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"Congratulations" to Andy Gordon, Geoff Lee and the first team squad for seeing AFCW through a tough and eventful season in which we secured our stated aim of survival in our first season back at Hellenic Premier level and had the bonus excitement of a run to the final of the supplementary cup.
The season could be divided into 3 phases, the first being the opening month, which saw us exceeding all expectations in climbing into the top 5 of the league. We came back to earth with a bump as autumn continued into winter as a combination of injuries to key players (Dechamps, Massaquoi), loss of form and suspensions saw us pulled back into mid table. A disastrous run of home games without a win which lasted from the end of October until Easter Monday pushed us dangerously close to the drop zone, before a late surge in form saw us lose only 1 game out of 6, in the process moving clear of the threat of relegation to finish 5th from bottom. The loss of 9 points in games we won against resignation victims Hounslow Borough (twice) and Chipping Norton prevented us from a comfortable slot in mid table, and in several other games we created plenty of chances but couldn't take them.
The run to the final of the supplementary cup saw us overcome Abingdon, Thame, Wokingham and Emmbrook, Hook Norton and Holyport before encountering strong, and on the day superior, opposition, in the form of Ardley United.
All-in-all a job well done for a young and talented first team squad who will only get better if Andy can keep them together. It would be unfair to single out individuals to particular praise, but I'm going to anyway...John Shea, playing through injury in goal throughout a difficult winter for the team and the club, Paul Massaquoi, the best left-sided player in the league, Barlow, Fenn and Ingram, calm and composed in defence, the skilful Ross Tyler and indefatigable Andrew Styles in midfield, not forgetting the enigmatic but on their day match winning Taha brothers and Aaron Baker up front. Well done to everyone for their contributions.
Looking to the future, whilst perhaps a return to the championship chasing days of 2000-2004 is unrealistic, we're certainly hoping that Andy and Geoff, ably supported by new coach Shelley Strange, can bring us into the top half of the table and challenge in the cups. On and off the field, the process of consolidation continues; overall it's been a difficult and constantly challenging 3 years, however the light is beginning to appear at the end of the tunnel, a light that will restore us to a position of pre-eminence within local footballing circles.
A final note of thanks to the hard work, much of it unseen and still less appreciated, of our small and dedicated bunch of volunteers, not least the Chairman, Gerry O'Garr, without whom we would be lucky to exist at all. Iain Darby, assisted by Steven Sherwood, have worked wonders in keeping the pitch in condition despite heavy use, whilst Mick Whale (gate), Michelle Stubley (raffle), Andy and Martin at Albry Printing (programme) Andy Nobes (match reports) Stuart and Irene Deeks, Sheila Antonowicz and Heather Woollard (refreshments) have through their work ensured that home match days ran as smoothly as possible.
Wishing our players, managements, committee, helpers and supporters an enjoyable summer break, I look forward to welcoming you on the next chapter of the AFC Wallingford story beginning in August.
Richard May
Hon. Secretary
10 May 2007 |
