Going into this game on a warm evening at Churchill Close, Stur were well aware that one point would take them above Holt and into the top 5.

Playing a slightly different 4-4-2 formation, Marshall started slowly against a strong Sherborne side who passed the ball around well. This slow start was compounded when the away side were allowed to take a quick free kick, sending a forward through on goal. Shear came out and unceremoniously brought down the striker, and the penalty was duly dispatched. 0-1.

Stur grew into the game as the half went on and created some good chances, with Manuel going through on goal only to be denied by a great save. The home side desperately needed that final ball to be improved in order to level the scores.

The second half saw the home side go in search of that much needed point. There was plenty of pressure early on with some good, attractive football being played. The breakthrough for Stur came when Gage took a long throw from the right and Goodwin was on hand to beat the keeper from 6 yards out. 1-1.

From here it looked as though Stur would go on and win the game, but they were dealt a sucker punch; after flagging for offside, the linesman put his flag down and a foul was committed on the edge of the home box. The ensuing free kick was sweetly struck into the bottom left with Shear helpless. 1-2.

Straight from this, Sherborne went forward again and a poor effort from the edge of the box turned into a fortuitous through ball, with the Sherborne winger cutting the ball back for an onrushing striker to bundle the ball home. 1-3.

However, with 20 minutes remaining, Stur were not ready to lie down and give up their assault for 5th place. A ball over the top of the away defence put Manuel in with his back to goal. The Stur front man was denied only by an apparent handball. Despite this, the home side's protests were waved away. It wasn't long though until Goodwin was put through on goal and slotted coolly past the keeper for his second of the game. 2-3.

From here on in it was a simple case of gung ho attack in the hope of snatching a point from the jaws of defeat. And, almost fatefully, it seemed, Stur were to score with only a couple of minutes left on the clock. After a series of corners, Goodwin met a deep cross at the back post with a header that looped over the keeper, striking the underside of the bar and dropping in to the elation of the home side. 3-3.

A fantastic finish to an exciting and memorable season. 5th place with room for improvement; Sturminster Marshall will be looking to push even higher next season.