BetVictor Isthmian League- supporters predictions 2019/20: Bedfont Sports

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.

Simon Minty is a good Sport(s)! The father of two young eagles, a level one coach and a volunteer club referee, he’s about to introduce us to the world of Bedfont.

1. What was your favourite moment of last season?

There are a few contenders for this. The first win at Step 4 away at Chipstead was brilliant, as was the 4-0 victory against our local rivals Ashford Town over Christmas. However, for me, it was the last minute equaliser on a cold Tuesday night in Molesey in front of the brave few who had made the trip in the freezing conditions.

2. And your worst moment?

Sadly, there are a few contenders for this too. All of them based around late equalisers or last-minute defeats. It's hard to choose just one as they all hurt!

3. How will you do this season?

We've got a lot of new faces in the team who need to settle in, so a lot depends on how smoothly that goes. We've got a very exciting group of youth team players coming through as well who did so well at the tail end of 2018/19, so these can have a major impact. If all goes well, there's no reason why we can't push on from last season and make a bit of a charge toward the play-off places. Anything around that area would represent real success and would help establish us at this level.

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

The local derbies against Ashford Town are always ones to look out for when the fixtures are released, and there's a festive fixture against Westfield which is one to look forward to as they were promoted the same season as us. One of the biggest of the season will be against some other local rivals in the shape of Staines Town. The thought of facing them in the league seemed an awful long way off a few seasons ago but we will travel there in November as their equals and we'll hopefully leave there with 3 points in the bag.

5. What is your favourite away ground?

Whilst the result was disappointing, visiting Hanwell Town in our first game at this level was a real eye-opener as to what was in front of us for the season ahead. A lovely playing surface and a vocal home support made it a good ground to visit. Fingers crossed the result will be better this season.

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

Having been in the shadow of local rivals for a number of years, it is exciting to have now climbed to the same level as them. Those games against Ashford Town and Staines Town will always have a bit of something extra about them and I can't wait!

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

Get to the car park early and enjoy all we have to offer. A welcoming club with a great core of home support, outstanding facilities and a well-stocked bar.

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

Being relatively new to following Sports, I am no doubt overlooking some outstanding players who have helped get this club to level it is currently at. But I've got to go with someone who has made a big impact during my time following this great club. Mustafa Tiryaki will, in my eyes, always be a legend at Bedfont for the impact he made in both our promotion season in 2017/18, and last year in 2018/19. His presence and aerial ability up front wreaked havoc on defences as we marched toward promotion; scoring a huge goal for Sports at Sutton Common Rovers which all but sealed promotion against a real rival was a highlight, as was the winner in the last game of the season to officially seal promotion. After missing the start of 2018/19, he came in to the team and brought a real boost to the squad and it was no coincidence that this was at a time of real revival with an upturn in results as we consolidated our place at this level.

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

Bracknell Town, Tooting & Mitcham United, Marlow, Harlow Town, Uxbridge

Right, you've read Simon views, and if you'd like to represent your Step Four club, then hurry, as the cut off for entries is Wednesday! Please send an email to townsendaround@gmail.com and we shall see what we can do!