Basingstoke Town’s current form is music to the ears of the Dragons’ faithful.
Six wins from the last seven games has thrust them up the table and earned them the Pitching In Southern League Premier South Club of the Month accolade for February.
Playing a fine tune in the middle of the pitch is Paul Hodges who weighed in with a goal in Saturday’s 3-2 triumph over Hendon.
“This has been the most injury-riddled season that I have ever been part of,” the 30 year-old told us. “We’re starting to get the squad back together again now and it’s showing in our recent results.
“We were playing well a few months back but just struggled to finish games off; with the players returning we’ve been able to find our rhythm and get on a run.
“I’ve been happy with my own contribution since I’ve moved into a midfield role. Early on in the season couldn’t find my spark as a forward and also picked up a few injuries here and there.
“But I’m enjoying it in midfield and things are slotting together well. As a team we’re frustrated that we aren’t higher up the table because we’ve got some real talent here and great management, but, as I say, injuries have hit us hard.
“The hope now is that there is still a lot more to come from us between now and the end of the season.
“This is such a strong division; no game is easy. When I won this League with Farnborough two seasons back, it was a three-legged race between ourselves, Taunton and Hayes. It wasn’t often that teams could match us, but this season especially I feel that anyone can fancy their chances against anyone, even at this late stage.
“From our point of view, why not try for the play-offs? We’re only six points off and whilst we have a tough set of games coming up, we’ve found our form, set our standards and have some good momentum.
“As I say, teams at the lower end of the table will be taking points off those in the top half, so it’s not unrealistic to aim for the play-offs. There’s still a lot of football to be played and plenty of twists and turns ahead, I just want to keep playing well and working hard for the management and my team-mates.”
Hodges’ other passion is playing the guitar and should they achieve their objective this season, it’s sure to make an appearance.
“I’ve been playing the guitar a long time now, almost 20 years,” Hodges added. “I am a Beatles fanatic and just wanted to be a 21st Century Beatle, to be honest.
“Over the years I’ve given my team-mates a tune or two, but I’ve been slacking a bit this season.
“The boys and I will get a big rendition of Hey Jude going on the next away day. We’ve got a few lads into their music here, but I must say that I enjoyed Curtis Angell’s initiation song – the boy has got the voice of an angel, quite fitting given his surname!”
Basingstoke Town's scheduled game at Hayes & Yeading United on Tuesday evening has been postponed.
IMAGE: @SteveG01660490
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