Another tough week on the pitch for our men’s team as we struggle to continue with the results that have put us in the thick of the promotion mix. However, this is not the time to panic. Now is the time to show resolve, pull together and get back on track for the final few weeks of the season to get us in a position to make the play-offs, reset and go all out for the ultimate glory.

Last Saturday we got off to a slow start against a very good Poole Town side, who themselves are looking good for a play-off spot. We found ourselves two goals down early on, but showed great character to battle back, including scoring a penalty, to finish the game 3-3. All in all, a good point on the road. Tuesday night was less rewarding as we went down 1-2 at home to Merthyr Town. That means we have picked up just two points from our last possible fifteen. Far from ideal, but it does highlight what a good position we had got ourselves into, and if we can get back to that form, we are still in a good position to qualify for the play-offs.

Although there is snow falling outside of my window as I write this, I am very hopeful that tomorrow’s game at home to Hanwell Town will go ahead with a 3.00pm kick-off. Finally we have a relatively local game so the travel for our visitors is considerably less, which gives us a bit more time to make the final decision, but all being well I hope to see many of you at The Meadow tomorrow (Saturday), I know the players and management appreciate your support.

The other challenge at this time of year is that, even when games do go ahead, we are often playing on heavy pitches that are not best for player well-being. Indeed it is fair to say that our Physio Matty has been the busiest person in the dressing room this week, dealing with our injury list. So bad is it that we were only able to name two fit substitutes for the game on Tuesday night.

On a positive I am pleased to confirm that we have agreed for the return of defender Matt Ridley for the remainder of the season. Matt was a key part of the team in the early part of the season, bringing much stability and experience which gave other players around him the freedom to play. We are delighted to have Matt back, and look forward to seeing him in the Chesham colours again.

One of the games Matt would have been involved in was the original league game against Merthyr back in September. You may recall that this was the match that got abandoned due to the injury of Jake Peck. That game gives you a good indication of the difference between playing a home match on a Saturday compared to a Tuesday night. For the original Merthyr game on a Saturday we had a crowd of 509 with bar takings in excess of £2,200. For the re-arranged game on Tuesday night the crowd was down to 328 and the bar took less than £1,000. We do obviously budget our monthly forecasts by looking at the fixture arrangements, but this does highlight why we are so determined to play Hanwell Town tomorrow rather than have to re-arrange the game for a Tuesday night later in the season…even if that might mean we had more fit players!

Off the field we are already having to plan for next season and the commercial team is busy renewing advertising boards and sponsorship packages with our fantastic supporting local businesses. If you would like to find out more about the sponsorship opportunities available, please get in touch with the commercial team via commercial@cheshamunited.co.uk.

I am also pleased to confirm that we have had discussions and agreed terms for Aylesbury United to remain at The Meadow for next season. As I have said many times in the past, we would all love to see our neighbours, and rivals, return back to Aylesbury, and we wish them well in that pursuit, but until that comes to fruition, we are delighted to be able to host them here at Chesham. After all, we know how hard it is to find the right plot of land and get planning permission nowadays!

After the successful Race Night last month we are also determined to put together a calendar of social events that will have a wide appeal to all supporters and the wider community. With details to be announced very soon, our very own Alex Horne will be organising a Comedy Charity Football Match with a difference on Saturday 13th May, we are in the planning stages of a Sportsman’s Dinner and of course we have our charity choir event coming up in June when we welcome the magnificent Treorchy Male Voice Choir to Chesham and St Mary’s Church for a fantastic event of culture, and in support of our Club Charity ‘Buckinghamshire Mind’.

I hope to see you at The Meadow tomorrow. Earlier in the year we travelled to Hanwell and suffered a defeat, conceding two very late goals in a very tough match. There are no easy games in this league, and it feel like anyone can beat anyone on the day, which is why it is so important that we get on a winning run between now and the end of the season, and then who knows what might happen?

Thank you as always for your support

Peter Brown, Chairman