New Park’s squad was also bolstered with the signings of nippy Dan “Dessy” Cross, athletic Daniel Proberts, and party animal Martin Evans.
 
The campaign started with a convincing 4-0 win against the Brixton based outfit, in humid conditions which probably suited the away side more than ‘Park. Goals from Stu Hannan, Allen and Dessy, on his full debut sealed the win.
 
Next up was an away tie with Longlands at Eltham Town. On a notoriously bumpy pitch, New Park suffered a shock setback, going 1-0 down at the break. However, the side dug in and a late equaliser by Joe Edler saved a point for New Park. The game was marred by an awful challenge 30 yards from his own goal by New Park stopper Tom Gale in the dying moments, earning the lanky stopper a caution. 
 
Old rivals Metrogas were up next for ‘Park, and they were truly taught a footballing lesson. A 5-1 win for New Park, and goals from Dessy, a hatrick from the robust frontman Stuart Hannan, and the goal of the season by John Norton, a curling effort from 30 yards beating the keeper all ends up. 
 
The following Saturday, New Park got their Elizabeth Jaques Charity Cup campaign underway. However, a dismal afternoon for ‘Park ended with a 4-2 penalty shootout defeat to Old Town New Boys after the scores being tied 1-1 aet. This turned out to be the first in a run of 4 games without a win for Ben Murphy’s side with draws to Johnson & Phillips Reserves and Longlands, and a poor defeat to a weak Long Lane side.
 
Into November, and New Park were back on winning ways with a 6-2 demolition of recent bogey side Elite. Goals from Allen (2), Roffe, Gal McKenna and another 2 from Dessy gave ‘Park the confidence boost they so badly needed. Special mention goes to Dan Proberts who gave a fantastic debut performance.
 
Next up was a heated exchanged with Old Town New Boys. OTNB appeared to be a thorn in the New Park side for much of the season, as they could only manage a 2-2 draw. Missing the influence of Tom Gale in goal, ‘Park looked shaky at the back, and 2 goals from set-pieces had manager Murphy scratching his balding head. Scrappy goals from Joe Edler, and captain Maloney stole a point for New Park.
 
A week later, Old Colfieans were the visitors, and were well and truly torn apart. Fatty Stu’s 2nd hatrick of the season, and goals from Gay Al, and Danny Proberts secured a 5-0 win.
 
An away clash in blustery conditions against Beckenham Royals was next for New Park. A tightly contested affair, and Beckenham certainly had the best of the first half, deservedly going ahead through a scorching strike from their quick black winger. However, New Park dug deep and scored 4 in the second half take the points. The scoreline suggests an easy win for the New Eltham Boys, but this was far from the case.
 
Pikey’s, Seven Acre Sports Reserves made the trip from Abbey Wood for the first round of the Beckenham Hospital Charity Cup clash. Some excellent one touch football from New Park led to porky striker Stu Hannan helping himself to his 3rd hatrick of the year. Goals from Allen, Dessy and Proberts wrapped the tie up.
 
The last game before the Xmas break saw New Park travelling away to Norman Park to face league whipping boys Gold Hawks. In reality, I was a much tougher trip than was originally imagined, in freezing conditions on parkland in the middle of Hayes.
After going 1 goal down, New Park rallied and the 4th goal in 4 games for Dan P, plus strikes from tubby forward Stu, Allen and Dessy were enough to send ‘Park into the break with a win.
 
Into 2008, and Johnson & Phillips were the visitors. Both sides were clearly out of practice and shape after the Christmas break, apart from one man. New Park’s big-nosed midget Allen O’Shaughnessy was the star of the show, helping himself to a hatrick on the day. Portly Stu Hannan also scored before being withdrawn through indigestion following his xmas blow-out.
 
Next up was the Beckenham Cup. New Park faced Old Town New Boys for the 3rd time this season. In an entertaining match, ‘Park fell to their 1st defeat in 8 games. Goals from skipper, Liam Maloney and a double from Gay Al wasn’t enough to continue in the cup, with park going down 4-3.
 
The following Saturday was the visit of Elite, and ‘Park were back on winning ways with a rousing 4-0 victory. Edler, Proberts, O’Shaughnessy and a goal of the season contender from Fox sealed the win.
 
The first game in February was a tight affair away to NASFAT. In arctic conditions, New Park were looking hot, and every bit the promotion chasers. Another hatrick by O’Shaughnessy earned New Park a 3-0 win. For the first time, New Park went to the top of Division 2, and the footballing world started to stand up and take notice.
 
Whipping boys Gold Hawks came next, and pie-loving hitman Stu Hannan ended his recent goal drought by scoring his 4th hatrick of the season. Allen O’Shaughnessy also added 2 goals to increase his tally to 11 goals in the last 6 games.
 
Beckenham Royals were next in town for New Park, and were hammered 10 goals to nil. This was a new record set by the lads from Footscray. Goal-scorers were Dessy (4), Gay Al (2), Maloney (2), Edler and Proberts.
 
Anticipation was high going into the next match, as it was 1st vs 2nd. Cray Valley were favourites with youth on their side. However, New Park re-wrote the script with a fantastic show of togetherness. Joey Edler, and Gay Al were the scorers of 2 late goals as New Park triumphed. 
 
An away day in Lee was next for ‘Park, and a mouth watering clash with Old Colfs. After pulling 3 points clear in the table, New Park were flying and after an early scare disposed of Colfs by 3 goals to 2. O’Shaughnessy and a double from chunky forward Stu Hannan sealed the win.
 
Long Lane were the visitors next for New Park, and revenge was the order of the day after the defeat earlier in the season. In reality it was a tight affair, and a single goal by wobbly Stu Hannan would turn out to be the difference.
 
The following match was the first of 2 meetings in 2 games with Old Roan. Goals from Maloney and Edler confirmed a 2-0 win for New Park. Then 3 weeks later, a more convincing 5-1 victory with goals from big-boned Stu Hannan (2), Gay Al (2) and Maloney again earned New Park the double over their local rivals.
 
By mid-April, fatigue was beginning to take it’s toll, and New Park were held to a 0-0 draw in drab conditions at Metrogas.
 
This set the scene perfectly for the return encounter with Cray Valley, a win for New Park would have secured the Championship.
 
It was not to be though, and lack of preparation appeared to be New Park’s undoing. Cray Valley having been allowed the day off school to attend the match were brighter from the off, and deservedly took the lead mid-way through the first half.

New Park dug in, and equalised through Joey Edler with 20 minutes remaining. However, the Champagne was put back on ice for another season, as the Cray’s young forward stole in, and bagged the winner. 
 
The result meant that although Park were still top of the table, their fate rested in Cray Valley’s hands.

The final game against Old Town New Boys was academic as Cray Valley had won their games in hand to seal the title. However some old cores were settled, with 2 goals by Fat F*ck Stu Hannan earned New Park their 1st win over OTNB in 4 attempts.
 
New Park were still promoted in 2nd place for the second season in a row. All in all, a fine reward for a long hard season.

By Harry Fox
August 2008