Pitching In Isthmian Supporters predictions 23-24: Wingate & Finchley

1. Thinking about last season, what were your highlights?

It's tough to look beyond our 4-3 win against Bowers & Pitsea on Valentine's Night last season. It's been well covered so you won't need me to tell you that we were 3-0 down after 82 minutes, and even our goalie got himself on the scoresheet. Obviously it was an immense game, and it was something that most people in that stadium won't ever forget. But I think it was a real turning point in the season - we were in a bit of trouble at that point, and had shipped 5 goals away at Lewes the week before. After that game we got two massive home wins against Carshalton and Bognor Regis to propel us towards safety, while Bowers went on to lose their next four games. So not only was it an unbelievable experience, it was also a vital moment. 

I would also point to us putting 5 past Dulwich Hamlet in our run to the semi-final of the London Senior Cup, where we eventually went out in extra time against Haringey Borough.

2. And what was the worst moment?

Losing a manager is always a really tough time for any club, and saying goodbye to club legend Marc Weatherstone in October was tough for everyone associated with the club. Marc had done brilliantly to keep us safe the season before, but we had had a really poor start to the season, going without a win for 12 games in the league. It worked out for the best with Ahmet Rifat guiding us expertly to safety from a really difficult position but it was definitely up there with the worst moments of the season. 

The other moment that springs to mind is going in 4-0 down to Lewes with 10 men at half-time on a Tuesday night. It was a tough half, but the team showed real fight in the second half against a rampant Lewes side and it was probably a bit of a springboard for the Bowers result mentioned above. 

3. Which member of your squad was your Player of the Season - and why?

Sam Cornish deserves a lot of credit for the way that he managed to control the midfield towards the end of the season. As with any club at this level, there was a fair amount of turnover throughout the season, and Sam was pretty much ever-present, playing a crucial role in front of the back three and allowing our wide men to get forward and be a threat. It was fun to watch him adjust to this level of football and see him unlock defences with some brilliant passing.

4. Moving on to your current squad- which players do you think will make a big impact during the 2023-24 campaign?

We've brought in a few new faces this season and so it will intriguing to see how they gel and work together as the season gets underway. One of the best kept secrets in the league is Matty Achuba, who's still young and was really unlucky last season picking up a serious injury that ruled him out for a while. Everyone around the club is really excited to see him get a full season under his belt so we're all hoping that he can contribute in a big way this year. 

Ben Goode in goal is also really important to the success of the team, and on his day can be seemingly unbeatable (as well as a proven goal threat!). If we're going to have a good year you feel he's going to be crucial to how we get on. 

5. Realistically, how do you think you’ll do this season?

The beauty of this league is that you never really know what's going to happen. It will obviously all depend on the recruitment done over the summer, but the core of the team is largely here from the end of last year, minus one or two big names, and we finished off last year really strongly, so that is definitely reason to be positive. The aim for us has to be the top half of the table, so that we end the season looking up rather than looking down. Ahmet Rifat will make the team work really hard and so there is no reason why we can't go out and get results all year long, just like we did on Saturday when we beat a Borehamwood side featuring the likes of Angelo Balanta and Kwesi Appiah in a preseason friendly.

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

Not answered.

7. What is your favourite Isthmian away ground?

I haven't been to them all, but the Dripping Pan is obviously a fantastic stadium, as is Hornchurch with the athletics track. 

8. If you regularly travelled away, which ground served the best food?

I didn't make it last year, but Potters Bar has some good grub from memory! Both this question and the one above should have Wingate near the top though - we have a brilliant ground with some fantastic burgers and a Grade II listed stand!

9. Choose your top five:

Hornchurch, Cheshunt, Lewes, Enfield Town, Hashtag United

Right, it's your turn! If you'd like to represent your club, please email Ian at townsendaround@gmail.com and you'll see your answers here soon.

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