What a year 2025 has been for Hartpury FC. Promoted into Step 4 for the first-ever time during the summer, they have grabbed the opportunity with both hands.
Their final action of the year saw them chalk up a commanding 3-0 victory over the much-fancied Bishops Cleeve, which sent out a clear message of intent as they close in on the leading pack in the Pitching In Southern League Division One South.
Their dynamic and energetic attacking style has now yielded over half-a-century of goals from their 22 League games, but it’s in defence where they have recently secured the services of Spencer Hamilton in a player-coach role.
The experienced defender has already made an impact at both ends of the field and got his name on the scoresheet in the last game.
“It was an excellent team performance against Bishops Cleeve, particularly as we haven’t been able to train for two weeks due to illness,” Hamilton told us. “The lads were brilliant in sticking to the game plan both with and without the ball.
“To get the win and a clean sheet was fantastic, so too was getting on the scoresheet. It’s great to be part of things here and hopefully we can build upon the run we’re on into the New Year.
“I’m enjoying the player-coach role. It’s nice to be able to pass on my experience out on the pitch and help in the development of the young talent that we have here.
“A big thing is the belief that exists within the group about what we can achieve this season. Our last result and the run we’ve been on shows that we can more than compete at this level and be really competitive.
“We’re looking to carry this consistency into the New Year and see where it takes us.
“Personally, I’m new to this League and as the table shows, everyone is capable of beating each other. If we can maintain our level of performance, then an exciting second half of the season will stand before us.
“It’s a tough start to the New Year with three away games in a row, but we are looking forward to the challenge ahead.”
2026 begins with a short trip to Malvern Town on Saturday. Their hosts are one of the leading pack that they are chasing down.
IMAGE: @TigerSportPhot1
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