No midweek game this week, which was probably just as well as I think we all needed a bit of time to get over the hugely disappointing 1-4 defeat at home to Truro City last Saturday. There have not been many occasions in recent years when we have witnessed what we can only call a poor performance. We just did not look like Chesham United on the field and I know the players and management have been working incredibly hard in preparation for the next game and putting that defeat behind us. I guess we have been spoilt in recent years and are not used to that feeling of disappointment, but we move on.
Things do not get any easier, tomorrow we travel to title-chasing Worthing. Not only are they in great form, but they will also be determined to revenge a defeat they suffered in the league game at The Meadow earlier in the season. A result they were not happy about. It will have done us good to have had a week without a fixture to allow more time on the training pitch for what will be a tough and entertaining match on the south coast. There will be a large and passionate home crowd at this game, if you are looking for a day out tomorrow, please do come along and give the team your support, I know lots of supporters are travelling down via trains and by car (note. if you driving, the M25 is closed between J11 and J10, so please check your route & timings before travelling to avoid delays or missing kick off)
Our Under 18’s side were very busy this week, doing the club shirt proud as on Monday night they defeated Burnham 4-1 in the youth county cup semi-final, earning them a clash against Beaconsfield at Windsor on Thursday night. In an exciting high-quality final, neither goalkeeper was beaten until the final went to a penalty shoot-out, which Beaconsfield ultimately won. Congratulations to Beaconsfield on their victory, but what a brilliant crop of youngsters we had playing for us, some of whom have played 3 games this midweek, they should all be very proud of themselves, as a club we are very proud of them.
The women’s 1st team were on the road last weekend in Suffolk as they took on AFC Sudbury. Despite a strong and competitive first half Chesham’s weekend continued to be gloomy with a 5-1 loss. They go again this weekend as Dulwich Hamlet visit The Meadow on Sunday at 2pm. Congratulations also to Gemma Fraser who scored her 250th competitive goal at the weekend. It’s quite some feat and I know Andy and Giles are working through the stats so we can etch the achievement formally into CUFC history.
We have this week agreed a ground-sharing arrangement once again for Aylesbury United for another season. We of course would love to see The Ducks return to their home town and one day I do hope that they are able to do just that to make it much easier for their supporters, but on the meantime we are delighted to be able to off our facilities to our neighbours. I know a number of Chesham fans also enjoy popping down to games when we have away matches.
We are also working very hard on preparing for next season, and you will have no doubt seen on social media that we have secured the signings of both Connor Stevens and Callum Adebiyi on new contracts to the end of the 2025/26 season. I personally consider them as massive signings that give us the strength in defence we know that we need, and I am confident that this is just the beginning of us putting together a very strong team for next season that can build on our first season in the National League South. I know we cannot be complacent, and it is imperative we pick up more points to secure our place in the league and not get dragged into the relegation mix, but I have every confidence that will not happen.
Elsewhere the team behind the scenes are busily putting plans together for the third meeting between Chicken City and Egg United in Alex Horne’s Comedy Football Trophy, which this year will take place on Saturday 10th May at 3.00pm. Keep an eye out for details of tickets. Likewise we will soon have tickets on sale for the Treorchy Male Choir who will once again be coming to Chesham to raise funds for Bucks Mind Mental Health Charity – put the date in your diary, Saturday 7th June 6.30pm at the Broadway Baptist Church, Chesham.
As always, thank you for your support, it is always appreciated and never taken for granted.
Peter Brown
