North Gloucester League
Premier Division
Mushet and Coialway 2
Aylburton 0
MUSHET manager Ian Pritchard has huge faith in his squad and tips them for a top three place – but reckons the title will go to Ruardean Hill.
"We have played them twice this season beating them in the cup and losing narrowly in the league. They are a good side," said Pritchard who is full of praise for the excellent standard of football now being played throughout the division.
Saturday's success against Aylburton pushed Mushet up to fourth place. Goals by Simon Morgan and Shaun Wilkins secured the win – Mushet's seventh of the season.
Improving discipline and organisation have been high on Pritchard's agenda this season and he has been pleased with the outcome with only a handful of bookings and not a single sending-off.
Mushet's young squad includes a number of players who have played at higher levels. Among them are Chris Ruck, captain Simon Holland and Simon Morgan.
Morgan has so far netted 17 goals in 11 games and could, says Pritchard, play at a lot higher level.
Experienced players include Shaun Wilkins, John Latham and Martin Boseley while promising teenagers include goalkeeper Paul Cowmeadow and striker Matthew Foxwell.
"The aim when I took over the team was a top five finish. I feel we can do better than that now and hopefully reach the J. O. Roberts cup final which we have not won since 1970.
"Our second team is strong and doing very well. They are looking for promotion and are still in the cup. There is plenty to play for and we are having really good turn-outs for training, averaging 16. After the game the atmosphere is really good," said Pritchard.