Flackwell Heath may have found the spark that they were looking for with the recent arrival of Juwon Akintunde.
He has already weighed in with a couple of goals, including a strike in Tuesday’s commanding 3-0 victory at Milton Keynes Irish, their third success from their last four games as they steadily climb the Pitching In Southern League Division One Central table following a stuttering start.
“I’ve settled in really well so far,” he told us. “Everyone at the club has been so welcoming and we have a group here, which has made it easy for me to slot in.
“I had a bit of a bump in the road with a red card a few games in, but I’ve been pleased to score in each of our last two games as we won both of them.
“I’ve been happy with the way that my performance levels have improved and I’m looking to continue building on that with so many games coming up and a chance for us to keep pushing up the table.
“We got a good win on Tuesday. It was an important three points as MK Irish are around us in the table. We started the game sharply and on the front-foot and even when our hosts grew into the game, we were resolute to ride it out, which is a good sign.
“Getting a goal just before half-time set us on our way and gave us a big boost for the second half, where we were able to nullify their threats and adjust how we played in and out of possession.
“I was able to get our second goal early in that second period and it helped to settle us down and gave us the confidence to play our game and see it through in what was a solid away team performance.
“The games are coming around quickly now and we’re looking forward to a busy schedule as it gives us a chance to really build on our recent form and get some momentum. This is a competitive League and nothing is guaranteed, but we have belief to take into what are tough games.
“At this level, you have to work hard for every point that you earn. If you’re not at your game, you will get punished, it’s as simple as that. It’s imperative that we stay focussed at all times in order to give ourselves the best possible chance.
“We want to be in and around the play-off positions over the second half of the campaign and there’s no reason why we can’t achieve this. I want to continue making a contribution, be it with goals or assists.”
Akintunde cut his football teeth within the schoolboy ranks of both Queens Park Rangers and then Brentford.
He actually had a spell with the Flackwell Heath U18s after recovering from a broken leg before going on to Maidenhead United and then a spell in America where he played college soccer at the NCAA D2 level for four years, winning a Conference title.
After graduating, he played two seasons in the USL 2 before moving back home at the age of 23 and embarking upon a journey that has taken in the likes of Aylesbury United, Uxbridge FC, Northwood, Royston Town, Tilbury and now Flackwell Heath.
It will be a tough test on the road at the weekend as they head to Hitchin Town.
IMAGE: Flackwell Heath 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