Note from the President

As we enter the second half of the 2019/20 season I feel it is an appropriate time to reflect on the first half.
The 1st team celebrated their return to the first division with a keenly fought draw against the old enemy, Winchmore Hill but then suffered four consecutive defeats, three by the odd goal and the fourth at the hands of high flying West Wickham where they managed to recover from 4 down to 4-3 only to lose 6-3. The losing streak ended on President's day where they had a comprehensive 5-0 win against EBOGS before a very appreciative audience. Since then they have won a further league game but the main success has been in the Cups. In the AFA Senior Cup they have reached the last 16 with wins over Latymer Old Boys and a fine performance against Actonians. They are also still engaged in the AFA Middx/Essex, Southern Amateur League and Middlesex County FA Intermediate Cups. With eleven league games to play it will be a very busy second half of the season so we wish Jack Robery (Club captain), Jake Lawrence (Team Captain) and the team Good Luck!   
Unfortunately most of the Reserve team who gained promotion last season decided to leave the Club after a couple of matches into the new season but thankfully our 3rd XI, with many new members who we warmly welcome, stepped up to replace the Reserves and have won four of their five league games including winning a tremendous match against Bank of England 4-3, which may be the best match to be seen at home this season. They are still in the AFA and SAL Cups and thanks go to coach Charlie Casey and skipper Jake Grant.  
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As a result of the 3rd XI moving up we withdrew from the 3rd XI competition and our next side the 4th XI captained by Dan Cutting have won five and drawn one of their eight league games and are currently 3rd in their league. They are waiting to play the next round of their AFA Cup competition which has been delayed by the inclement weather. The 5th XI captained by Bobby Lopez have won five of their seven league matches, already scored 31 goals and are top of their division. Likewise the 6th XI skippered by Paul Michaels have won six, drawn one of their ten league matches, scoring 32 goals and also sit at the top of their division. The 7th XI captained by the evergreen Darren Roberts have won five of their seven league matches and despite having several 40th birthday parties during the season have kept focused. They are a blend of experience with a little bit of youth.
The Youth section continue to flourish and thanks go to Ben Collier, Danny Green, the coaches and parents who give their time up to make the Club a shining example of grass roots football. 
Many thanks to our Committees, Chairmen Ronnie Robinson and Danny Green, our first team coaches Gary Hallowell and Gary Casey for their work on behalf of the well being of the Club.
May I wish all members a very happy and successful New Year and whether you win, lose or draw remember to enjoy yourselves.

Mike Pearl