Bostik Supporters Predictions 18/19: Basildon United

We asked supporters of our Bostik League clubs to preview the new season, reflect on the old and predict the final outcome. Their predicted 1-20 (or 22) will be worked into a final table which you will see just before the big kick off.

Andrew Buxton is buzzing to be back in the Bostik League with the bees!

1. What was your favourite moment of last season?

Getting promoted to the Bostik league from the Essex Senior League. In the last game of the season- and also the last minute of the game- up steps Marcus Bowers to score a wonderful freekick, send the crowd wild, and take the club back to big time after 27 years in the wilderness.

2. And your worst moment?

Losing 2 games on the trot in March. We lost 4-3 to Hullbridge and then lost 3-0 to Waltham Forest. I really think this was our low point of the season- and nearly dented our promotion challenge.

3. How will you do this season?

I will be really pleased with a top 10 finish, but will also be happy with a mid-table finish. I feel that Basildon Utd are a sleeping giant waiting to be woken again, but we need to build some strong foundations.

4. Which matches are you most looking forward to going to- and why?

I'm really looking forward to the Bowers & Pitsea and also the Canvey Island matches. Over the years there has been loads of rivalry between our clubs, and it will be good to see how far Basildon have come over the last 12 months.

5. What is your favourite away ground?

This is a difficult question, because I visited a lot of good grounds last season. Three stand out to me- Billericay, Aveley and Harlow. They all have excellent facilities, and it's something for non-league clubs to aspire too.

6. Who do you consider your biggest rivals- and why?

It's got to be Bowers & Pitsea. There is not a lot of love lost between us over the years, and the local derby matches have been right ding dong games and evenly matched, so looking forward to these fixtures again. The only big disappointment, however, is that it would have been nice to play this match on Boxing Day and that isn’t the case this time.

7. What advice would you give to any away supporter visiting you for the first time?

I think if you are coming by public transport, then you need to plan your journey. Otherwise Basildon Utd is a very friendly club.

8. Who is your favourite player of all time (for your club)- and why?

Now this is a very difficult question; there have been many good players over the years. In the 80s we had one of our best teams, with the likes of John Reeves, Jamie Reeves, Colin Russell, Bobby Page and Vince Cotter, so for then I would say Colin Russell as he was a fantastic midfielder. Into the 90s we had the likes of Steve Mead, Jocky Stewart, Cliff Moorecroft and Barry Rainbird, but I will go for Steve Mead because he was a fantastic goalkeeper. Now on to last year and the team was out of this world, we had Connor Wheatley, Darren Phillips, Ollie Spooner and Marcus Bowers. But it has to go to Marcus Bowers, because he scored 33 goals last year and his free kick got us back to the Bostik League.

9. Who will be in the top five at the end of the season?

Heybridge Swifts, Canvey Island, Bowers & Pitsea, AFC Sudbury, Dereham Town.