SOLENT’S coach Callum Locke felt his team fully deserved their championship win saying: “We have been unbelievable, every week we have found a different way to win, whether it’s doing the basics right or doing the scrappy bits”
Solent’s third football team clinched the Men’s Western Tier Five League title in a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Exeter’s fifth team on Wednesday.
The Hampshire side were handed an early opportunity to take the lead after winning a penalty, but the chance was squandered. Ethan Hawkins’ stuttering run-up resulted in a tame, side-footed effort towards the bottom-right corner, allowing the Exeter goalkeeper ample time to react and make a comfortable save.
Despite the early setback, Solent grew into the game and eventually broke the deadlock in the first half. A well-delivered long ball found the striker in space, and he made no mistake, driving a powerful finish past the goalkeeper to give Solent a deserved lead.
At half-time, coach Callum Locke urged his side to be ruthless, telling them: “If we can kill them off in the second half, do it.” His message clearly resonated.
Solent doubled their advantage after the break with a well-worked set-piece. A pinpoint corner delivery was met by a perfectly timed header, which flew past the keeper and put Solent firmly in control of the match.
With a two-goal lead, Solent shifted their approach, focusing on game management. They slowed the tempo, retained possession effectively, and weren’t shy about using every opportunity to run down the clock and disrupt Exeter’s rhythm.
However, against the run of play, Exeter were handed a lifeline following a mistake from the Solent goalkeeper. A routine clearance was miss-hit, gifting the Exeter forward a simple chance to tap home and reduce the deficit to 2–1.
Despite the late pressure, Solent remained composed in the closing stages. Their disciplined defending and controlled possession ensured Exeter were unable to find an equaliser, sealing an important victory and confirming Solent as league champions.
