Published: 3 May, 2012
by STEVE BARNETT

IT’S a success story that reads like the script of an award-winning film.

A football team coming back from the brink of extinction to beat the odds, and most of their rivals, to win the title.

That’s exactly what players from Cobden Athletic managed to achieve this season as they toppled the favourites to win the Division One Championship in the Camden Sunday League.

Reflecting on the teams glory manager Dave Willis said: “The club has several cup wins and Division Two titles to its name, but never the big prize of the Division One championship. Winning the title is even more remarkable considering that in the summer we were on the verge of folding. We ended up having a clear-out, bringing in players that wanted to play for us, and with that the belief grew and the metamorphosis started. We went from a team that turned up to get whacked to a team that gave out the whackings,” he added.

With more than 20 years experience as a player and now a coach to his name, Dave was never going to surrender the principles he valued on the pitch. “Our football was slick and smooth, even up against the big boys we showed we’re a true footballing side,” he said.

“Running a football club is never easy but it’s made that little bit easier with our sponsors, the Cobden Arms.

With special thanks to Mary and Gerry, and a massive thanks to Cadstairs for their continued support.

Next year can’t come soon enough to start our defence of the title. The 22 years I’ve been involved have come and gone, but now we’re champions and it was well worth the wait.”

Veteran defender Lee O’Driscoll, famed for having one of the longest throw-ins in the league, said: “A mixture of youth and valuable experience, along with a togetherness that can’t be matched by any other team, drove us to league glory.”

Meanwhile striker Patrick Jones added: “All our hard work and team spirit pulled us through. I think we will be even stronger next year and I’m looking forward to it.”