Prokit UK Essex Olympian League

Premier Division

Wadham Lodge suffered final-day heartbreak as Harold Wood deservedly took the Premier Division title in front of a record-breaking crowd of 270 at Harold Wood Park with a 4-1 win.

Things had started well as Max Holt’s 14th-minute header put Lodge in pole position.

However, it proved to be a false dawn for Tony Ievoli’s men as some sloppy passing near to half time allowed Wood in to level from the penalty spot.

It was the home side who came out of the blocks quicker in the second half as well and that proved decisive.

Both teams knew a draw would mean Kelvedon Hatch could still come up on the rails but that scenario never materialised. Wood pushed hard and three unanswered goals killed off Lodge for good.

Wadham coach Neil Day commented: "Few would argue we’ve got a good team but we definitely didn’t show it Saturday despite opening the scoring, it was doubly disappointing to not play to our full potential in front of possibly the biggest Essex Olympian crowd ever.

"The players aren’t stupid - they know they let themselves down."

Buckhurst Hill ended the season in disappointing fashion, going down 4-1 at home to May & Baker E.C. David Richbell got Buckhurst's consolation effort.