BetVictor Isthmian League- supporters predictions 2019/20: Barking

We asked supporters of our BetVictor Isthmian 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.

Mayesbrook Park will host South Central football for the first time. Trevor Gilbert gives his thoughts.

1. What was your favourite moment of last season?

My favourite moment of last season was the 4-1 win against Heybridge Swifts on a horrible windy day, but if I was to pick a moment in that match it would be Billy Reynolds scoring the 4th. It may not have been the prettiest of goals but it was a great reward for someone who worked really hard to come back from two massive injuries and then to get back into the team!

2. And your worst moment?

The next game when we got smashed by Bowers & Pitsea! They were simply on another level throughout the whole season, and that day they simply outclassed us and we had no response for any of it! Our matches against them are normally tight affairs but we just could not keep up with them.

3. How will you do this season?

I don’t think any of us particularly know what to expect this season going into a new league. I do think it'll be a much more open league than the North, which was dominated by Bowers and the teams in the playoffs. The main aim as in any season for us as a small club is to steer clear of a relegation battle. I think we would hope to have a positive season and finish top ten or very close to it.

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

Probably playing some of the teams we either haven't faced before or haven't faced in a while – the last time we played Hanwell Town we lost 6-0 in a FA Vase replay so we would like to avenge that. Bracknell's stadium looks impressive from pictures so look forward to visiting there and testing ourselves against the teams that finished near the top last season. Also we do have some local derbies- it will be good to lock horns again with Waltham Abbey and Ware!

5. What is your favourite away ground?

Harlow have a nice ground, and it'll be good to return to Ware who have had a 3G pitch installed and various renovations since our last visit the season before last.

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

Probably in this league it’s Ware and Waltham Abbey as they are the closest. All of our games against them seem to be very tight and a few of our players have played for them and vice-versa so they will always be interesting games!

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

Buy a programme (I edit them)! Visit our little clubhouse and buy a drink - we now accept card payments! Our hot food bar also cooks some delicious traditional football food and our golden goal competition is a great way to win back some of the money you've spent.

8. Who is your favourite player of all time (for your club)- and why?
I answered this question last season and the answer was Ben O'Brien- and it stays the same! This season he made 29 appearances taking his total up to 378 - which puts him up to third in our all-time appearances list just 9 behind Perry Coney in second (387). His dad's also the chairman so he may give me some verbals if I didn't put him here! In terms of last season players keeping hold of Nana Boakye-Yiadom is vital for our goalscoring exploits this season.

9. Who will be in the top five at the end of the season?
Bracknell Town, Staines Town, Marlow, Waltham Abbey, Tooting & Mitcham United

Right, you've read Trevor’s thoughts, do you want to be next? If you'd like to represent your club, then please send an email to townsendaround@gmail.com and we shall see what we can do!