Jason Wagner was the hero of the hour as YM's second string closed out their season with a convincing win over AFC Corinthians, ironically their first opponents of the season. Rapids boss Tim Sidwell had to shuffle his pack once again due to drop outs with Wagner, Mark Lemm and Martin Abery all coming in.

The game got off to a frantic start on the uneven Pangbourne pitch with both teams going all out to gain control in the windy conditions. It was the away side that started the stronger with Jamie Froud having to make a smart stop on 10 minutes, tipping over a looping effort from the Corinthians forward. Froud was then called to claw one off the line with the away players convinced it was over, but referee Steve Mac waving away the protests. YM had rarely threatened for 25 minutes and lost Mark Lemm to a hamstring injury, but the change in formation worked instantly. A Woodrow corner pinged around the box with all sorts of shapes being chucked at the ball, but Wagner took control and lashed in a low shot to open the scoring. Wagner grabbed his second moments later as he powewred through the away defence and smahed a shot low in to the bottom left. Woodrow and Nangla were enjoying fine games on the YM wings and it was the former who delivered the cross of the season that was crying out to be slotted home, and the onrushing Wagner duly oblidged to complete his treble in 8 minutes.

The second period was a more even affair with both sides going at it and Corinthians looking for a way back in. Abery was causing all manor of problems up top, with Mark Ilsley and Dave Rolfe looking solid at the back. Wagner continued to torment the away defence but YM started to drop deeper and invited Corinthians on to them, so it came as no surprise when they sprung the YM offside trap. Jamie Froud made a fantastic stop to deny the striker at the first attempt but the ball landed at the Corinthians players feet, and with an open goal, he couldnt miss. From here on in, it was the team in white pushing for a second, limiting the Rapids to a few counter attacks but the Young Men held on for a well deserved victory.

Sidwell said 'It was nice to finish with a win after what has been a tough season. 4th place (at the time of going to press) is certainly no disgrace with the changes we have had to make and my first season in management has been an enjoyable experience!'

YM RAPIDS: FROUD, LEACH, ROLFE, M ILSLEY, EVANS, WAGNER, GIBSON, WOODROW, ABERY, M LEMM, NANGLA. Subs: CAYZER (Replaced M Lemm 20), BROWN (Replaced Gibson 45)

SIDDERS MOM - JASON WAGNER