Unfortunately, our Under 23s side’s league campaign, led by Manager Sheldon Baptiste and Assistant Manager Mimi Olaide, has come to an end following the news that today’s game against Slough Heating Laurencians has been postponed.
With the season now over, I would like to reflect on the last nine months and speak on the development of the squad from the start until the end. Firstly, I want to begin by thanking everyone who came to support the team and backed the lads throughout the campaign, both on home turf and on the road – your support is greatly appreciated!
It was a somewhat difficult start to the season in August, beginning with a tough-to-take 5-0 defeat on Opening Day against Woodcote FC, with new management and new players forming the Under 23s. Despite their best efforts, a first half hattrick would secure the three points, and two goals thereafter only confirmed it for the visitors.
Positives could be taken from the clash, and going into the successive game, a narrow 1-0 defeat against Westwood Wanderers, who would go on to win the league, with only a penalty separating the sides, spurred on our young Cityzens.
Away at Bisham Abbey, a 6-0 defeat to top side Maidenhead acted as a turning point for our Under 23s, which saw the team earn a week to rest and recover in preparation for the next fixture in the form of a home clash against Newbury. Despite ending as a goalless draw, Baptiste’s team earned their first point of the season, and it wasn’t long before another three would come along.
On the road to Henley Town the following Saturday, a sublime goal from Dee Mabaye put our young side ahead, through a brilliant through ball at the back post, with the effort slotted home past the ‘keeper. Consecutive crucial saves from Alex Collie and strong defensive work from the backline saw a valiant City team earn their first win of the season. Gaffer Sheldon Baptiste reflected on the victory being a ‘brilliant feeling’ with nothing but praise for his squad, their control of the game and the quality of their all-round performance.
A mix of results followed, and October saw an unfortunate loss through a dramatic – yet impressive – AFC Winkfield 3-2 comeback, as well as a defeat in the county cup competition against Shrivenham, and our young side dropped to the bottom end of the league.
Entering the new year, the aim for the team and management were to push themselves higher up the table, sitting thirteenth out of fourteen going into the first fixture of 2025. Jamie Barker, Reiss Baker and Andrew Tafeni each netted to earn the team’s second win to move up the ranks to twelfth – a significant victory which only enabled the side to continue their momentum.
A victory against counterparts over at Penn and Tylers Green, with a goal from season top-scorer Alfie Ward, in the Berkshire Trophy Centre Senior Cup competition saw us progress one step closer to silverware. Despite being knocked out in the following round, it was a statement of intent and showed determination.
Impressive scorelines such as a 3-3 tie away to AFC Winkfield in March, a late-equaliser in a 3-3 tie at the Rivermoor to second-placed Maidenhead Town, alongside a narrow 4-3 defeat against Burghfield and a comprehensive 4-1 victory on the road at the Cauldron to Reading YMCA, all in April, featured in the final run-in. This underpins the growth, progression and development of the team across the campaign since the first match up.
A season full of ups and downs, and despite an unlucky end, the team have shown determination, tenacity, spirit and resilience over the last nine months, win, loss or draw.
With twenty-eight goals scored by thirteen different players, a six game unbeaten streak between January and April, consisting of three wins and three draws, and ending on a points tally of eighteen, preparations will soon begin for next season.
On a personal note, it has been a pleasure to be a part of the team this season, and I have nothing but gratitude and appreciation for everyone involved; I look forward to seeing what the next one holds!
