Our season started on a crisp September Saturday away at Old Suttonians. We were brimming with optimism, following a 3rd place finish in 2022/23 and strong transfer window to boot. The season opener was going to plan, goals from debutant max and resident sick note, Tom Hill, putting us 2-1 up.

The games conclusion was the sign of things to come however. A (well deserved) sin bin for Sam Holland saw us defending a barrage of attack as sutts as they searched for an equalizer. Despite our resistance, we were left stunned by a last second header from their goalkeeper to make it 2-2.

After the dramatic events of the opening game, last minute defeats followed against rob Roy reds and econmicals, with a 3-2 loss to glyn leaving our promotion dreams replaced by relegation nightmares. Football, once so simple, had become inexplicably difficult.

However, there were glimmers of hope and evidence that we were, as the whole dressing room was saying, 'too good to go down'. Strong cup performances were delivered, showing goals, fight and grit in abundance.

Looking back, Decembers double header vs HAC was the turning point in our season. A 2-0 defeat in mooragte was followed by the annual Christmas outing. The setting - an overdue trip to the working man's club for some much needed merrineess and team bonding. The 'piss up" was alive and kicking with jeany in a bottle becoming a instant hit.

With our livers tested and morale boosted, HAC visited Trinity fields the following Saturday. With high tension in the air and three points desparatley needed, self-proclaimed club legend, Jack Rogerson, took the managerial reigns while still finding a spot at 10. His rousing team talk transformed us, blitzing HAC in a 4-1 victory.

The illusive confidence has returned. Smiles were back and a run of 10 points from 15 put any fears of relegation behind us.

My personal moment of the season followed against top of the league old hamptonians. What looked a tricky task on paper, losing the first game 7-3 and with JP on holiday against his old team, was made more difficult when your mums favourite goalkeeper and fines master chetters was missing during the warm up.

It was of no great concern at that point. Chetters relishes lateness and likes to think about a game as late as possible, during his customary sausage sandwich and lime bike to the ground.

Then, in a phone call to Sam Holland, 5 minutes before kick off chetters could be heard manically explaining he has driven to the wrong address. He was in wilseden north London and hours drive away.

Our Savior was boony however, who donned the gloves and delivered an unflappable performance that saw us 2-0 up at the break. Chetters arrived panting at half time and repayed his debt, making a few worldie saves in a 3-1 win.

In reflection, it was undeniably a season of two halves. In the league, we took one point from our first seven games but recovered strongly with 17 from our last 9. We lost five games by a single goal and learnt that remaining positive with our play is central to getting over the line in tight gamea. There is much to be positive about over the summer.

Regardless of results, it is a joy to be part of this team and club. It is about community and camaraderie, from fines, roasting all fashion choices, celebrating the teams news arrivals and raising a well earned hotdog smothered in ketchup and mustard. Let's hope for more of those next season.