As expectations went for this side, nothing but goals was the emphasis. Pre-Season was no different and looked as though the tone was set with high scoring games. More excitingly saw an influx of youngsters who looked sharp and of course the leadership and stability of the more seasoned veterans looked to be a good mix as the season commenced.

A well anticipated newly formed team, were participating in the Premier Division for their first season following a club change and loss of player from the previous season. Their first game saw Bartley lose by a one goal margin, against AFC Somers. Despite the loss their were positives to take away from the game. As the month went on one point obtained from a possible twelve left uncertainty among a few individuals, which then affected performances on the pitch and commitment from players.

Bartley struggled to obtain a committed defensive line, starting off between the sticks the club has seen five different players from pre-season to now! With the manager surely pulling his hair, the team now seems to have.. excuse the pun.. A Keeper!

On the pitch saw a poor display of discipline, a series of cards and suspensions has also been costly for the team. The last game against Crusaders saw twelve players turn up, not one card was shown which is a great turning point and hopefully the start of things to come.

With the structure of the side only just coming together, it says a lot for those who continue to turn up. Commitment being a vital part towards progress which i'm sure the manager recognizes those who have shown positive attitude.

Having reached the midway point of the season, twelve of the twenty four games have been played with only eleven points. Sitting in tenth position, theirs a lot of work to be done and still expectations for a better finish is required by all the players. Although surely this is not too much of an high expectation as twenty one goals so far is the fourth highest goals scored from all the participating teams.

Realistically, looking at previous seasons a forty - plus points finish would place a team in or around by a top four finish!

Will Bartley Green Continental do the unexpected?