Bostik Supporters Preview 17/18: Harlow Town

We asked a supporter from each of our member clubs to answer the same series of questions as part of our preview of the new season. We also asked them to predict how their particular division would finish, from one to 24- and their answers will be revealed in a collection of Supporters Prediction Tables to be released the day before the big kick off.

Here are the answers of Ian Barham, representing Harlow Town

1. What was your favourite moment of last season?

We had a great season, but the best moment was probably that first game back in the Premier Division. Since we'd been relegated in 2009 we'd got so close so many times, coming up short in the playoffs three times in six seasons. We finally did it at the fourth attempt though, and it just felt right to be back in the Premier Division. The atmosphere was brilliant all game and we nicked the win in the last minute of added time so it was the perfect return for us.

2. And what was the worst moment?

The worst moment was on a dreary Tuesday night away to Tilbury in the Essex Senior Cup. Just before half-time our goalkeeper Ed Thompson came out to clear the ball, and you could hear his knee go from across the other side of the pitch. It was one of those moments when you know it's serious straight away and you hate to see it happen to any player, yours or the opposition's. The worst game though was our FA Trophy 1st Round match at home to York. It was one of those ‘what if’ games where we had a load of chances in the first half, but couldn't score them and went on to lose 2-1. All part of being a supporter!

3. How will you do this season?

We went into last season looking to consolidate with a mid-table finish, and I hope and expect for the same again this year. We've kept most of the squad together from last year, but made some good additions in the form of experienced heads and some really promising new young players. If we can go into March and still be within shouting distance of the playoff places, as we were last season, I'd be delighted.

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

Enfield Town home and away. They've got a large and vocal support, and it creates a great atmosphere. At home last year they outplayed us on the pitch and out-sung us off it, so we need to rectify that on both counts!

5. What is your favourite away ground?

I was really pleased to see Brightlingsea Regent get promoted to our division, as I have a soft-spot for their ground. I don't even know why...it's not the biggest or most modern, but they have a good bunch of fans and their whole set-up is really good, so it's a fun, friendly day out. Just what non-league is about as far as I'm concerned. I'd say the same for Dereham, and I like Soham's ground too; I like going to both of those.

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

Our biggest rival is more of a historic one as we've not faced them for several years, and it's the one that got away from us this season. Our fans were gutted to find that after years of waiting to play at the same step as Bishop's Stortford again, the powers-that-be conspired against us to put them in the Southern League. The wait continues, but I suppose there's always the possibility of a cup match.

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

I'd say have a beer or two to loosen the vocal chords, head over to the Jack Chapman stand on the far side of the pitch, and stand at the opposite end to the Harlow fans. When there are two big sets of supporters both in good numbers and fine voice, there aren't many better places to be.

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

It's tough, as I think most Harlow fans would choose someone like Marc Salmon. He's our record goalscorer with 198 goals in just under 500 games, but as I only caught the tail end of his career for Harlow, for me it would be Layne Eadie. Easily the most consistent player I've seen in a Harlow shirt, and in the four years he spent with us he was outstanding. He left us this summer to try his luck at a higher level with St Albans, but I'm sure he'd be welcomed back with open arms in the future by all Harlow supporters.

9. Finally, predict who will fill the top five positions at the end of the forthcoming season:

Billericay Town, Dulwich Hamlet, Margate, Enfield Town, Tonbridge Angels.