Alfie Warman couldn’t have written the script better for his 100th appearance for Barton Rovers.
A commanding 3-0 derby day away win at AFC Dunstable, his name on the scoresheet and another three points to leave the club just outside the top five in the Pitching In Southern League Division One Central.
“First and foremost, it’s always important to win derby games and we did that,” Warman told us. “We started the game strongly and picked up from where we left off in our last game.
“We were aggressive and on the front-foot to get a couple of early goals. Our hosts came into it a bit more after the break, so we had to adjust, but we were able to see the game out well to get another big win.
“I was delighted to score; goals are always special, so to score and win on my 100th appearance was very pleasing.
“We’ve had a solid start to the season and are in a positive position within the leading pack. It’s a group with a lot of new additions, as well as a new manager and we are growing week on week.
“At our best we have been brilliant and we want to show that more. We’ve had some tough games but now we feel it’s time to build some momentum and go on a run where we win games of football.
“Personally I’ve played lots of football and I’m enjoying a good run of form. I want to be able to contribute at the top of the pitch, as I have done so far, but I am hungry for more.
“Division One Central is very open this season. There’s a lot of teams that will want to be amongst the top five come April and so far we’ve played some good teams. It’s been an interesting start and it’s hard to say how it’s going to unfold.”
As a popular figure both on and off the pitch, Warman has built up a strong affiliation with the club over the years.
“I’ve always been very open about how special the club is,” he added. “It’s an honest club, with proper non-League heritage and very good people involved.
“I played here as a youth player and had to go away and work hard, but my path led me back here and I’ve loved my time at the club since returning as a first team player and feel proud to have gone full circle and played 100 senior games.”
So, what are the aim and targets for the season?
“We know where we want to be,” he added. “We got to the play-offs last year and had a good season. Robbo [manager, Chris Robson] has come in and is challenging us to be better. As I said, week by week we are improving and are taking it game by game, but we believe we can amongst it again this season.
“Personally I am always desperate to improve. I had a good season last year but want to make this campaign even better with more goals and assists as well as improving my all-round game to help the team.
“Having been here for a little while now I feel a sense of responsibility to be a leader and help the group reach their potential.
“I’m working hard on and off the pitch and want to see that continue to pay off.”
IMAGE: @pitchsidealfie
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