Portishead Town made a big statement at the weekend as they dismantled the previously unbeaten Bishops Cleeve to secure a 5-0 victory in front of a crowd of over 500.
Pulling the strings for the Pitching In Southern League Division One South new-boys was Mitch Osmond, whose Man of the Match display included a sublime free-kick.
“It was a massive win in an important game,” he told us. “With both clubs having started the season extremely well and a large crowd in attendance, it just felt a really big occasion, one that as a team we rose to.
“Having said that, despite winning by such a big margin in the end, it’s still only three points and there is a lot of football to be played this season.
“I was pleased with my own performance, but you don’t get a result like that against opponents who were 12 League games unbeaten without everyone stepping up and playing their part.
“Everyone involved put in a performance and set some very high standards in what has been a great start to life at this level.
“As I say, it’s still early doors but I think we’ve already made it clear that we’re not here just to make up the numbers this season. We mean business and Saturday’s result further emphasised that.
“This is a massive step up. I’ve played at Step 5 and 6 for the club and this level is way above; every team poses a threat and has quality players who will punish any slight mistake or lapse in concentration.
“We’ve been able to get away with things over the past few seasons, but there’s no chance of doing that in this League and it does keep you on your toes and takes a lot of mental as well as physical strength.
“I would love to notch double digits assists and goals this year and get as many minutes as I can. We went into the season targeting a place in the play-offs and nothing has changed. Our eyes are only ever on the next challenge and that comes at Malvern Town on Saturday.
“We never look beyond the next game and having seen Tuesday’s game at Falmouth Town postponed we’re fully focussed on the challenge that stands before us at Malvern, who are in amongst the leading pack.”
Osmond was part of the Cardiff City Academy for a decade from the age of six and then moved on to Clevedon Town U18s, where he did well and helped the club reach the third round of the FA Youth Cup where they faced Manchester City.
His intelligent displays in the heart of the side saw him earn a call up to the senior team at a young age before joining hometown club, Portishead Town.
“I’ve not looked back since I first arrived,” he added. “I love it here; it’s my hometown club and I am so proud of the journey that I have been on with them.
“We’ve won multiple titles and cups and I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of my time here. Hopefully there will be plenty more memorable moments to come.”
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