LUFFS 3 BROWNHILLS 1 (08/05/02) @ The Drome LOUGHBOROUGH completed the 2001/2002 season with a convincing victory and secured fourth place in the Midland Combination Division One. No mean achievement for a team that fought a relegation battle the previous season but nevertheless there is an air of disappointment around the club at not being in the automatic promotion places - it was within the grasp of the club during the course of the season. For an end of season game this one was a credit to the Mid Com as both teams gave it their all and at times things threatened to boil over just a bit. To win this one Loughborough came from behind as Brownhill's striker Nicholls took advantage of some dilatory defending and placed his shot well into the bottom corner. It has to be said that this goal came against the run of play but too often The Luffs have been caught out this season taking the game to the opposition thinking it was just a matter of time … it doesn't happen like that at this level and it is an important lesson for the Loughborough side to learn if they are to win promotion next season. Loughborough were soon back on level terms, Richardson's shot was blocked and Sean O'Callaghan hit a low shot into the bottom corner. The Luffs piled on the pressure, Edwards had a header cleared off the line while Richardson was put clear and shot wide. 'Keeper Springthorpe was called on to make a save as again Brownhills showed how quickly they could break but this was Loughborough's day and goals were in the offing. Paul O'Callaghan started this game with 39 goals to his tally, a remarkable achievement at this level of football and how the crowd would have liked to have seen the magical forty, but it wasn't to be. Not for the want of trying, O'Callaghan had a golden opportunity with his head but the Brownhills 'keeper saved and almost immediately he went clear on the 'keeper only to shoot wide and it remained level at half time. The second half saw Andrew Mcintosh deliver an in-swinging corner to be cleared off the line, but Loughborough were in the driving seat and it was no surprise when they took the lead. It was the other half of the O'Callaghan family notching this week as Sean bagged his second of the day with another low shot into the bottom corner. For a while Brownhills battled back into the game and any thoughts of strolling out the ninety minutes, even as the season headed for a conclusion were forgotten with some stiff challenges from both sides. Brownhills survived a remarkable goal-mouth scramble, half clearing the ball three times before it went to safety. Edwards headed over from a corner and so did Springthorpe as Loughborough piled on the pressure at corners but the third goal was a long time coming. In the end it was Paul O'Callaghan who turned provider with a turn of pace down the right hand side to deliver a low cross for Richardson to convert. It was a nice note upon which to finish the season and the crowd at The Drome appreciated the moment, but you get nothing for finishing fourth in this league ... or do you?