It was a big three points for Barwell on Saturday as Zayn Hakeem’s late strike gave them a 2-1 triumph over Stamford AFC, thus ended a run of six successive defeats in the Pitching In Southern League Premier Central.
There’s no time to bask in the glow of the success, though, as they are straight back into action on Monday evening with the visit of Halesowen Town.
“In terms of desire, work-rate and staying in the game, Saturday’s performance was brilliant,” Zayn Hakeem told us. “We competed for every ball in what was a tough, competitive and even encounter; in my opinion, we just edged it.
“I was happy with my own performance. Obviously I’m always happy to get on the scoresheet, particularly as it was a late winner, but the main thing was that we secured the three points to aid the relegation battle that we are in and to put an end to what has been a poor run of form.
“We know that the season so far hasn’t gone the way we would have liked. It started well enough but then injuries took a hold and we’ve had to play players out of position and fill in gaps with players who are getting their first taste of life at this level.
“We’re nowhere near where we wanted to be, but we’re determined to make it a positive end to the season to secure our Step 3 status for another year.
“This is a tough League, so we’re realistic about where we expect to be. I am content with my own season overall. Yes, I would have liked to have contributed more in terms of goals and assists, but with eight goals and four assists to my name it’s not too bad for a team in our position.
“I’ve played all over the pitch, left wing, right wing, left back and striker, so it has been a mixed bag n that respect, but I am only too happy to help the team.”
Saturday’s hard-earned victory has given Hakeem plenty of belief for the run-in ahead.
“I’m confident that we can build on Saturday’s win and start building some momentum between now and the end of the season,“ he added. “We have a lot of home games to play, which suits us, and there is a lot of quality and determination within our ranks.
“The Premier Central is very competitive. The top three are strong, but beyond that, everyone is more than capable of taking points off each other.
“You have to be at it 100% every time you step onto the pitch or else you will soon get found out. It’s very demanding, but good to be involved in.
“There is no reason why we can’t achieve our objective as a team and avoid the bottom four, whilst personally I want to help in any way I can to get us over the line.”
IMAGE: Barwell FC
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