Last Saturday’s win over Torquay really was something special. A great crowd, a superb atmosphere, and a performance to match. The players gave absolutely everything and got their reward with a memorable 1-0 victory. It’s one of those results that really shows how far we’ve come as a club, the confidence, the togetherness and the belief running right through the squad.
On Tuesday night we were back at The Meadow to face another excellent side in Worthing, and what a game of football it was. High tempo, end to end, and full of quality. We eventually lost 1-2, but I couldn’t be prouder of the effort from our players. To come up against another full-time side so soon after Saturday, the lads were understandably tired, but they dug deep and gave everything. We pushed hard for an equaliser late on, their keeper pulled off some fine saves, and I genuinely felt we deserved a point. The reaction from supporters at full-time said it all, real appreciation for a team that never stopped trying.
There’s no let-up though. Tomorrow we head to Eastbourne Borough, another full-time outfit, and although they may be sitting lower in the table than expected, don’t be fooled, this will be another very tough test against a side who has just attracted a manager from the league above and last year’s FA Trophy winners. I hope to see plenty of you making the trip down to the seaside to get behind the team. It’s always a good away day and your backing makes such a difference.
Off the pitch, it’s been one of those weeks of juggling problems and finding solutions! First the washing machine gave up the ghost, we looked at repair options, but in the end it was cheaper to buy a new one. I did my best to support a local supplier, tried several times to make contact, but after getting no reply I ended up buying through Facebook Marketplace. Not ideal, but at least we’ve got clean kit again!
A big thank you though to Amersham Glass, who came to our rescue to fix the clubhouse doors after a replacement of the internal lock box had been installed. They rehung the doors so that they are now fully secure at no charge to us. It was a very kind gesture and another reminder of the wonderful community spirit we’re lucky to have around Chesham. On top of that, the showers and boiler system decided to play up as well. We put a call out on social media and a plumber kindly came in to take a look. It looks like we’ll be facing a sizeable bill to get everything back to full working order, but that’s part and parcel of running a club like ours. We must give our players hot showers after the game.
Looking ahead, Fireworks Night on 7th November is fast approaching. We’ve been out this week putting posters and boards up around the town and the excitement is really building. It’s always one of the highlights of the year, a great family evening, and tickets are selling well online, you can buy yours now via the club website (click the banner at the top of this page). However, I have to say I was absolutely appalled by the foul and abusive tirade one of our volunteers received from a local business while putting up posters. There is simply no excuse for that kind of disgusting language and behaviour. Our volunteers give up their time for the good of the community, and they deserve respect and gratitude, not abuse.
On the player front, some encouraging news. Alex Lafleur has undergone his surgery, a small procedure, and Alex is already talking about getting back into training next week to start working with the physio. Lewis Rolfe has had another setback with his calf but is also working closely with physio, Matty, to regain full fitness. And young Will St Clair-Burton, just 18 years old, has gone out on loan to Royston Town in Step 3 for a month, to get some valuable game time. He’s a real talent and this spell will be a great experience for his development and for us when he returns sharper and stronger.
On a sour note, a reminder that we (& the police) take football ground rules very seriously and we received this week the new that following prosecution by Thames Valley, a Salisbury supporter who invaded the pitch last season when they equalised late on, has been fined, with costs and a victim surcharge levied, and been given a 3 year Football Banning Order for his act. We know, that our supporters do not on the whole act in this way but let that be a strong reminder to all that entering the field of play, as well as other offences like flares carry stiff penalties with the authorities. Do not let your life be ruined by one act of over-exuberance or what may seem like minor mischief.
Plenty going on, as always, but that’s what keeps this club ticking. Thank you, as ever, for your incredible support, home and away, online and in person. It really does make a difference. Have a great weekend and safe travels to those heading to Eastbourne.
Peter Brown
