THE season ended, in relative terms, reasonably successfully, winning the Torridge Cup and attaining a place fifth from bottom of the league, four places better than last season. At times this looked unlikely but a late improvement saw the team claw its way to an acceptable position all things considered, writes Alistair Clements.

The problems stemmed largely from the appalling start with only 3 points having been achieved by the middle of November. There was certainly an attitude problem amongst certain players at that time, but they were shipped out and their replacements showed commendable zeal. Once they got used to playing with one another the situation improved.

In the interim though, low confidence caused some bad defeats, especially the double figure hammering at Saltash. Many a club at this stage would have replaced its management team, the committee's view was that this rarely had a beneficial effect, often being counterproductive, and thus the managers were told that their positions were safe. This helped confidence and slowly but surely the results picked up and the points total edged towards safety.

The Saltash result was the low point but the game at home to newly crowned champions Bodmin Town was the high. The full Bodmin squad was given the run around by Holsworthy's youngsters, who provided an exhilarating performance.

Not far behind was the Cup game away at higher league Bideford whose supporters went to see lambs to the slaughter. They were suitably embarrassed as Bideford, with at least eight first team players, were well beaten.

The Future

Most supporters are quietly confident about next season, the players have gelled, they are now reasonably experienced and with a decent start should be well capable of at least a comfortable mid-table position. The youngsters are coming through and able to gain experience, and probably only two or three new squad members are needed to give strength in depth rather than to displace existing players.

Almost everyone agrees that a big, ugly, good in the air, experienced 'centre forward' is needed to harass defenders, thus creating chances for the smaller Lee Morgan and Levi Landricombe, who prefers to lie deep rather than in the thick of the six yard box (his goal tally this season with chipped goals over the opposition goalkeeper from distance proves the point), and for an experienced midfield player who can hold the ball, slow matters down, look up, assess the alternatives and generally marshall the troops, giving freer rein to the attacking midfielders to make the positive movements. With these the side could prove to be the surprise package next season.

At the annual dinner in a few weeks time the player of the season gong will be awarded. There are a lot of contenders and there is not a player in the present squad who cannot stake a claim. It will be interesting to see what happens.

Part two of this resume will follow, hopefully of interest to both present and possible supporters. Anyone attending will be greeted with friendliness; come to a game next season and see what you think. Everyone is welcome and it only costs £4.