A tightly fought game, closer what the score suggests.
Crown got off to a quick start with a few shots peppering the Rimmy goal.
But it was the hosts who took the lead after 14 mins, when a mix up in the Crown defence, gifted the ball to a Rimmy player on the left, who crossed the ball for his team mate to tap in to an open goal. Rimmy 1-0.
Crown stepped up a gear and although play a bit rushed at times, a cross from our left found Kev Fowler unmarked, and calmly passed into the net just after the 20 minute mark. 1-1.
The game was fairly even for the next 10 mins with both teams creating chances, the Rimmy no.9 being their main threat, but being kept at bay by either Polly or Kev Richardson.
On 33 mins a through ball caught Rimmy on the back foot, which was latched on to by the speedy Danny Payton, who raced through to drill into the bottom right hand corner.
Crown 1-2.
Crown on top now, but some fine play by the hosts, got them back on level terms after 38 mins. 2-2.
The game seemed to be petering out to a half time draw when Addy Cheatham found himself just outside the hosts box and with a speculative shot buried the ball in the left hand corner.
Halftime 2-3 to Crown.
Our 2 subs were made at halftime, Jonny Heap and Craig Bradshaw. It was the introduction of Jonny with some fine interplay with Heffy that started to really get us on top. But it was from the right where our next goal came. Liam Blades, who was pushed more forwards, picked the ball up, came inside, jinked along the edge of the box until he found an opening and drove a worldly into the top right-hand corner.
Crown 2-4 up after 68 mins. Game over - we thought.
To their credit Rimmy did not lie down and were still coming on to us and forced an unnecessary penalty after 82 mins, 3-4 and game on again.
Shouts of encouragement came from the sideline, Bez in particular voicing his encouragement with :-
"Danny what the f### you doin"
The game was finally put to bed on 86 mins when a strike from Kev Fowler found the back of the net. With almost the last kick of the match Kev completed his hat-trick with a scuffle in from it must have been 6 inches.
Congratulations must be given to the hosts for the setup and their hospitality and already looking forward to hopefully a visit next season.
Crown man of the match
Jason Heffernan (Heffy)