So for the first time in more than 40 years of it’s history Prince Albert Football Club had reached the top division of the Ashford & District Sunday League.  Having played my first match for the club in Division 4 in 2007 I was excited to have reached the ‘pinnacle’.

Yet the summer brought a change as title winning manager Stu stepped down from his role to spend more time with his young family.  He was replaced as Manager by Brownie, a committed and hard working full back/winger who had played a key role in the side’s rise from Division 3.  A new job also meant I would only be available for a maximum of 6 out of every 8 weeks for the forthcoming season.

Pre-season:
Prince Albert 1 Appledore 2
Put in at central midfield we led one nil at half time thanks to a scruffy goal I netted from close range.  On a scorching hot morning the game was a useful exercise to start building back my fitness.

Aldington 3 Prince Albert 5
Back in at centre back with new signing Luke I scored my second goal in two games as we stormed into a 3 nil lead before being pushed back in the second half. A decent performance against Aldington’s strong and quick forwards.

Ashford Dynamo 3 Prince Albert 5 (First league game)
A great start to the season with a hard fought victory.  Barraged with countless long balls and throw ins we were penned in for much of the second half.  I conceded a contentious penalty which was superbly saved by out keeper Hadley. 

Mersham 1 Prince Albert 3
An efficient performance in a tight game.  We went ahead with 20 minutes to go after a barnstorming run and shot from full back Joe.  Made a tackle and pass beginning the move for our late third goal.

Prince Albert 4 Ashford Athletic 4
Trailing 4-1 at half time and down to 10 men we dominated the second half and got our rewards with a late equaliser.  Kept a high line in the second half and moved up to support the midfield.

Mersham 3 Prince Albert 1 (Cup)
Made a mistake losing possession by the corner flag which ended with a goal which put us behind at half time.  Chasing a turnaround I was subbed off after 45 minutes as new signing Sean took my place.

Prince Albert 0 Market Hotel 7
Part of a makeshift side which was comprehensively outclassed by the reigning champions. 

Market Hotel 6 Prince Albert 0
Part of another depleted line up we were undone by 3 goals from set pieces in the first half.  Given the run around in the second half we were grateful to our keeper Hadley for keeping the score down.

With the weather leading to the last matches of the calendar year being called off, there was time to judge my performance.  I had been part of the side which had won the league but also been part of the drubbings we had suffered to superior opposition.  My confidence had suffered as a result and I knew I faced a challenge to keep my place in the side.  I opened my work bag and the book I had been reading that day stared back at me, ‘Massively Violent and Decidedly Average’ by Lee Howey; I disagree with being considered violent yet other than that there was no questioning this was a fitting description of my recent performances.

Seeking some form of support from my wife, she commented, “I don’t understand why you are still playing it’s not like you’re going to be in the Premier League or anything; you need to get your priorities right”.  She had seemingly failed to recognise I was now playing in the (Ashford & District Sunday) Premier League.

Facing a fight for my place, competing family demands and work commitments, could I battle back and improve my performance? Or, after 11 seasons and at 35 years of age was it time to consider doing something else on Sunday mornings?  It felt my footballing life was at a crossroads.