Bostik Supporters Preview 17/18: Merstham

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 Craig Williams, representing Merstham.

1. What was your favourite moment of last season?

This has got to be beating Ebsfleet at home 2-1 in the final qualifying round to qualify for the first round of the FA Cup for the first time ever. A tremendous game and peformance from the boys, which led to a tattoo tribute on my leg! (sadly- or not- we don’t get a leg picture with this answer- Ian). Beating a team of the quality of Ebsfleet was an amazing achievement.

2. And what was the worst moment?

In the same game Charlie Penny- the goalscoring hero and fantastic forward- landed awkwardly and damaged his knee. Any team would miss the quality of skill and pace that Penny brings, so it was a massive loss for us.

3. How will you do this season?

Having made sweeping changes in the summer, keeping some important players, Hayden Bird is shaping up a squad that is capable of competing with the bigger sides in our league. I believe that we are capable of finishing in the top half and we should be aiming for that. I think that 12 th is attainable and with a few battling performances maybe a bit higher which would be a great achievement.

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

The Billericay games are intriguing. Mr Tamplin is assembling a squad full of talent and has put money into the ground to improve the matchday experience for everyone. As a Fulham fan I would like to see and meet Konchesky and O'Hara too.

Also the trip to Dulwich Hamlet is always great as you get a big crowd and the best burger in football; and the games against Dorking Wanderers will be something to look forward to.

5. What is your favourite away ground?

For me it has to be Champions Hill at Dulwich Hamlet. It's so easy to get to, and the people there are so friendly and welcoming- particularly the guys behind the bar and of course the aforementioned burger. Seriously don’t miss that burger!

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

Purely for the distance it has to be both Leatherhead and Dorking Wanderers. Both clubs are also similar size to ourselves and you cannot beat that local rivalry derby day feeling at any level of football.

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

Get there early because if you’re driving you want to get a parking space on a nearby side street quite close for a quick getaway. If you’re travelling by train the venue has a great clubhouse to have a pre and after match drink with friendly people.

The tea hut is behind the main stand if you’re requiring refreshment. Get there as near to half time as possible as it can get a bit congested, but the grub is well worth it.

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

This is a tough one. I would have to say a guy called Brian Jupp way back when I was a kid. He played for us way before we started our march up the leagues, back when we really were just a small club that had a pitch roped off from the local park. I remember Brian would always come off the pitch and put his arm around me and say hello; he was a genuinely nice guy- these are the things you remember as a kid.

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

Billericay Town, Dulwich Hamlet, Brightlingsea Regent, Margate, Lowestoft Town