Promising start to the season
Well no-one could have predicted the 2019/20 season finishing the way it did and just when we were on a winning streak! The season started well, three straight wins followed by a narrow defeat away at a very good Staplehurst team. Two more victories and a draw took us into October in a very healthy position.
But then…
But then, almost identical to the same time the previous season, after getting ourselves into a strong position in the league we frustratingly went on a run of six straight defeats that took us through to the end of November. Most of these losses were by the odd goal, and towards the end of this period, there was understandably a lack of confidence, borne out by one match in particular where we had worked hard to be 2-0 up against Peckham Town only to find ourselves losing 3-2 at the final whistle. Despite these losses we always matched our opposition in terms of effort, football played and chances created, but just not converting as many of these chances into goals as we should have. Our fortunes started to pick up in December and January, a win at home to Borden Village, a couple of draws and just a single defeat.
Winning streak ahead
But it was in February that we really began to find our form, ending the season with four consecutive league victories and playing with all the confidence we’d lacked earlier on in the season. And much to my delight, this run won me the Premier League Manager of the month award for February – so thanks to Lee and the boys! The final league table has us in 6th position, which may be a bit flattering as we’d played more games than a couple of teams below us, but I’ll take that considering the rough patch we went through.
What a fantastic squad
My squad has been magnificent again this season. The effort and commitment at training and on match days has been second to none. With Lee coming in to help it took the pressure off me and there’s no doubt we are an improving side as was shown in the last couple of months. With a good mix of experienced (but not old!) players, younger players who are learning and getting better all the time and with the couple of additions we were able to make last season, I can only see good things ahead. I believe we’ve developed a style of play that everyone is comfortable with and providing we can keep the same squad of players, perhaps with one or two further additions, I see no reason why we can’t seriously challenge for honours in the 2020/21 season.
Thanks everyone for all your support both management and supporters.
Stay safe and see you soon.
Jimmy