North Gloucester League
Division One
WITH games in hand, Blakeney are determined to give another good account of themselves in this season's North Gloucester League Division One title chase.
Comfortably placed above midtable Blakeney returned to winning ways against Ruardean Hill Reserves and always held the upper hand in a well contested but ultimately comfortable victory over Ruardean's reserve team.
"It was a competitive game played in good spirits – rather different from the previous week when five players in all were sent off," said Blakeney defender Phil Barker Benfield.
Blakeney finished third last season and have maintained largely the same squad – a mix of older players and three under 21s.
"There's a good team spirit and we have played well this season, losing only twice," said Phil.
Three successive draws have reined in Blakeney's efforts to join the leading group but he says there is great optimism and a resolve to finish the season as a top three team.
"Our defence has been tight and apart from the four goals we conceded against Staunton and Corse we have been pretty mean. They are unbeaten this season and we are very much looking forward to meeting them at Blakeney. It will be a big game and one I think we can win," he said.
Phil and his fellow central defender Shaun Reeks have been solid throughout the season while Nicky Adams and leading scorer Brian Morgan always create opportunities and are constant threats.
The outstanding player against Ruardean Hill was Richard Byett but the goals went to Steve James, Brian Morgan and Gareth James.
Blakeney, says Phil, could do with more players particularly to strengthen the young second team who have lost all 11 of their matches this season.
"They will improve but they are very young and could do with a couple of older heads," he said.
The team is sponsored by Wyvern Garage and have been so for about 10 years – probably the longest sponsorship deal in the league.