Life is good for Flackwell Heath. They have taken the step up to the Pitching In Southern League Division One Central in their stride and on Saturday created some club history by reaching the third round qualifying of the Isuzu FA Trophy for the first-ever time.
Having secured the Combined Counties League Premier North Division title last term with just three defeats from 38 games, they have continued in a similar vein this time around, amassing five wins from their opening six League games, scoring an impressive 17 goals along the way.
They also bagged another six goals on Saturday in the Isuzu FA Trophy as they brushed aside Broadbridge Heath to set up a mouth-watering home tie with Premier Central outfit, Bishop’s Stortford in the next round.
There is plenty of confidence and belief running throughout the team, with the goalscoring exploits of Wiktor Makowski particularly catching the eye.
Arriving at the club midway through last term, the 21 year-old hit 15 goals in just 11 games as the club went on a nine-game winning run to secure the title.
The former Thame United and Risborough Rangers man already has six League goals to his name this time around and added two more to his tally in the Isuzu FA Trophy at the weekend.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better start to the season,” he told us with a smile. “Nine goals and three assists from eight games in all competitions is good going; I do critique myself a lot and I feel that I should have 12 or 13 goals to my name, but you can’t score them all!
“It’s been a fantastic start for the team. I did expect it, and I mean that in the humblest way, because it was clear to see at the end of last season and throughout pre-season, how much quality we have in the team.
“There is no secret to it; it’s all about pure hard work, dedication and, importantly, the respect that we give to each other and our opponents. We are prepared to run and battle for each other all over the pitch. I am extremely proud of my team-mates and what we have achieved together, it really is a team effort.
“For us to start so well in the League and make history in the FA Trophy is fantastic. The club and supporters have given us so much and it’s nice to be able to give back with our performances on the pitch.
“It’s a journey that we are all on together and long may it continue because these are good days for us.
“Looking at Saturday’s game, we fell below our usual standards during the first half and were second-best for periods, however, we were able to get into our stride after the break and it was just goal after goal.
“Credit to everyone because to score six against any opponent is tough and it has set us up with a nice tie in the next round against Step 3 opponents, which will test us.
“Before that, though, we return to League action at the weekend and we’ll be looking to add to our points tally and strengthen our place amongst the leading pack.
“We’ve set our sights on continuing the momentum carried over from last season. We’re not slowing down, there is so much we want to achieve. Personally, somewhere between 40 and 50 goals would be nice, wouldn’t it? You have to aim high and I always push myself to achieve things.”
A home encounter with Kidlington awaits on Saturday.
IMAGE: Glenn Alcock
Most clubs are looking for volunteers. Find out more on the button below:
www.PitchingInVolunteers.co.ukAll the news and results in one place.
REGISTER