Bostik Supporters Predictions 18/19: Witham Town

Mark takes us on a waltz through the wonderful world of Witham!


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.

Mark Bundock takes us on a waltz through the world of Witham Town. If he gets too close to James Beardwell in full voice, earplugs are available in the foyer.

1. What was your favourite moment of last season?

Jason Baker's gloves

Jason Baker's gloves

Maldon & Tiptree United away. Our previous manager, Adam Flint, a month before the end of the season, had set a points total of 60 to beat from the previous season & a final league positioning to beat. In the run up to this game we went on a run of results to close in on the managers target. At Maldon & Tiptree all the Witham supporters come out in force, everyone was buzzing for this game, it was our most vocal game of the season, it was like the old days behind the goal with David Cobb, John Sheehan, Jim Purtill & myself creating an atmosphere. We won 2-0 away from home against our near neighbours & ended the season with 62 points.

2. And your worst moment?

I had previously been to all the grounds in the Isthmian North & the only new ground for me last season was Mildenhall Town away. We arrived at 1.30pm after a 2 hour car journey only for the game to be postponed, and I was unable to go to the rearranged game as I wouldn't get back from work in time.

3. How will you do this season?

For our new manager Mark Ashford to compete with last season's 11th place finish and to equal or beat the 62 points total (pro rata as less clubs this season) would be an excellent achievement. We will be again looking to progress players from the Youth & Reserves, so this is a realistic ambition for the season ahead. Last season 8 youngsters made the step up to the first team, so if we can promote more youngsters I would see this as a huge success.

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

It has to be Coggeshall Town, they have our former Reserve team player Olly Murs involved in the club. With us drawing each other in the two FA competitions too, that’s 4 big games against our neighbours.

Mark and Cody

Mark and Cody

5. What is your favourite away ground?

Last season it had to be Haringey Borough, the atmosphere created by the home supporters in the main stand was electric. We only lost 1-0 but we gave a good account of ourselves against one of the best teams in the division.

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

Until this season I would have said Heybridge Swifts, but the 4 games with new boys Coggeshall Town, I think will give those games the edge. It’s the first time we have come up against Coggeshall (excluding friendlies) since Olly Murs left our Reserves under then Manager Ken O'Donnell.

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

To come out the clubhouse at least 5 minutes before the kick off and see the sheer delight of our youth teams, who take the role of Match Day Mascots and Guard of Honour, and their proud parents with cameras. The youth players get to shake hands with the home & away players as they walk through the tunnel.

8. Who is your favourite player of all time (for your club)- and why?
Jason Baker. It has to be more than 7 years ago since, on the last day of the season, he gave me his goalkeeping gloves after a season between the sticks with his name printed on them. I still have them. Also Cody McDonald, who progressed to league football playing for Coventry City, Norwich City to name but a few clubs. Cody being a local Witham lad means a lot to us.

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

Bowers & Pitsea, Felixstowe & Walton Utd, Canvey Island, AFC Sudbury, Heybridge Swifts.

Where next?

Bostik Supporters Predictions 18/19: Bowers and Pitsea Stuart Watkinson brings us the views of the Bowers jury
Bostik Supporters Predictions 18/19: Waltham Abbey Dave the Waltham Abbey Abbott looks forward to the new season, and gives praise for Mark Stimson.

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