My First XI 21-22: Jack Naldrett

My Isthmian South East team of the season. This won’t cause any chaos or mayhem at all, I’m sure….

442 (I’m very easily pleased)

Goalkeeper.

Louis Rogers (Hastings United)

Joint best defence in the league and joint most clean sheets. League winner. Not a bad season that. He edges it for me due to an obscene wonder save against Burgess in our home game against Hastings.

Right back.

Tariq Ossai (Ashford United)

Ashford had a great season finishing 2nd and I was very impressed with Ossai in the games I saw Ashford play in. Scored a few quality goals as well I seem to remember. Absolutely rapid. No brainer for me this.

Centre Back.

Josh Spinks (Burgess Hill Town)

I promise you I’m not being biased. 15 clean sheets for Josh this season, countless amount of last ditch blocks and tackles and he was the leader of a very young defence despite only being in his mid twenties. A big reason as to why we finished 4 points off play offs despite not winning a game till Mid October!

Centre Back.

Dan Johnson (Herne Bay)

I think he’s Herne Bays best player personally and that’s a big accolade considering they have Zak Ansah. A big fan of Dan’s, proper old school CB from what I have seen, 17 clean sheets and a 4th placed finish. It also helps his cause he kept 2 clean sheets against Burgess Hill and he was brilliant in both games.

Left Back.

Tom Cadman (Haywards Heath Town)

Joint best defence in the league with Hastings and joint most clean sheets as well, I know how good Tom is from his time at Hill and he’s stepped it up a level this season in Hanbury. He’s also scored some big goals from defence which is another reason why he takes my vote to cap off the defence.

Right midfield/wing

Josh Ajayi (Ramsgate)

I can’t leave out someone with 21 goals in the league, can I? The most frightening footballer I’ve had to watch Burgess Hill attempt to stop this season. Another one of the tall, quick and direct with an eye for goal club. Unsurprisingly got interest from higher up this season as he is only young. A big reason why Ramsgate almost made play offs!

Centre Midfielder

Thomas Fagg (Ashford United)

Scoring a hattrick against my club on opening day of the season is a good way to make yourself memorable to me! He completely bullied us with his power and strength and I think Ashford really missed him when he missed a few games towards the back end of the season. Lovely hair, too!

Matthew Warren (Cray Valley Paper Mills)

I think this man could be the most underrated player in the league. I certainly have never seen him have a bad game and I’ve watched him numerous times. He runs the show everytime I see the Millers, first touch and passing range is a joke. Surprised he doesn’t get more recognition, I’m sure he’s loved by all in SE9!

Left Midfield/Wing.

Sam Hasler (Hastings United)

Again, I’m not convinced if this is his strongest position but he’s another one I couldn’t leave out! Hastings have a very good squad and they rotate a fair amount due to this but I think whenever Hasler isn’t picked they miss him tremendously. Another league winner this season, loves a goal, cracking at set pieces and will fit in seamlessly into the league above next year!

Striker

Jerson Dos Santos (Haywards Heath)

I’m not sure ST is his best position but I had to fit him in somehow. Haywards potentially were the surprise packages and this shrewd acquisition they made from East Grinstead was a big reason why they were so successful. Caused Burgess Hill all kinds of problems when facing them this season. Tall, quick and very direct and absolutely loves a goal. Cracking player (all said through gritted teeth!)

Striker

Zak Ansah (Herne Bay)

He’s just so deadly, isn’t he? He didn’t even score against Burgess Hill this season but he fills me with the dreads whenever we play against the Bay. Give him a chance and he will absolutely dispatch it. Top goal scorer in the league with 22. Will he fire the Bay to the play offs? You would not back against it, would you?

(This was sent in before the play off semi final, so I don’t know if he is through to the final or been knocked out by Haywards!)

This is obviously an extremely tough 11 so, if I may, here are 3 honourable mentions, let’s call them the subs!

Frankie Morgan (Corinthian)

Youssuf Bamba (VCD)

Dan Perry (Three Bridges)

And my manager of the season is Michael Golding, the Corinthian manager!

Thanks Jack, that was properly fabulous! Can you do better? Then let's be 'avin' you, as Delia would say. Send Your First XI to Ian at townsendaround@gmail.com and you'll see it in print shortly.

Remember, we need your name, the team you support, and you can choose only three from your favourite side.

Image: Chris Neal.

Follow the Pitching In Isthmian League on Instagram. Head here or search for theisthmianleague on your app. We're also on Facebook and Twitter.