filtered through that Leatherhead were losing by two goals.

Twenty minutes later, Sam Gargan, increased the lead with a coolly slotted shot into the bottom corner.

Out of nowhere, the visitors were awarded a penalty. Having had hardly a shot on goal up until then, Ashley Miller hammered home to give Whitstable a late consolation.

With the final whistle blowing, the PA system appropriately bellowed out Queen’s ‘We are the Champions’- a fitting way to recognise the remarkable achievement by the amiable Saunders and his team.

The season is far from over though for Haven. They still have the targets of 100 points, and leading goal scorers to aim for, plus the Sussex Senior Cup Final at Falmer on May 18th.