TEAM OF THE SEASON | DIVISION ONE CENTRAL REACTION

We hear from Harry Draper, Jack Morrell and Luke Alfano

As the debate over the Team of the Season selections rumbles on, we speak to some of the players who have made it into the Pitching In Southern League Division One Central team.

Hot-shot Harry Draper was one of a number of players to make the team from Champions, Biggleswade Town.

“It feels good to see people acknowledging what the team and I achieved this season,” he said. “Any of the Biggleswade Town boys could have been named in the team. We went into the season knowing what we wanted to achieve together and we managed to do it.

“I am pleased that I was able to play my part in getting the job done. During the festive period we were not where we wanted to be, but we managed to find a way to win games and built our momentum as our rivals began to faulter.

“The fact that it went down to the final game shows how close and competitive the League was.

“It will be difficult stepping up a level with better players, bigger clubs and more travelling but we’ve had a taste of winning games and it’s something we are determined to continue.”

Draper’s team-mate, Jack Morrell, added: “I’ve worked hard this season so this is a nice reward and I am so proud to be part of the team.

“I made a slow start to the season where I wasn’t performing to my best but the management kept their belief in me and a run of good performances led to consistency at the back-end of the season.

“As Harry says, as a group we had real focus on our objectives; we took things game-by-game and that helped take the pressure off by not looking too far ahead.

“This was my first season in this League, so I didn’t really know what to expect, but there are some good teams in it and everyone can beat each other on their day.

“This was reflected in some of the results, not just for ourselves but across the whole League.

“As it stands, I am unsure of where I will be playing next season, but wherever it is, my aims will be the same; to compete at my best and win!”

As one of two players flying the flag for Hadley FC, Luke Alfano, has expressed his pride.

“I'm incredibly proud and honoured to be named in the team,” he told us. “To be recognised for your hard work and dedication over the course of the season feels great.

“To be in the team alongside some of the best players in this League really is a tremendous feeling and a testament to the support I have received from my team-mates, coaches and fans this season.

“It’s been a decent season both personally and for the team. I feel that I have grown a lot as a player and as a person. I’ve been able to improve various aspects of my game, especially in terms of leadership, and I am happy with my contribution.

“As a team we started off slowly, but we were not helped by injuries. We managed to turn things around and finished strongly so there is a lot to be hopeful for as we look ahead to next season.

“We’re already thinking of how we can be better and build on the purity and teamwork. The season just gone has been one of the most competitive that I can remember. The standard of play across the division has been exceptionally high, with several teams showcasing some top talent and different styles of play.

“It’s been an exciting season and a challenging one at the same time, but these are the kind of challenges that drive us all to improve.

“Personally I want to continue improving my game so I can help the team achieve further success that we know we’re capable of and that means more goals and assists as well as maintaining a high level of consistency.

“We’ve got a strong foundation to build on, and I’m excited for what’s to come for the Bricks!”

With almost 26,000 votes cast, we thank everyone who took part. Here is a reminder of the Pitching In Southern League Division One Central Team of the Season 2023/24.

DIVISION ONE CENTRAL | Fred Burbidge (Ware), Callum Wilson (Biggleswade Town), Jack Morrell (Biggleswade Town), Carl Mensah (Bedford Town), Luke Pyman (Leighton Town), Luke Alfano (Hadley), Ryan Blake (Bedford Town), JJ Lacey (Biggleswade Town), Harry Draper (Biggleswade Town), Lucas Kirkpatrick (Barton Rovers), Luke Andrews (Biggleswade Town).

Subs: Mark Smith (Bedford Town), Callum Kane (Stotfold), Lewis Franklin (Stotfold), Ben Weyman (AFC Dunstable), Alex Warman (Ware), Henry Snee (Stotfold), Isaac Stones (Hadley).