When Evesham United made it through to the Pitching In Southern League Division One South play-off final at the end of last term, there was only going to be one outcome.
Manager, Mike Ford, is something of a play-off expert with five wins from his five finals.
“I really enjoy the play-offs,” he told us. “Yes, they are extremely nerve-wracking and tense occasions, but I’ve won all five finals that I have been involved in – one as player-coach, one as assistant manager and now three as Gaffer.
“The last one against Malvern Town was particularly tough. They came here in fantastic form and were very well organised and supported, but we were able to show that extra bit of quality when it mattered.
“I am immensely proud of what we have achieved here. The club has been striving to get back into Step 3 for just over a decade, so to be able to achieve it alongside an amazing group of people was extra special.
“It was hard work, there’s absolutely no doubt about that. We gave everything to try to chase down Yate Town and did all we could throughout the season to chase the extra 1%’s which can make all of the difference.
“Division One South was an extremely demanding League, not only on the pitch but also with the travelling, overnight stays and no respite as the fixtures came thick and fast.
“We had to fight for everything against tough competition but in the end we were able to find the Holy Grail and it was such a relief.
“Now that the dust has settled and preparations for the new season are underway, we don’t need to fear the League that we are going into. We’ll respect it, of course, but we’ll go in there well prepared and ready for the battles that lie ahead.
“We’ll be unknown and possibly we won’t be taken as seriously as some of the other teams, so we’ll try to use that to our advantage.
“The aim is to win 12 games as soon as possible, alongside a few draws along the way, and that might be enough for us to be able to consolidate at this level.
“We’ll need to earn respect and the way you do that is by being able to compete week in, week out.”
IMAGE: Stuart Purfield
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