Our first game in the brand new Southern Amateur League saw West Wickham First team entertain Wandsworth Borough – a team that we have struggled against in AFA Cup games in recent years. So a baptism of fire for the new management team of Jamie Hackshall and his Assistant Rob Doyle with numerous new players in their squad.

Derek Walpole is the new Reserves Manager with Louis Lengthorn aiding and abetting him – they entertained Southgate County First team. The Vets were also at Corkscrew Hill against Baldon Sports and the squad included seven players from my highly successful First team of the early Noughties including Amateur International Adam Freeman.
The Fours and Fives were both away at Old Paulines and Old Suttonians respectively. Both of the oppo are from the old Amateur Football Combination and we failed to score a goal against either of them. The Fours went down 3 – 0 but the Fives snaffled a point in a 0 – 0 draw (that result is as rare as hen’s teeth).

At Corkscrew Hill for the First team game there were plenty of supporters to see the newly decorated bar and dressing rooms and to sample food from the mobile restaurant, ice cream van and a new selection of beers from the bar. Thanks to Jamie Hackshall for Project Managing the refurb and to his brother Charlie and AC for the numerous hours that they spent in renovating both areas. Additional help came from Jamie Owlett, Ron Owlett and Peter Hayday – excuse me if I missed any other contributors.

Missing from last season’s all conquering First team managed by Fozzie were keeper John Chisholm, skipper Ollie Clarke, centre back Connor Byrne and top scorer Charlie Kallas all who have retired (but for how long??).

Also missing where skipper Jack Doyle and ace marksman Josh Tutt plus midfield maestro Jack Sullivan and central defender Zak Warne. (for a variety of reasons). So the squad, for sure, had a New Look.

All the Managers have been on a recruitment drive and the only stipulation was that every squad had to feature at least one player with a hyphenated name.

Jamie Hack got off to a flying start with David Obeng – Twum who only scored two of our goals in a 4 – 1 victory over Wandsworth Borough. He also introduced Nigel Neizer – Ashun who also made a memorable debut. The other two goals were shared by Akin Lawal and Pat Keane – both are quick and strong and scored plenty of goals last season in the Reserves and will do the same this season in the First team. However, my tip for the Golden Boot is Johnny White.

New boy Will Payne lasted only five minutes before he damaged his leg but the most serious injury was to the Wandsworth defender who had an aerial clash with two of his own players and sustained a neck injury. The game was delayed for 52 minutes whilst the ambulance staff dealt with the injury so thanks to them. The good news is that the guy was sent home after a thorough examination and we wish him well.

MOM went, unsurprisingly, to David Obeng for his two goals but the whole squad played to a high standard with Joe Kelly, Ru Da Silva and Benny Linter hitting the ground running and providing the cement of the squad. Alfie Airey didn’t look out of place at right back – not his normal position but he’s an intelligent footballer and he knows when “to go” and when “to stay.”

Must mention the White Tackle in midfield – contesting the ball which was 60 – 40 in favour of the Wandsworth player, Johnny left his opponent on the deck and came away with the ball to set up yet another attack (shades of Adam Wadey – “Brutus” to his friends).
On this evidence we appear to have a dynamic squad and the addition of Charlie Smyth’s pace gives us an extra string to our bow.

On Saturday we play away at Honourable Artillery Company – this will be another chance for the new squad to fine tune the system put in place by the Management.

The Southgate County First team made their intentions known from the first whistle and ran out convincing 3 – 0 winners against the Reserves. They recovered from a good Wickham start and dominated the game both physically and verbally and were good value for their win. They were also in good form in the bar in the bar so thanks fellas.

Also they looked the part in their club colours demonstrating a high degree of unity --- they will be hard to beat if they maintain this form.

Alright men – I know that “Dottie” Obeng's name isn’t really hyphenated but when I spoke to his Mum after the game she said it was a mistake at the Registry Office – they forgot the hyphen.

Did anybody remember to thank Kempy and Pikey Jones for their work on the ground? If not – put it right at the next home game.

The other injury was in the Vets game when the referee had the whistle stuck in a gap in his lower dentures – every time he took a breath he blew the whistle. Weird – both sides did well to finish the game without any major incident. Three Wickham players attended the Princess Royal Hospital Audiology unit with temporary deafness after the game – they were sent home on Sunday morning – get well soon boys. We won 1 - 0 in a close game with Chris -- Arthur Eadon scoring. The ref is still "whistling in the wind."

Who bought all those ice creams??