Hornets players buzzing after watershed season

A year ago Hornets finished second from bottom of the ADL in the 3rd division with a meagre 10 point tally. The new 2021/22 season brought fresh hope, some new players, a new home pitch and training venue and a management team with a vision for the future.

Hornets more than doubled their points tally from last season

The result was (despite the 2nd div and 3rd div of the league combining to create and overall stronger league of teams) Hornets, finished with 25 points, more than double their tally from last season and 10 points ahead of the team below them. They had been competitive all season even against the top teams Hornets showed they were playing a new brand of possession football and had the players to back it up. Notable results were 2 draws with Stone who finished 3rd in the league with 55pts and Hornets lost narrowly 2-1 to Aylesbury Vale winners of the league at a canter with 67pts.

New players, new ground, new positive attitude

Hornets had attracted some new young players, who proved to be a revelation and some seasoned older players who added nous and quality to a previously tactically naive team. The likes of young Alex, Ferrari and Saul not only impressed in a new team but played in new positions and their speed and intelligence proved invaluable. Harry our youngest player, started the season like a train and looks to be definitely ‘one to watch’ for the future. Mo played a few quality cameo roles but like Cam his child care arrangements didn’t extend to saturday afternoons, so his availability was limited. Buntzy, Deja, Zulf, Panash and Kieren had limited opportunities but were staunch supporters of the team and showed real character when the chips were down. (Carlton appeared at training but mysteriously vanished during the season, although he does manage a charter airline company, so perhaps he disappeared behind clouds?) James D started well but then decided to move on in search of more playing time.

Captain Dayle’s defensive partner seemed to change weekly with Enos, Mark, Tom and Sniper all having stints at centre back. But Capt Dayle was a consistent and solid performer and despite his questionable fashion sense managed to be a boon for the team every match with his speed and tenacious tackling . He even chipped in with a headed goal (although it has been said he had his eyes closed as it hit him on the back of the bonce and went in!)

Lewis was also a consistent performer. As goalkeeper it’s easy to be the hero or villain with one mistake but Lewis overcame an initial lack of confidence early season to feature strongly, with some incredible reflex saves.

In midfield the addition of Baz, Clem and Craig with Aaron, Jake, Ben and Saul bolstered the Hornets midfield into a formidable unit. Against Stoke Mandeville at home the opposition were completely taken aback by Hornets passing moves and quality on the ball and left at full time scratching their heads as to how they could have been outclassed by a team they beat so easily last season. Aaron became the midfield architect weaving passes out wide and encouraging Baz and Clem to get forward and reak havoc. Craig whilst only available bi-weekly has been a powerhouse from midfield providing an additional goal threat and proving a potent ball winner. Ben C limited by Covid, made less appearances than his talents warranted but as his fitness returned he began to feature and make valuable contributions both on and off field.

Baz & Clem’s composure on the ball and ability to see a pass and Craigs speed and direct play made life much easier for the attacking players in the team. Simba and Saul created havoc wide on the right and Nathan, Ben C and Sniper were getting much more service up front. Simba was a great addition to the team with his speed and direct running before a groin injury reduced his appearances. Whilst the dynamic Josiah returned to the fold mid-season and began to contribute with his tidy passing and committed tackling.

Spud starred for the few games he was available and got a hat-full of goals in just 3 games…just how many would he have racked up had he been available all season!? Fortunately Ben, his brother stepped into the breach and played superbly as left wing-back until an unfortunate injury curtailed his season a great shame (and we all hope his ligament injury is improved and he is back up and running for the new season)

Memorable moments

There are a number of favourite moments/matches in which the team had some electric passing moves and some excellent goals. Spud produced a great individual finish at Berryfields, he also scored two hat tricks in subsequent games! Nathan and Sniper played well together and Robin’s return also sparked a new partnership between the three later in the season. Robin not taking long on his return to get on the score sheet. Sniper had some quality input too winning a number of MOM awards with his strong committed performances and some excellent goals particularly the nice headed goal away against Rivets in a 7-1 victory. Nathan had a stormer in a game at Halton (v Berryfields i think) , in which he scored two one of which was his trade mark ‘ninja flick’ from 6 yards out bamboozling the keeper.

Baz’s left foot volley sticks in the mind against Prestwood and Michael’s astonishing 30 yarder against Stoke Mandeville was one for the archives!

Another memorable moment was Uzi’s discussion with the young referee who wanted to dismiss him from the ground which Uzi didn’t take too favourably! It’s no wonder the league don’t ‘understand’ us!

My favourite game was towards the end of the season a 3-3 draw at Stone, which saw Dayle, Mark and Ferrari adapt their formation to deal with a threat from a speedy forward. I also enjoyed hugely the best team goal which, involved the ball being passed from front to back in about a dozen passes without the opposition touching it and resulting in a cross from Robin for Clem to volley home from 14 yards out. The following 30 yarder from Clem was also a class goal and had been coming from Clem who’s only other goal from range had been half way through the season courtesy of a deflection. Unfortunately they scored an equaliser at the death but it was a good reflection of just how far the team had progressed this season.

Can you get even fitter for next season?

Next season will be another test of Hornets hunger to improve…can collectively the team get fitter?Can they reduce mistakes? Increase the number of chances that end up in the back of the net? Can we recruit additional quality to improve the team? Can we be attentive at training to improve tactics and effectiveness? I think we have shown this season we have great potential and it was losing to teams in mid table which cost us. Teams which were eminently beatable but because of a lack of preparation or players not available, we didn’t take the points. The key period was straight after the Christmas break when it took players time to regain their sharpness after Covid issues and the usual Christmas indulgences. Next season players perhaps should look to Christmas as a time to improve their fitness and resolve to play even better in the new year!

Overall the season whilst not being without challenges, has been a successful one. With some outstanding individual performances and a much improved team dynamic. Uzi’s switch to play 3 at the back suited the Hornets personnel and training ground routines have gradually begun to surface in games. Consequently we can look forward to next season with optimism and perhaps target the ‘European’ places in the league!