Pitching In Isthmian Supporters Predictions 22-23: Bishop's Stortford

We're asking fans from each of our clubs to answer a series of questions about the past, present and future- and to predict the final league table for 22-23. Stephen Vale is Blue through and through.

1. Thinking about last season, what were your highlights?
The 3-0 home victory against Worthing was probably the highlight of last season. The score certainly didn’t flatter us on the night as Stortford play superbly and the result kept alive our slim hopes of catching Worthing at the top of the table.

2. Moving on to your current squad- which players do you think will make a big impact during the 2022-23?

Based on the tiny sample size of two pre-season friendlies I think Terrell Egbri could make a big impact for us this season. Being only 5ft 4” the words “big” and “Terrell Egbri” are rarely written in the same sentence, but he is quick and has bags of energy. One of the only things we lacked last season was genuine pace up front to turn the opposition back four and I think Terrell’s pace will give us a genuine threat in behind the opposition’s defence and he already looks a quality addition to what was already a strong squad.

3. Realistically, how do you think you’ll do this season?
We finished second last season and have, in my opinion, further improved the squad so I see no reason why we can’t win the league this season. Failing that our goal must be the play-offs where anything can happen (as we found out to our cost last season – and no, I’m still not over it). It won’t be easy as there are other decent sides in the division, but we have kept together nearly all of last season’s squad and made a small number of quality additions.

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

Hornchurch at home on Boxing Day. Firstly, because I love watching a game on Boxing Day and secondly because I think that Hornchurch will be one of our main rivals for the title this year so it should be a cracking game.

5. What is your favourite Isthmian away ground?

Lewes (the Dripping Pan).

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

Hornchurch and Enfield Town because they are two of the closest sides to us both geographically, and often in terms of the league table.

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

The food and drink offering at our ground has been upgraded this season so why not arrive early and enjoy a quality burger and pint?

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

I was going to answer Dwight Gayle, although he wasn’t technically a Stortford player but on loan with us for the season. The Club were at a low ebb at the time having been moved from the Conference South to the Conference North but he lit up the season with over 40 goals and was clearly destined for bigger things in his career. Other than Dwight I would say Mikel Suarez. I was lucky enough to have a few brief chats with him and he was a thoroughly decent human being.

9. Who do you predict will finish in the top five this season?
Bishops Stortford, Hornchurch, Lewes, Folkestone Invicta, Enfield Town

Thanks Steven- right, who's next? If you'd like to represent your club, email Ian at townsendaround@gmail.com and he'll be in touch shortly.

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