There’s a hard-fought battle going on at both ends of the Pitching In Southern League Division One Central table as we enter the final month of the campaign.
At the bottom, the fight to avoid the drop is set to be a real close shave but Northwood have benefitted from bearded heroes, Jack Smith and Jon Jo Bates, stepping up from their playing roles to take the helm following the recent resignation of Gary Meakin.
Their first game in charge saw them denied victory over play-off hopefuls, Barton Rovers, by an equaliser deep into stoppage time and then on Saturday they came away from a proverbial ‘six-pointer’ at Kidlington with a 5-2 success.
“Both myself and Jon Jo were asked to take the team and we took the role with open arms,” Smith told us. “There was no hesitation whatsoever; we both care passionately about the club and we both agree that we shouldn’t be struggling in the lower reaches of the table.
“We’ve got a strong squad here with plenty of ability and we’ve been able to keep them together whilst adding a few new faces here and there and it’s been reflected with two great performances in our first couple of games.
“The boys have displayed a tremendous attitude and the team spirit is there for all to see. Four points and six goals scored from our first two games is very positive; all 16 players have played their part and given us everything so far.
“But it doesn’t stop there and the nature of this stage of the season is that we have to be ready to go again on Tuesday evening with another massive game at Leverstock Green, another of the teams battling to avoid the drop with us.
“We’ve only been in charge for a week but we’ve already learned a lot. Being in the dug-out is totally different to being a player; there is so much to do and think about, it’s been a whirlwind, but both Jon Jo and I are up for this challenge.
“We’re digging deep and the application of every single player has been top-drawer – we cannot fault their desire or efforts. There are seven games to go and we need one big final push. It’s about everyone working together on and off the pitch.
“This is such a competitive League with so many good teams and experienced players involved. I know from playing in it this season how tough every game is regardless of whether you are up against opponents from the top end of the table or those towards the bottom.
“There was a real buzz around the changing room on Saturday. Everyone wants to be there and be part of it, fighting for each other and getting this club moving in the right direction. We now have to take this into Tuesday’s game and make sure that we can add to our points tally.
“Of course there is pressure, but’s that’s why we play football. I’d also like to give a special shout-out to Mark, Rich and Saj, who have supported us with the warm ups. There are so many unsung heroes behind-the-scenes who also deserve recognition.”
Meanwhile, Troy Perez-Duah, chose the perfect time to bag his first-ever hat-trick at the weekend.
“It was great to be able to help the team get an important win by contributing with a hat-trick,” he told us. “It’s the first time in my career that I’ve done it, but as the game went on, I thought it wouldn’t happen as after getting my second goal, I started seeing my efforts hit the post or being saved or blocked.
“Thankfully the third came right at the end and it also took me into double figures for the season, which is great.
“It was a very disciplined performance from the boys, which required 100% focus throughout. We got ourselves into a two-goal lead but they were able to pull one back right on half-time and it gave them a bit of momentum to take into the second half, but we were able to keep them at bay and then put the game to bed.
“We’ve displayed so much heart and determination over these past two games; everyone has stepped up and played their part. The togetherness that we have here gives us hope that we can continue this positive run.
“As a group we’re looking forward to the run-in. There have been ups and downs over the course of the whole season and I am sure that this will continue during these final weeks. Our focus is on looking up the table.
“This is my first time in this division and it’s been a tough challenge. We’ve not been far off in a lot of our games; we’ve not put the ball on the net often enough and that has been the difference most of the time.
“But we can’t change what has already gone and our focus now is firmly fixed on making sure that we get enough points to stay up. Everyone is on the same page and determined to get the job done.”
IMAGE: @jamesbrown333
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