On Bank Holiday Monday we had a bumper crowd at The Meadow for the visit of Hampton & Richmond Borough, a game that we feel we could, or should, have won, losing out to a late goal deep in injury-time. Football can be cruel at times, and this was certainly one of those occasions. But it was also a reminder that we can compete in this league and there will be fine margins over the coming months that dictate our final points tally.

We also travelled to Tonbridge Angels on the Saturday and came away with a well-earned point in a 0-0 draw. It may not have been a classic for the neutral, but for those that were there you will know it was a fiercely competitive contest, one where every player had to work hard for the badge and make sure we came home with something. In this league, points on the road are always valuable, and I think that clean sheet will give us plenty of encouragement moving forward.

Looking at the bigger picture, I still believe we have had an excellent start to the season. The National League South is unforgiving – you never quite know where the next win is going to come from – but equally we should not fear anyone. We have shown already that we are more than capable of taking on sides that many might consider favourites, and I have no doubt we will continue to prove that. The important thing is that we approach every single match with professionalism and determination. There are no easy games, and there is no room for complacency, but there is every reason to be optimistic about what lies ahead.

This Saturday we are back on the road with a trip to Chelmsford City, another tough test but one that we should look forward to. I know that once again we will see a strong travelling contingent of Chesham supporters making the journey, and I cannot stress enough how much that means to the players. The vocal support at away matches really does make a difference. When the legs are tired late on in games, hearing your backing gives the players that extra push. It has been noticeable this season just how good our support has been both home and away, and I want to take this opportunity to thank you on behalf of the squad. Hopefully we can repay that faith with another positive result on Saturday.

Away from the pitch, I am very pleased to be able to share some good news for those that enjoy their football in more ways than one. We now have Sky Sports installed in The Chess Suite clubhouse. This has been a significant investment for the club, but we feel it is important to keep supporters coming to the club not just on matchdays, but throughout the week as well. From now on we will be showing all the live football action, including the popular Monday night fixtures, when we will also be running a happy hour in the bar from 7.00pm. On Saturdays and Sundays there will be a happy hour starting at noon, giving you even more reason to come along, meet friends, enjoy the facilities and spend some time at your club. I genuinely believe that our bar already offers some of the best prices you will find anywhere locally, and with the addition of Sky Sports and the happy hours, it really does give you great value in a welcoming environment. I hope to see many of you taking advantage of it.

Turning to our women’s teams, last weekend saw the First Team head to Dulwich Hamlet where, despite a strong performance, they were beaten 2-0. This is very much a new-look squad this season and I am delighted that we have recently been able to confirm the return of Tottenham U19 goalkeeper Erin Radbourne on a dual registration – a fantastic addition. This Sunday sees a very important game at home to AFC Sudbury, who currently sit just below us in the table. Kick-off is 2.00pm at The Meadow and it would be brilliant to see a good crowd there to get behind the players. Our Development Team are also getting their campaign underway this weekend as they host Penn & Tylers Green at Chiltern Hills Academy. Best of luck to both sides.

I also want to shine a light on some great news from our youth pathway. Last season’s under-18 girls rounded off their youth careers in style, finishing third in Division 1 of the Hertfordshire Girls Football Partnership League and enjoying a good run in the County Cup. Many of that squad are now moving on to the next stage of their lives, and two of them, striker Amelia Franklin and midfielder Grace Kennedy, have taken a huge leap by becoming student athletes in the USA. Amelia has joined Northwest College in Wyoming while Grace is at St Clair College in Michigan, both combining their academic studies with playing competitive football. It is an incredible opportunity for them and a real credit to the coaching and support they received here at Chesham. Both players spoke warmly about their time in claret and blue, and it is wonderful to know that the pathway here is helping young footballers fulfil their ambitions, whether that is here in the UK or further afield. There is plenty happening across the club, on and off the pitch, and while there will always be highs and lows along the way, I firmly believe we are heading in the right direction.

Thank you all once again for your outstanding support – I hope to see plenty of you at Chelmsford this weekend and back at The Meadow on Sunday afternoon cheering on our women’s side.

Peter Brown