AFTER a very frustrating and below-par performance against Hemel Hempstead Town on Saturday, we returned to action on Tuesday at Bath City.

It was important that we showed a good response to the disappointment of the previous game. The players knew they had not done themselves justice and duly put in a performance of great intensity, movement and clinical finishing.

It was the sort of performance we were expecting against Hemel but we now must focus on a very tough game on Saturday, when we travel to Bromley, one of the favourites to win the Vanarama Conference South.

The club’s academy are halfway through their pre-season preparations now and have a lot of friendly games coming up. It will be interesting to see how the new recruits fair against some tough opposition.

With around 50 full-time players at the club this season we have some very exciting talent. Playing in the Conference Youth Alliance we will be up against professional clubs such as Bournemouth, QPR, Brentford and Southampton.

It will be a long season of development but a great experience to play against some top sides.

Some of last year’s group have moved on, but we are pleased to have helped find places for them at other local clubs where they can continue to develop their game in a more senior environment.

Technically and tactically they have great understanding but now they will learn the more physical side of the game, while we can still keep an eye on them to see how they progress.

Regards,

Jason