What a winter season for these boys and our little village team who from our core 11 players 9 have been with us since they started out at 6 years old.

After a mixed pre-season we got off to a flyer in October by beating reigning champions Gedling 3-2, another win then followed where we refused to be beaten coming back from 2 goals down against DLFC Red to win 3-2. We finished October sitting proudly at the top of the table also winning the club team of the month.

The team of the month curse hit hard though in November, 1st a narrow and unlucky 1-0 defeat against eventual champions DLFC Onyx followed by a very unlucky narrow 2-1 defeat to RHP Colts.

December faired better however as we closed our season with a dominant 6-2 win against Berry Hill leaving us in 2nd place but needing Gedling to drop points in their game in hand against Berry Hill. Anything but a win for them would secure us 2nd place.

After a call off through bad weather the game was eventually played and our neighbours Berry Hill managed to secure a 3-1 win to secure us runners up!

The boys have all been magnificent:

Jesse overcame some injury issues to be a rock in goal for us, I just love how confident he can be to play the ball out from the back for us.

Sam came in as stand in keeper for a couple of games and even had a man of the match performance in the win v Gedling.

Oz has been dependable as ever in defence but I have loved watching him develop into a really good, confident passer of the ball.

Josh has largely settled into a defensive position in addition to midfield where his fearless tacking has stood him well. It hasn’t gone unnoticed though his busting runs forward and how comfortable he has become with the ball at his feet. Another one who never stops.

Henry has been magnificent driving us on when we needed it with his work rate proving invaluable in both attacking and defending areas.

Ernie has offered us the combative player we needed in midfield but also possessed the cool head with the ball at his feet to spray the passes around.

Archie has been his usual fearless in the tackle bundle of energy who never stops running or shirks a tackle. A particular moment of note when he bust a gut to clear a shot of the line against DLFC Red in what would have cost us 2 points had it gone in. Contributions like that win trophies.

Emmanuel has offered high energy and work rate with blend of skill and a rocket of a shot. Ever reliable to put the work in and inspire his team when we need that moment.

Isaac has been very much the attacking focal point for the team to play off of, his strength and ability to hold the ball then slip wide players in behind the defence has become a crucial part of how we play. Not to forget the free kick he bent into the top corner for the winner against Gedling.

Which brings me onto the additions that helped us to the next level.

First the returning Theo, great to have him back as part of the squad again, we really missed him (and his family) on and off the pitch. His silky skills and quality left foot have punished teams this season on many occasions.

New to the squad Noah has given us some excellent defensive displays, nothing beats this kid. Not only that he can also play football too given the encouragement.

Finally our second new addition Jett who has given us that bit of energy and quality across the midfield. Not only do we see him flying in for tackles but also his ability to drive forward with the ball followed by a well struck shot.

And the last part of the jigsaw some really supportive parents who are always on hand to offer their support and help.

Dave, Kat and myself never really aimed for this when we started out, we have really worked our way up as a team, we are so happy to play a part in bringing this all together.

We might never do this again, or maybe we will go one better, nevertheless cherish the memories!