After a very successful 06/07 season which saw Coates win the Division 2 title in fantastic fashion it was thought that a good consolidating 07/08 season would be the main aim, with the view to the reserves progressing out of Combination 3. The firsts really got off to a flyer with a comfortable win against Sutton Bridge at the expense of Rik Wilmers forehead and the huge crater he left when he went over on the sideline, pudding. The early part of the season’s best result being a 3-1 win at Netherton and come backs against Long Sutton and Kings Cliffe. At this point it was not only enjoyable to play in what was clearly a much higher standard ‘across the board’ than Div 2 but I could see that the team was more than capable of performing at the top of this division. Early doors Chris Heron was causing the opposition all kinds of trouble and he was missed when he had to return to Brighton, no idea what the attraction to Brighton is. Still performing in both cup and league our first defeat came against Rutland which was a set back but the belief was still there. Steve Proud was then a surprise return (mainly due to the fact that nobody had realised he had left) to the club after a stint in the Prem with Perkins and soon showed his class on the pitch. The season saw over 20 different players playing for the first team, in a season that had only 3 league losses which shows the amount of good players that the club has. Sam Wilson scored some important goals and swapped between the 2 teams more than most. Craig Crofts and Rik Wilmer also managed to work their way back into the firsts after injuries but not before they had played a few games in the reserves. The cup runs came to abrupt ends after some good results on the way. First Werrington (not to be under estimated) knocked us out of the PFA Cup and Whittlesey Res. Knocked us out of both Cambs cups in consecutive weeks, the latter 2 results having a derogatory effect on the next couple of months league performances, it was obvious that the losses against Whittlesey had taken a lot out of the lads. Oddly it was probably the loss against Ramsey that picked them up and the performances started to return. Finishing the season with only 3 league losses, that’s 4 in two seasons can’t be bad. Looking forward the draw column needs tipping into wins if we can concentrate at training on hitting the back of the net from 2 yards.. Rik Wilmer and Craig Crofts won the Managers Player of the season for many reasons, consistency, attitude, desire, reliability and all round top geezers. Garry Butterworth managed to win the Players Player and his influence on the players, particularly Rik, was immense, offering experience and more noticeably confidence that rubbed off on the entire team. Daniel Middleton returned to the firsts this season after some good performances in the Reserves and won a number of man of the match nominations from his team mates for his un selfish running, he probably got goal of the season for his toe poke against Elsworth Sports. Darren Birch got back to his best at the end of the season after suffering with ankle injuries. Lee Colbert played every game and was probably the most consistently reliable player in the team. Robbie managed to score and get subbed in the first half against Long Sutton, a record that may never be beaten. Luke Mason also put in some man of the match performances in midfield and defence without controlling a ball once. In summary, was it a good season, yes, can we do better, yes. With the prospect of playing in the Senior Cup and playing against good opposition every week, I’m certainly looking forward to 08/09.