Well it's been nearly three weeks since our last league game and a lot has happened in those 20 days in football and the world around us. Let's have a quick recap on the season so far - as we build towards the weekend's match away to Bristol Manor Farm. The picture so far....
We started the season with a run of three back to back home games, all up against three teams that we picked up 5 points at home from last season in the corresponding games. With a win against Evesham United looking more impressive as they currently sit above us in 4th in the league. The later winner from George Rigg proving to make all the difference.
Up next we had the pure craziness of the 3-3 draw with Willand Rovers, where goals rained in dramatic fashion. A perfect example of the reason why we all follow non-league football. Drama and the unexpected all the way until the very last kick.
Then a frustrating home defeat against AFC Totton. It will be remembered for the controversy around the beginning of the move for the only goal, which overshadowed a match that was fiercely contested and at times cagey. But it's what we've all come to be used to as two teams looking for promotion feel each other out at the start of a long season. This was followed by our first away fixture in a short trip to Larkhall Athletic. Last season Larkhall proved to be our undoing with two draws late in the season, that saw the chance for automatic promotion slip away. However, we showed up in style as we delivered a convincing 4-0 win over the Larks to put us back up the league and into the early playoff positions.
Since the beginning of the cups, the league saw another round of games that has seen us drop to 6th with neighbours Melksham Town and Evesham jumping ahead with a game more played. But it's still very early days with Sholing setting the tone for the season, as they capped off their perfect start win over rivals AFC Totton. Our first four fixtures have seen us take more points than the corresponding fixtures last season (+2pts), so a good start to the season in the league, with much to be positive going into this weekend's game away to Bristol Manor Farm.
BMF are in good form following a strong win over Wimborne Town in the FA Trophy this Tuesday, but they are still looking for their first league win of the season - after losing 3-2 to Evesham last time out.
The season has seen us in the goals! New striker Luke Hopper currently joint second in the top scorers table with 3 goals in 4 games and is definitely eying up the top of the table this season. With congratulations to Alfie Clarke, Jamie Adams and Laurent Davis-Wilson for all getting their first league goals for the club. In positive injury news, regular goal threats Jon Davies and James Ollis are coming back to full fitness, having been forced into an unexpected early return this week. Plus we're still waiting for Sam Teale's goal of the season that could be upon as at any time!
After the BMF away fixture, we've got a blank week - before the visit of Tim Sill's Hamworthy United to Badgers Hill. Hamworthy smashed through the Western League last season and enjoyed a FA Vase journey all the way to the Semi-finals. They have hit the ground running and currently unbeaten as they occupy 2nd place deservedly. With wins against Slimbridge, Bashley and most notably taking all three points off AFC Totton.
We look forward to welcoming all our supporters for Hamworthy's visit on the 1st October and it's billing up to be a game to remember. Get the date in your diary and tell your friends. There's going to be a lot of twists and turns this season.... bring it on!
Next at home
Commentaires