A MASS defection of players forced Aylburton Rovers to reorganise and even drop down a league. Good to report, they are bouncing back.
Having gained promotion to the Northern Senior League, the Rovers might have expected an influx of new players. However the reverse applied.
Manager Roger Skelton explained: "We lost nine players. Some said they were seeking to play at a higher level and others left for personal reasons. Whatever happened, it doesn't matter now. We had to pull out of the Senior League and the Second X1 is now the First team with me as manager."
Skelton's immediate aim is to try and get the team back into the North Gloucester League's premier division.
"If we avoid injuries and play to the best of our ability it's a possibility," he said.
"Ideally I would like to play a division higher and to see the club grow sufficiently to play a Second team again."
So far, Skelton is "fairly happy" with the way things have gone.
"To start, we had two away games and lost both of them. After that we won six at home including a cup game and since then we have done pretty well. I would like a bit more consistency, but it's quite encouraging," he said.
Praising Yorkley, Skelton said they had taken his team to the edge.
"I thought we just about deserved it," he said.
Yorkley were first to score but a goal by Anthony Cadogan brought things level. Matt Chandler netted the winner in the second-half.
Chandler and Carlos James are among the leading scorers and Skelton is hoping thier ability in front of goal will continue as he attempts to push towards the top two places.