A relatively quiet week here at Chesham United HQ, and no First XI game to look forward to tomorrow due to our FA Cup exit that I would rather not think about again.
Last Saturday we made the long and difficult trip to Plymouth to play Truro City in far from the best circumstances in terms of injuries, player availability and travel logistics. In the end it felt as though we were scraping a team together to get out on the field, but despite another defeat, the effort and commitment of the players wearing the shirt last weekend could not be questioned. A big thank you to all players, supporters and officials who made the long journey, I hope, like me, you saw that there is a light at the end of the tunnel in terms of results on the pitch.
Unfortunately, that light did not appear on Tuesday as we hoped it might. Seriously, two years ago who would have believed you if you had said that you were going to have two seasons effectively cancelled due to a global pandemic and then, just as you think things are returning to normal, you have a match postponed due to a lack of fuel to get players to the game! You honestly could not script it.
Tuesday’s postponed match at Hendon could not be helped, it doesn’t matter how local matches are, as semi-professional football clubs there are players that travel from all around the area, particularly on midweek matches when they may be travelling from work, and with the quite unbelievable scenes of queues and closed garages, it just became impossible.
Undoubtedly whoever it was that came up with the non-story in the media about petrol shortages which led to the panic buying has a lot to answer for. Now I am not one to go telling tales, but I have heard that there is a high chance that there could be a shortage of non-league football this month, so to avoid withdrawal symptoms I strongly recommend that you get yourself along to The Meadow next Tuesday for our League Cup match against Beaconsfield Town, just in case!
I am delighted to confirm that we will be holding our hugely popular Fireworks Night again this year, at The Meadow on Friday 5th November. Full details and ticket information will be announced shortly but be sure to put the date in the diary and tell all your friends about it. With covered terraces, licensed bars and hot food on sale it really is one of the best displays around. Everyone missed out last year, we are determined to make up for it with an excellent event this year.
Our Academy team were in action again this week, going down 2-1 at Yate Town, a good run out for the side and all part of the learning programme. I am also delighted to get regular updates from all the youth sides that represent the club each weekend, so many coaches and parents give up a huge amount of time to give the kids some fun, exercise and skill development.
Talking of which, if you are looking for something to entertain the kids over the half term break (and they are too young to appreciate the excellent new James Bond film), then look out for details of the Half Term Football Camp for ages Under 6 – Under 12s at just £15 per day or £40 for a week. Run by Football Focused Excellence, designed to act as top up sessions for young players to go alongside their training and matches with their football clubs. The purpose is to develop players of all abilities both technically and tactically in a fun and exciting environment. Session are conducted by UEFA qualified coaches in small groups with a specific theme to each session. The aim is to improve all players that attend the sessions. For more details visit: www.football-focused-excellence.com.
Thank you for your support, enjoy your weekend, and I hope to see you on Tuesday evening back at The Meadow.
Stay safe
