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Albion Blind reclaim National League title

Albion Blind.

Albion Blind were confirmed as National League Champions with one matchday to spare, beating both of their league opponents last weekend.

The Baggies picked up wins over rivals Royal National College for the Blind (RNC) and Merseyside, with star man Paul Iyobo scoring eight of the nine goals across the weekend.

Albion are next in action on Saturday, April 12, where they hope to round off an exciting season with two wins.

Efe Shimwell in action.

The Baggies began the day with an exciting encounter with RNC, who they hoped to steal the title back from with a promising weekend.

Iyobo began the afternoon's scoring rout with a smart finish from a tight angle within the first three minutes, notching a brace moments later from Owen Locke's long throw across the field.

The Italian hit his hat-trick within seven first-half minutes, industriously holding off several RNC defenders before placing his shot delicately in the bottom corner.

Albion's early domination came to a temporary stop just before the break, as goalkeeper Anna Draper got down low to deny the roving Olly Johnson. 

Normal service resumed shortly after though. Iyobo's tenacious work on the right left him to race through and make it 4-0 to the Baggies.

After Efe Shimwell ran the length of the field only to see his shot saved, Iyobo found the top corner with a powerful effort. Eesa Amjid soon made his mark on proceedings, beating two players before lashing into the roof of the net to cap off an excellent first match.

Albion Blind.

Merseyside were Albion's second and final opponents of the day. Roy Turnham's break down the right gave the soon-to-be-champions something to think about, but was denied by some soldi defending.

Though Iyobo wouldn't take long to carry his form forwards into this one, his strike on four minutes found the back of the net, albeit via a deflection.

Amjid almost made it two on the break, but the Baggies' rampant Italian caught the Merseyside goalkeeper off guard for his second of the match.

Merseyside won a penalty almost instantly after Albion's goal, Rainbow Mbuangi converted the spot kick. This could've led to a nervy finish for the Baggies, had Iyobo not scored his eighth of the afternoon to secure a 3-1 win in the final tie.

Celebrations soon followed, as the Baggies were able to add another National Blind Football League title to their trophy cabinet.

Albion: Locke, Clarke, Amjid, Shimwell, Iyobo, Draper, Briant, Hopkins, Turnham.

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