Wormley Rovers FC vs. FC Romania

View from the chair

Welcome everyone to The Lane for todays SSML Premier division league encounter against FC Romania our first game against them this season and a particular warm welcome to their players officials and supporters. Although our closest neighbours in this league there is not much of a rivalry as we have always played in differing leagues but the journey away to Cheshunt later in the season will be our shortest of the season.

Last Saturday was disappointing to have the game abandoned after 30 or so minutes and despite the torrential rain that came down for about twenty five minutes prior to the abandonment there were many of us left wondering if the Referee could have taken  the players off for twenty minutes, given our ground staff an opportunity to clear any standing water and then get the game started again unfortunately he called it off straightaway and therefore all of our afternoons were cut short. The supporters, players and committee of Dunstable stayed for a drink and were very gracious about the situation but it was a shame as the pitch was perfectly playable at the start of the game. Player safety is important though and we all ultimately respected the decision taken by the officials.

The weekend before saw us drop two points at home to a 92nd minute equaliser against a very good Potton United side and whilst there is always disappointment at losing such a late goal to deny the lads a win there were so many positives to take out of the game and it’s important to focus on those. Congratulations to Declan Enche on a stellar debut which saw him awarded Man of the Match.  A couple of missed chances at 1-0 up really cost us in the end but the boys are determined to bounce back today.

Prior to that we managed to win 7-2 against Kempston Rovers with seven different scorers a new club record this after a few games where we struggled to find the back of the net, we have also played step 4 Kings Langley in the Herts Senior Cup and ran out deserved 2-0 winners seventeen days ago and then as is the way with this league no fixture the following weekend. Our reward for beating Kings Langley is a home tie against Boreham Wood which will be a huge game for the squad but a great opportunity to test themselves against some of the very best non-league players around.

It’s been a tough few months with injuries taking its toll on the squad which has disrupted our early season rhythm but that’s where our young squad must learn lessons quickly and adapt to the challenges in front of them but I know most of the squad are fit and well now after a recent bout of illness floored about five of the group.

I get to see how incredibly hard Ryan and his management team are working to improve the squad, to improve players both individually and as a unit and there is something incredibly pleasing about watching young players develop and thrive in an environment where we want them to enjoy their football but also improve. There is certainly a togetherness amongst the whole squad that has carried over from last year that should help us through the inevitable tough times that every team goes through.

The clubhouse is finally on the very last small touches of its refurbishment, and we are very proud of it. I must also pay tribute to our Bar manager Andy and his team behind the bar who work incredibly hard and play a huge part in the clubs success. Thanks also to Adam and the young ladies in the cafe who contribute so much also to our club.

I really hope you enjoy your visit to the club and today’s game and hopefully you will get to see some good football at The Lane.

Lastly on behalf of everyone can I wish you a very Happy and Healthy New Year

Enjoy the game.

Nigel Scully