Published: 23-08-2011

Programme Notes v Burnham

Written by Steve Bateman

Manager Steve Bateman

The value of a large squad has been shown in this first week as we coped with the enforced changes

Steve Bateman

Good evening everyone and welcome to Holloways Park for an Evostik Division One Central League encounter against our local neighbours, Burnham FC and a special welcome to Martin Stone and Laurie Craker, their management team, both of whom are well known to me from my playing days at Slough.

Tonight's opponents have made a slow start to the season but I fully expect them to be competing at the top end of the table as the season progresses and Martin has stamped his own authority on the squad with a number of changes through the summer period and I expect nothing other than a tough test this evening as we look to continue our own positive start.

Last Saturday saw us emerge victorious from Chertsey, having surprisingly gifted them a two goal start and lost Wooze and Browny to injuries in the first half. The character we showed in turning things around was excellent and the belief within the players about the capability of the group we have continues to grow. Last Tuesday at Uxbridge, was as good a performance as we have put together and set a standard for us to aspire to on a consistent basis and we need to continue to work hard to maintain that level.

The value of a large squad has been shown in this first week as we coped with the enforced changes and now also welcome back Adam Martin, Steve Perkins and Simon Sweeney although it looks as though Browny will have a period out with a broken wrist that may require surgery to repair it.

As always our support continues to inspire us and hopefully we have given you a taste of what is to come this season so please continue to back us all as it does make a difference. As always, if you want to know what's going with various football aspects of the club or regarding players then please feel free to approach me after the game, I don't bite !