As we move in to the second half of the season, it is easy to say that part one was certainly a mixed bag. As a team we certainly had our moments of frustration and disappointment (games lost that we could, and should, have won), promising performances (taking Eton Manor close and controlling much of the return fixture at North Walsham), and some very good performances (our win against Fullerians, as well as draws against Chingford and Thurrock). Having come through our first round of fixtures, we feel we have found our feet in this league and certainly feel we are here on merit and are able to mix it with the rest.
Having had time to reflect on our season so far, I am on the whole pleased with where we are coming into the second half. It would obviously have been nice to be placed better in the table, but as far as the team and their performances are concerned I am pleased with how the boys have adjusted to me, my coaching philosophy and a new style of play that is exciting and will no doubt begin to bear fruit very soon. This has been evident in our recent games, in which we have been putting ourselves in to positions to win the game – we just need to get in to that habit of getting Ws. However, the squad have been buoyed by our performances and went in to the Christmas break with renewed confidence and motivation.
We have also built a really good coaching staff, who I am very excited to work with and am confident will get the absolute best out of the players. Neil Dachtler has come on board as forwards coach, and the boys have reacted extremely well to his knowledge and coaching delivery. Chris Ellis continues to do a sterling job as team manager and assistant coach, and together with Simon Dain they work effortlessly to help training sessions run smoothly and maintain the high intensity that I continue to challenge the squad with. I am extremely grateful for their help, and I am excited to work with them for seasons to come.
This has come at the perfect time, as we come into what is the most important stretch of games we will face this season. We face the three teams that sit above us, starting with Old Priorians today, who will all want to turn their current form around and be striving to steal points from each other. It is therefore important that we start to string together some of our best performances of the season. I have challenged the boys with this, and if the intensity of training this week is anything to go by the boys are certainly looking to rise to this challenge and get ourselves off the bottom of the table. We have the belief that we have more than enough skill and talent to pick up enough points in the remaining fixtures to keep us safe.
It is also nice to have two home games on the bounce, something that we have previously not had the pleasure of this season, which will rally the troops as we seem to relish the occasion of playing in front of a home crowd. The noise from the side line is fantastic and helps us dig deep in the toughest situations, so I ask you to continue playing your part by motivating the lads.
Here’s to the rest of the season. I am looking forward to the challenge and continuing to develop the team!
See you on the touchline.
Ben Scully, Head Coach
From the Old Priorians programme 7.1.17