My idea for this piece came on the evening of Saturday December 15th after finding out my game had been called off the next morning meaning I had already played my last match of the calendar year.  I was now 35 years old, at an age  some would consider to be a veteran?   Here are my recollections:

I started the year playing for Prince Albert in the Ashford & District Sunday League Division One (ADSL).  We were in a title race.

Lolzors 3 Prince Albert 6
Lolzors came in as overnight leader having played more games, played at the Towers 3G pitch.  Played Centre Back with Trotty, we went 1 nil down from pressurising high up the pitch in the first half then we equalised and I scored a header to put us ahead.  Trotty and Bazz the right back also scored so the defence contributed to a good win which put us top of the league.

Charing 2 Prince Albert 0 (Cup Semi Final)
Preparation ruined by kit arriving late, a disappointing performance in wet and windy conditions.

Prince Albert 5 Appledore 0
A comfortable victory. I nodded in a header to seal what felt to be a strong performance. 

Prince Albert 4 Ashford Athletic 1
In effect a title decider.  New signing Riley scored two in a champion team performance which felt great for everyone.

Charing 1 Prince Albert 3
A bogey side having lost there in the cup. A tight game locked at 1-1 with 20 minutes to go until our sub DBH put us ahead with his first involvement.  Dealt with their striker well, won high balls.  Started the move for the 3rd goal.

Ashford Dynamo 2 Prince Albert 1
Defeat cut out our lead at the top of the table to 3 points. Underpar performance against a strong side.

Prince Albert 4 Ashford Cavaliers 1
Playing against my good mate Barron, who was skipper for Cavaliers.  Decent performance blocking a few goal destined shots.

Prince Albert 3 Troggs 2
Needing to avoid a 7-0 loss we went behind twice but fought back as a team with superstar winger Ryan scoring a late winner which brought champagne into the dressing room.

What a great end to the season leading to  a red hot summer of World Cup football on the TV accompanied with plenty of cold beer.

It was the greatest achievement from a Prince Albert side ever; an unforgettable season and meant for the first time in itis history the side would play in the Ashford District Sunday League Premier Division.  I felt happy and proud I had played a part in it.  Little did I know what the next six months would bring…