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After a superb run featuring only 1 loss in 8 matches, the blues last night guaranteed their Div 5 safety with a brilliant 2-2 draw against high-flyers Future Venture.

Etherton actually led 2-0 for nearly an hour, upsetting all kinds of form books, until a late charge by Venture levelled the match. Only a month ago, survival looked incredibly unlikely, with many commentators placing the team squarely in the relegation zone, and fan unrest led to a siege of manager Gorgo1 in his deluxe portacabin nerve centre.

Now, for a short period, Blues fans can relax and celebrate, with the Great Escape well and truly achieved.
Next season promises tough decisions and a great deal of consolidation if the same battle isn't to be repeated. The surprise transfer listing of two of the more established and talented squad members has led to unrest in some quarters, but with a need to balance the books, it's hardly surprising.

In other news, long-serving central defender and club captain Xabier Calderon has announced that he won't be renewing his contract and will be released at the end of the season. The manager paid tribute to the chunky Spaniard, stating "His laughable demands for vast wages has soured our relationship. I'll be glad to see the back of the Tapas-munching mercenary.".

This is Elton Flange, signing out. Stay classy, Bootle.