A quick scan of the board before the start of the game found Alltraders in third place. However, it didn't take long to realise that the reason for this was that the league still hadn't taken off the three points from their earlier mistake. Alltraders real position was fifth, with Motley Crew in prime position for taking the final qualifying place. Tonight results would be critical.
Gatwick had the luxury of two subs on the sidelines, and looked keyed up for the game. Alltraders knew that they would have to be at their best tonight if they really deserved to qualify.
The game started at a steady pace, with Gatwick making the early running. One move brought out an excellent save from Warren with only a couple of minutes of the game played, when a thunderous shot heading for the far corner of the goal was pushed away with a fully outstretched right arm.
Alltraders made only one real goalscoring chance in the first half when Tim Leader ran half the length of the pitch only to hook his shot wide of the far post. Strangely, this move caused Gatwick to start arguing amongst themselves, looking decididly nervous of any pressure on their goal.
The half continued to flip-flop between one team ond the other with no-one really looking like they would make any headway.
The half-time whistle blew with the game goalless.
The second half started with Alltraders pushing harder on the Gatwick goal. The passing and running off the ball was beginning to cause Gatwick some problems, but their defence remained solid stifling any shots Alltraders managed to get at goal.
The first real chance of a goal came when Tim and Paul carved out a sweet one-two releasing Kevin in space. Somehow he completely scuffed his shot causing the 'keeper no problems.
At this point Gatwick brought on their subs to make one final push on the Alltraders goal. It was only a matter of time before a pass from Kevin was intercepted by the fresh legs of the sub leaving just Paul between two Gatwick attackers and the goal. The ball was placed firmly in the path of the unmarked attacker who finished in style.
There was no real time left for Alltraders to save the game, and sure enough the ref called an end to proceedings shortly after the restart finishing off a frustrating night for Alltraders. The only other talking point was the bizarre booking of Paul Burton and a Gatwick attacker after an horrendous tackle from behind almost left him with two broken legs. The Gatwick attacker was booked for the challenge, and Paul was booked for retalliation.
So, that kind of finishes Alltraders hopes of qualification. If Motley have won tonight, then that's it for another season. It was also confirmed tonight that Tim Leader has handed manager responsibilities to Paul Burton for the start of the next season - a new manager for a new millenium!
Look out for next weeks final match report of the Millennium - a special to finish off the end of an era! The cameras will be back!
Final Score : Alltraders 0 (0) - (0) 1 Gatwick Express