Consistency would be key
Last season we finished strongly and we had hoped to shake off our one problem that plagued us all season. Inconsistency, beating top of the league one week and then losing to bottom. First up was Phoenix Tigers whom we beat last season and stopped them winning the league. It was a very close game but we lost 3-1 in the end.
Unfortunately the inconsistency continued and losing the lead in the closing minutes of a game became all too familiar. Classic example was the last game before Christmas we played Greenway Aces and beat them 9-2. Then after Christmas in our first game back we played them again and narrowly lost 3-2.
A short run in the Kent Cup provided some much needed confidence, winning the first round on penalties then facing last years winners Kennington. A very good footballing team, we did lose but the boys really dug deep and never gave up. This benefitted us in the rest of what was obviously a very short season. We won 3 games on the bounce which we have not done before and finished the season with some great performances especially in the shield, so a bit gutted we won’t get to complete it this season. League wise we ended up 5 in B Navy, with 2 games to play against teams below us.
Getting stronger as a team
Some great performances across the season from all players and many trying new positions and doing very well mainly due to injuries and availability. A few that stand out are striker George with a total of 23 goals over the season, and his strike partner Sam getting 8; Josh L for adapting to playing as a winger from sweeper; Charlie moving from centre midfield to the left wing; Sean going from defence to midfield to striker; Luke and Josh D having stints in goal and Matt going from left wing to centre back.
Both Squidy and I are now looking forward to next season where we are hopeful of some very good performances and results. The preseason will be very interesting, so I hope the squad is doing as much exercise as possible, and I do not mean exercising your thumbs on the Xbox or PS4!
Once again thank you to all the parents for their ongoing support; to Natalie as treasurer, to the fundraising team of Corrine and Lisa, and of course Squidy for helping run the team and coach the boys. These teams only exist if we all work together and this group make it a pleasure.
League summary
P:14 W:5 D:4 L:5 F:36 A:26 D:+10 PTS:14
Stay safe all and see everyone soon for pre-season.
Paul