Gameweek 12: Back-to-Back Finals, SDS Set the Standard, Then Fall by Fine Margins
The closing stages of the Baller League season delivered everything football promises- pressure, belief, moments of brilliance, and heartbreak decided by the smallest of margins. For SDS, the journey reached its highest peaks and its toughest test in the space of two matches.
From a commanding Semi-Final victory to a Final decided by a single moment, this was a conclusion worthy of the story SDS have built all season.
Semi-Final: SDS 6–3 NDL FC - A Statement Performance
The Semi-Final brought familiar opposition in NDL FC, but this time the prize was greater, a place in the Baller League Final. SDS approached the match with clarity and intent, delivering one of their most complete performances of the season.
Didi set the tempo early, scoring inside six minutes to give SDS a deserved lead. The first GameChanger- Plus One allowed NDL to equalise, but SDS remained composed. After earning three corners, Alfie Matthews converted the penalty confidently to restore the advantage. Just before half-time, Chentouf added a third, sending SDS into the break 3–1 ahead.
The second half continued in the same manner. Didi struck again after regaining possession to make it 4–1. NDL pulled one back, but once more SDS earned three corners, and Kaziah Sterling delivered another assured penalty to extend the lead to 5–2.
The final GameChanger- The Line saw Gidaree add a sixth. A late NDL goal followed, but the outcome was beyond doubt.
Final Score: SDS 6–3 NDL FC
After the match, Sharky reflected:
“This was a game I will remember for a long time.”
The result confirmed back-to-back Baller League Finals- a milestone few could have predicted when the season began, but one SDS earned through consistency and belief.
The Final: SDS 3–4 Wembley Rangers- Decided by Fine Margins
The Final brought Wembley Rangers and SDS face to face with the trophy on the line. The match began with Wembley Rangers scoring inside the first five minutes, placing immediate pressure on SDS.
The first GameChanger- Plus One provided a response. Kaziah Sterling equalised to make it 1–1, but Wembley regained the lead before half-time, sending SDS into the break 2–1 down.
After the restart, Wembley Rangers extended their advantage to 3–1. Yet SDS have built their reputation on resilience, and they showed it again. After persistence in the final third and three earned corners, Kaz converted another penalty to make it 3–2.
Belief grew. Then Chentouf struck with five minutes remaining, levelling the match at 3–3 and bringing the SDS supporters to life.
But with three minutes left, Wembley Rangers found a fourth goal to take a 4–3 lead just before the final GameChanger – The Line. One final opportunity remained. SDS earned three corners and were awarded a last-chance penalty. Matthews stepped forward, but his effort was saved. Controversially, the save appeared to involve a handball, but no review followed.
Moments later, the final whistle confirmed the result.
Final Score: Wembley Rangers 4–3 SDS
Sharky summed it up simply:
“It came down to fine margins. It was not meant to be. We keep our heads up.”
More Than Results
This season has been about more than wins and losses.
The SDS supporters have been constant- present, vocal, loyal, and deeply connected to the club. A genuine community has formed behind this team, and it has been evident at every matchday.
The players have delivered performances to be proud of.
Coach Maz has been the steady hand and structure behind the scenes.
Sharky and the coaching staff have led with honesty and ambition.
And the wider SDS family have built something that extends beyond the pitch.
Back-to-back Finals.
Record-breaking runs.
A culture established.
The Story Continues
Falling short in a Final is painful, but the journey SDS have taken this season has laid foundations for what comes next. This team has set standards, broken records, and built belief that will carry forward.
