It’s already been Alfie Warman’s best-ever season in senior football and it could get even better during the days that lie ahead.
Warman has helped Barton Rovers recover from a slow start to the campaign to finish fourth in the Pitching In Southern League Division One Central table and now a trip to a Flackwell Heath outfit who finished six points above them awaits on Wednesday evening in the play-off semi-final.
“We’re buzzing to be part of the play-offs,” he told us. “It’s been a fantastic season; this is what we have been working towards over the past couple of years.
“It’ll be my first experience of play-off football and I’m really looking forward to it. As a player, you want to be involved in big games and pushing for promotion at this stage of the season, so it’s exciting for all of us.
“We face a really tough game; credit to Flackwell Heath because they have come into this League and had a fantastic season. They are a good side, but, of course, we believe that we can go there and win. Both teams will know that they have been in a game and I’m expecting a hard-fought contest,
“This season has been so enjoyable; it’s been my best ever in senior football. I’ve enjoyed every second of it and taken it all in my stride.
“It’s a privilege to be in this changing room. We’ve got a special group of players and management with a strong, organic bond. Even through the difficult times at the start of the season, we stuck together and never lost belief in each other.
“Now we have the opportunity to show what we can really do on this stage; this is an honest group and we’ve worked hard to get to where we are.
“I’m 24 years of age and you never stop wanting to learn and improve. To have over 20 goals and assists to my name from all competitions is pleasing and I will embrace this new experience and give everything I’ve got to add to what has been a successful season.
“The standard of Division One Central has raised this year. Real Bedford are a top side and ran away with it, but beyond that, it’s been extremely competitive with the points threshold to get into the play-offs higher this year than previously.
“That shows you the calibre of the League. You have to work hard to earn every point and for us to finish on 77 points is a real achievement.”
Wednesday evening’s play-off semi-final fixtures are, as follows:
Premier South: AFC Totton v Dorchester Town | Walton & Hersham v Gloucester City
Premier Central: Kettering Town v Harborough Town | AFC Telford United v Halesowen Town
Division One South: Evesham United v Exmouth Town | Bishops Cleeve v Malvern Town
Division One Central: Berkhamsted v Hadley | Flackwell Heath v Barton Rovers
IMAGE: Barton Rovers FC
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