BISHOP'S STORTFORD | SMILES BETTER

Brad Russell enjoying his first taste of life in the Southern League

It’s been something of a nomadic existence for Bishop’s Stortford over the past few years.

In 2022/23 they won the Isthmian League Premier Division title to earn promotion into Step 2, where they were placed in the Vanarama National League North last term.

It proved to be a difficult campaign, both on and off the field, and following relegation they now face life in the Pitching In Southern League Premier Central.

On Saturday they won in the League for the first time since the opening day of the campaign, beating St. Ives Town 1-0 to make it two wins, two draws and two defeats from their opening six games.

An ever-present so far this season is Brad Russell. The 24 year-old was one of new manager, Steve Castle’s first signings when he arrived from Brightlingsea Regent over the summer, and he has gone on to score four goals in all competitions already, including one on his debut as they started the season with a 2-1 victory over Alvechurch.

For Russell, this is his first taste of life in the Southern League.

“I wasn’t sure what to expect going into the season,” he admitted to us. “The start of the season has been tough because every team we have faced so far has played to a good standard.

“It makes for a strong League, where every game will be a challenge, but I am looking forward to that and really enjoying it.

“I am playing football with a smile on my face and it’s being reflected in my performances with four goals and three assists so far. I have hit the ground running with some good early form and have some decent stats, so hopefully this can continue.

“For a new group of players, we have started the season reasonably well. We’ve been playing some exciting football and have looked like scoring in every game so far. Our best performances have come on home soil and we do need to make this a fortress.

“Saturday was always going to be a tricky game; we started well and managed to get our noses in front. The second half saw us have to defend more as they searched for an equaliser, but we rode it out well and continued to look a threat going forward.

“It was a big three points for us and something four us to take forward now. We have a couple of away games coming up; at Hitchin Town on Tuesday evening and then an FA Cup tie at Hemel Hempstead Town, so it would be nice if we could get on a bit of a run.

“As a group we are just looking to finish as high up the table as we can and if we can enjoy a Cup run along the way too, that would be a nice bonus.

“My own personal target is to get at least ten goals and ten assists and provide excitement and entertainment for our fans, who deserve success.”

IMAGE: Nathan Cracknell

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