My First XI 21-22: Gabriel Meytanis

We'd closed this feature, and then Enfield Town fan Gabriel sent us a late entry, so we thought we'd publish it because he's taken a lot of time and put in a lot of thought. Here's a final Premier First XI- with the Supporters Teams of the Year out next week.

GK – Harrison Male (Worthing)
Continuing Worthing’s recent trend of successful goalies, Harrison Male has been really impressive between the sticks this season to help them to promotion. Great reflexes, a couple of penalty saves to his name too, and still only 21 years of age.

CB - Ryan Henshaw (Bishop’s Stortford)
A shoe-in at centre-back. In the last 15 years, only Dorking Wanderers and Sutton United have conceded fewer goals in an Isthmian Premier season than Henshaw’s Bishop’s Stortford team did this campaign [and look where they are now!] To skipper your team to twelve clean sheets on the bounce along the way is quite incredible, too.

CB – Taylor McKenzie (Cheshunt)
A cog in the second-meanest defence in the league this term (and an ex-Towner to boot…), his timing in the challenge is usually superb. He also chipped in with three hugely important goals in the league this season to help the Ambers on their way to promotion.

LB – James Beresford (Worthing)
An honourable mention has to go to ex-Ks full-back Bryant Akono-Bilongo [now of Middlesbrough], but I’ve gone for the versatile Beresford. Technically brilliant, eager to gallop forward, and very comfortable on the ball, he strengthened an already mighty Worthing outfit at the turn of the year.

RB - Juevan Spencer (Lewes)
Another festive arrival, Spencer’s willingness to overlap, his turn of pace, and delivery to the forwards have been brilliant, but he is equally adept in the tackle. His Lewes side tore us to shreds back in January.

MF – Tom Wraight (Hornchurch)
I don’t think it’s too much of a coincidence that Tom Wraight’s arrival at Bridge Avenue coincided with a 15-game unbeaten run – kickstarted by a winning goal on his Urchins debut. A well-rounded, robust midfield presence who Enfield Town had the (mis?)fortune of facing three times last season, he was key to Hornchurch’s run to the play-offs last season – aided by a frankly ridiculous 17 goals in 26 appearances from midfield.

MF – Sam Youngs (Enfield Town)
Voted Enfield Town’s Supporters’ Player and Players’ Player of the Season, Youngs has turned in some of the most impressive, complete midfield performances in his time as a Towner. Unshakeable and agile on the ball, and skilled at both screening the defence and contributing to attacks, his form – especially towards the business end of the campaign – was central to Town’s promotion push.

MF – Ben Greenhalgh (Margate)
Greenhalgh has been a metronomic presence at the heart of Margate’s midfield this campaign, demonstrating his quality with 18 league goals - and several assists – to help the Blues to a decent league finish and the final of the Velocity Trophy.

FW – Muhammadu Faal (Enfield Town)
I mentioned back in August what a crucial impact Faal could have on Town’s season having joined us for a second spell. 39 goals and 12 assists later – a record of more than one goal involvement per game – that assessment seems pretty accurate. The only thing missing was the promotion that such a phenomenal return deserved.

FW – Ollie Tanner (Lewes)
There’s a reason why (now former) Lewes winger Ollie Tanner was so sought-after this season: fantastic technique with both feet, pace to burn, and an enthusiasm to beat his man or produce the spectacular from distance. It’s been a pleasure watching him in full flow and hopefully he continues to demonstrate those qualities higher up the pyramid.

FW – Ollie Pearce (Worthing)
No way that Pearce couldn’t be included. He’s been a joy to watch at times and has scored all manner of goals this term – an impressive 35 in the league in total – to make him the division’s top scorer. He certainly deserves his shot at Step 2, or perhaps even higher.

That's that for this feature. Lok out for the results next week.

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