The Badgers' form has dipped dramatically towards the end of the season.
Early season form, going 5 games without defeat and winning three games on the bounce suggested that a run at the title was possible. However, two defeats in their last two has left the Badgers' title hopes in tatters, and going into the final game of the season, the best they could hope for was a third placed finish.
Due to the impressive form of the team, expectations were raised, and the recent loss of form has seen the calls for Manager Ben Wheatland to be replaced grow louder. Speculation grew that a poor result from the Badger's final game against S Club 6, a team who had collected only 4 points all season and sat second bottom, would seal Wheatland's fate.
The Badgers welcomed back Josh Allwood to the team, after a season long absence due to academic committments. They also welcomed the services of loan signing Ronnie Yorke, who Wheatland signed just in time to field in the fixture.
Wheatland tried to raise the spirits of the team for their final game of the season, and this briefly appeared to have worked. The opening exchanges were positive for the Badgers, as the returning Tom Marshall and ever present George Tomlin had the defence locked down. Ben Brazier appeared in goal for the first half, covering for the late Dan Roberts, and his performance was impressive, making a string of good saves and distributing the ball effectively.
The early chance fell to the Badgers, as contract rebel Ben Himpe won the ball high up the pitch and released Wheatland, who rushed his finish. The ball flew pitifully wide, sparking doubts throughout the Badgers team. This was evident, as moments later good build up play from S Club found a striker un marked, and he cooly slotted the ball in to the bottom corner of the Badgers' net.
Frustration spread throughout the ranks, as Wheatland left the field to allow Yorke to make his debut. This pushed Himpe upfront, as Yorke was tasked with "running about and kicking the ball" in midfield. This change had a positive effect almost immediately, as Yorke won the ball and played through Himpe. Himpe was clear, but the ball was slightly over hit and he could not reach it before the S Club keeper gathered it up.
At half time Wheatland made and empassioned plea for the team to up their game, clearly sensing that his managerial career was approaching its end.
The Badgers heeded this call and a few changes made at the break allowed them to gain a foothold back in the match. Roberts' arrival allowed Brazier to return to his preferred centre back role. This allowed even more stability at the back, and from kick off ths shone through. The ball was passed around with confidence by the Badgers, as Brazier and Tomlin echanged passes. Tomlin then found Macca with a pinpoint pass, and a quick interchange between Macca and Wheatland saw Wheatland through on goal. He, of course, fluffed his finish, standing on top of the ball rather than applying the simple side footed finish that was required. However, this raised the spirits of the team, and they battled their way back in to the game, and began to make many more chances. Ben Himpe was the architecht of many, playing balls for Wheatland and Macca to chase. Yorke, in one moment of inspiration, beat two men before firing an effort just wide of goal. Josh Allwood, not known for his striking prowess, also chipped in, striking a post from an impossible angle.
All seemed positive for the Badgers, as they pressed for the equaliser. However, a long ball caught them short, and S Club's striker volleyed home a sublime finish to kill off the Badgers' interest in the game. Wheatland gave way for Brazier up front in the dying seconds, and this again almost paid off. Brazier's strength saw him retain posession excellently, before laying the ball off for Tomlin. Tomlin, another Badger not known for his goal scoring record, was unable to change this view of him, as he directed his shot straight at the keeper.
As the whistle blew, boos rang around the Badger Set. The fans in the Panteli Stand vented their frustration and anger at Wheatland, who they blamed for the loss of form this season. "You're getting sacked in the morning" rang around the stadium from the Badgers fans. From the S Club 6 supporters came a questionable rendition of "S Club Party", and that briefly raised the mood.
As the Badgers players trudged off of the pitch, Wheatland was ushered in to a board meeting.
A press statement from the club was released less than an hour after the defeat, stating that Wheatland had been fired and replaced by his number two, James McAtamney.
This brings an end to the original Badgers members at the club. Wheatland was the last remaining player to have played in the first game back in 2009. New manager Macca wouldn't be drawn on whether he would extend Wheatland's playing contract, but reports suggest that he may be granted a Testimonial match.
