As we enter the final weekend of the season, Stourbridge will have a say in the destiny of the Pitching In Southern League Premier Central title.
They travel to face a Bedford Town outfit who just need a point to be crowned Champions following an impressive campaign on the back of promotion at the end of last term.
The Glassboys have an extra spring in their step with the news earlier this week that following discussions between the FA and Southern League, they will be allowed to remain at their War Memorial Ground home next season despite extensive structural work being required.
They also head to Bedfordshire on the back of four wins from their last five outings, including a three-game winning streak.
“Whilst we are disappointed that we’ve just fallen short of making the play-offs, there is a lot for us to be positive about,” said striker, Ethan Freemantle, who bagged a brace in their 4-2 Bank Holiday Monday victory over Bromsgrove Sporting having recently passed through the 50-appearance mark for the club. “There has been uncertainty hanging over us with the ground situation, but that has now been lifted and we’re ending the season in some good form, particularly at home.
“I’ve never had a season where our away form has been up in the top two or three in the League but at home it’s been the opposite. A fan asked me why that was recently and I really don’t know, I just can’t put my finger on it.
“However, we’ve ended the season five unbeaten at home so that’s another positive to take with us into the summer and hopefully we can go out with another good performance at the weekend in what is going to be a big occasion as our hosts look to clinch the title.
“There will be envy for us going there, but it will only act to inspire us even more for next season and it would be nice to think that this time next year we could be in a similar position to Bedford Town.
“We’ve shown glimpses of what we are capable of throughout the season; it was always going to be a campaign of ups and downs given the number of new faces that all came in around the same time during the summer.
“We’ve grown together and, like the rest of the lads, I am eager to improve my consistency next season as we look to put smiles on the faces of our fans, who it has to be said, have been superb all season.
“This has been the first season since 2018/19 that we’ve been able to break through the 60-point barrier so, again, that’s a plus point.
“We’ll be looking to give a good account of ourselves on Saturday and end on a high.”
IMAGE: Anthony Dunn
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