Welcome back to Stag Meadow. It’s always great to be at home, where it feels like we have a much better chance of actually getting a game on.
Although the last few months have made it difficult to build any real momentum with so many postponed games, we’re still on a very good run of form, which has been particularly pleasing.
During this period of fixture uncertainty, it’s been tough. At times it feels like all we’ve done is train and prepare for opposition, only for the disappointment of games being called off. With the inevitable winter weather, we’re now paying the price of having only been given four midweek league fixtures before the New Year.
It’s a real testament to the players for staying committed and focused, and the consistency from the management team throughout this uncertain period has been excellent.
Last week we visited Edgware and then league leaders Burnham away. For those who travelled to Hendon for the two-hour journey absolutely incredible support; thank you. I thought Edgware worked extremely hard and don’t deserve to be where they currently sit in the league.
The Burnham game was a tight contest. They are a very good footballing side, but we more than held our own with our industrious approach.
You may also have noticed a new addition to the management team in goalkeeper coach Rhys Evans. Rhys joined us before the New Year and has already been an important addition to the group. He has unrivalled experience from levels above, having played professionally for Chelsea, Swindon Town and Bradford City, as well as representing England at Under-21 level. If you haven’t already, please make sure you say hello and welcome him to the club.
Last week also saw two new faces join the squad. Morrison Hashii is a quick forward with a good eye for goal, previously playing for London Samurai, Basingstoke Town, Aylesbury United, Uxbridge and Met Police. Robb Sheridan is an experienced centre-back known for his leadership qualities, with previous clubs including Dorking Wanderers, Bracknell Town, Chertsey and Fleet Town.
Today we host Abingdon, who have proven to be a thorn in the side of the top five teams in the league. In the reverse fixture, they performed very well against us and, in the end, a draw was probably a fair result.
We’re hoping for decent weather so we can get the game on and, as always, so that the boys give you something to cheer about aside from our increasingly well-known burgers!
Enjoy the game,
Webby
These notes appeared in our matchday programme against Abingdon United
