The stats don’t lie. Eight goal contributions from the nine games since he re-joined the club at the end of October represents a good run of form for Lee Stobbs.
With 400 games to his name at Steps 4 and 5, the versatile right-sided player has been a welcome addition to Paul Batchelor’s team at Aylesbury United both on and off the field, playing his part in a run of form that has seen them win four of their last five Pitching In Southern League Division One Central encounters.
Stobbs was heavily involved in their latest success, adding another assist to his tally, as MK Irish were beaten 2-0 on Saturday.
“It was a really important win,” he told us. “These games in and around Christmas can be a bit sticky if your mind set isn’t right, but the boys were focused on continuing our good form.
“First half, we struggled to take chances in the final third but we turned it up a level after the break.
“MK Irish are always a tricky team to play against; they are always well-organised and hard-working, but I think we matched them and had decisive moments which made the difference.
“I’m enjoying being back at the club. When you’re part of a good group, you want to be around them more, especially at this time of the year. It’s a good chance to end the year well but, as I said before, these games are easy to switch off from because you’re thinking about Christmas, so it’s important the squad stays on it mentally and prepares properly for the challenges that lie ahead.
“I’m really pleased with how things have gone since I returned to the club but, truthfully, I’m trying not to think about it too much as I just want to keep helping the team get results and pull away from that pack at the bottom of the table.
“I want to try and impact every game I am involved in, whether that’s a goal or assists and on that basis, it’s been a positive start and I am very thankful to the Gaffer for the opportunity to find form here.
“This is a tough League. Without being cliché, anyone can beat anyone on their day, and you never know what you’ll get with lots of players moving around all the time, but you just have to stay focused on yourselves and what you’re good at.
“It’s a competitive level and the teams at the top are pulling away a little bit, but we’ll try to compete whoever we play.”
So, as we look ahead to the New Year, what are his aims and targets?
“First and foremost, as a group we want to pull ourselves up the table and away from the fight at the bottom, so maintaining form is the first aim.
“The Gaffer sets us mini targets every few games to get a certain amount of points from them, so that keeps us on the task. The boys are working hard to get us into the top half, which would be the ultimate target considering where we were earlier on in this season.
“It’s where the club deserves to be and I will be doing all I can to play my part in helping us get there.”
The festive fixtures bring an away trip to Flackwell Heath on Saturday before 2026 gets underway at home to Thame United.
IMAGE: Aylesbury United FC
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