Irish didn’t take their foot off the gas. Spence spotted Guess’ underlapping run and played him in. Guess raced to the byline and drilled across goal, only for a desperate Kempston leg to deflect it just over the bar.

Then Smith himself had a go, hitting a rocket from 25 yards that was destined for the top corner until the Kempston keeper flung himself across to pull off a stunning save.

Spence had a big chance before the break, getting free in the box from a corner, but his header flashed just wide. Then, right before half-time, a hopeful long ball was floated into the area, and Spence looked to be hauled down as he tried to bring it under control – big shouts for a penalty, but the ref wasn’t interested.

Half-time: MK Irish 1–0 Kempston Rovers

The second half started with the same tempo. Meadows and Guess combined again with a smart one-two, Meadows cutting in and shooting low at the near post, but the keeper got down well to smother.

Irish would get a penalty 7 minutes into the second half. Spence picked the ball up centrally, danced past three defenders and was brought down inside the area. He dusted himself off to take it but saw his penalty saved by the Kempston keeper.

It wouldn’t matter for long. On 54 minutes, it was Meadows who doubled the lead. Another dangerous corner from Smith and a superb flicked header from the striker gave the keeper no chance – 2-0, and Irish had one hand on the trophy.

The hosts were flying now. Meadows again causing problems – nicking the ball off a defender and bearing down on goal, only to be denied by yet another sharp stop from the Kempston keeper.

Some lovely play followed down the left involving Kelsey, who got into the box and fired low, only for a last-ditch block to divert it out for a corner. Off the bench, Osei-Addo got involved straight away, receiving a cutback from Kelsey and firing on goal, but the keeper was equal to it.

Kempston barely laid a glove on the home side all half, and the result was wrapped up in stoppage time. Nat Beecher spotted Ryan Smith’s clever run in behind and picked him out with a perfect through ball. Smith sprinted clear, drew the keeper, and squared unselfishly for Kelvin Osei-Addo to tap into the empty net.

Shortly after the whistle blew and the celebrations began – MK Irish, deserved champions with five games to spare.

Full-time: MK Irish 3-0 Kempston Rovers

Man of the Match: Harry Guess

Goalscorers: R. Kalek (23’), J. Meadows (54’), K. Osei-Addo (90+1’)

You can view all the photos from the special day, captured by the superb Sports Shots, here.