Top Spot Decider On Final Day of EAFA League Season

Jamie Oakey of Everton (pink) and Matt Dean of Portsmouth (Blue) - Image: Jake Kirkman

Writes: Evan Halliday

After a long and gruelling season, this weekend sees the curtains fall on this year’s league fixtures and what better way to do so than with a title-deciding head-to-head at the Home of Amputee Football as Everton take on Portsmouth.

In one corner, reigning league champions Portsmouth have had another successful campaign despite having lost out in the FA Disability Cup, silverware is still all to play for.

While Everton, already with an FA Disability Cup triumph to their name arrive in full confidence having proved superior the last time these two sides met.

However, the two heavyweights find themselves neck and neck at the top of the table, after exchanging blows week after week, separated only by goal difference.

“It would be amazing to win the league and would definitely show the hard work everyone has put in this year, maybe the gaffer will reward us with a few beers in the changing room!” Said Everton captain Martin Heald.

In the most recent match week, both teams put Chelsea to the sword with Everton winning 6-2 and a more hard-fought 4-3 win for Pompey, keeping the south coast team 3 points ahead going into their bout.

Both teams showed their quality and nothing was left to be desired but vitally, the Toffees secured a 2-1 win and the important three points levelling the sides going into the last day.

“We did gain confidence after beating them because it's proof we have improved but we focus on ourselves and continue to find new ways to develop our game,” Heald added.

Martin ‘mullet’ Heald (pictured) - Image: Jake Kirman

Pompey will have learned from their previous mistakes, with a team flooded with vocal leaders and with a history of league success they won’t hand over champion status without a fight.

Both sides have big game players who have played on some of the biggest stages in amputee football but will nerves get the better of them?

“I’d like to think there aren’t any nerves or anybody feeling the pressure in the team, we are in a position we never thought we would be this season,” said the Preston-born defender.

“The goal was to stick to the process and improve on last season’s performances, anything that happens now is a bonus."

It was Portsmouth who made a fast start to the season but Everton have clawed their way back. Now it's crunch time. Who dares win?

The battle kicks off at 12:00 hrs at the Home of Amputee Football on Saturday 19 August.