Spring Steps for CADFC!
Exclusive latest news brought to you from
Oliver Eadsforth Charlton Athletic Deaf FC Reporter
Welcome back to the Spring! – The clock has finally gone forward by an hour, an extra hour of daylight for us lads! This also reflects the closing stages of yet another thriller season for the Club – as the Summer looms amongst us.
Since writing my last report just before Christmas, the club has survived against all the odds in the 2008 so far, winning vital games, but also missing out on a place at the top of the EDF League Table. As I write this, we are approaching our biggest even game to date this season, a Cup Semi-Final fixture against the mighty Heathfield this coming Saturday. A win will guarantee us in the Final of Ashgrove Trophy, which could see us in an exciting final with Welling Park.
Our Quarter-Final tie was something that the players and myself will treasure the most for months to come. It was certainly the highlight of our season – the dedicated commitment of our lads, who never gave up their day’s job and believed in anything is possible and winning, is in their bloods. Having been a goal up against Dulwich Town, we suddenly saw ourselves go a goal behind, before putting the match into the extra time and then onto penalties, and we held on to a memorable win. More importantly, we continue our Cup run.
Aside from our cup runs, where we are also in the EDF Plate Semi-Final against Leeds Veterans in the coming weeks, we have not been so lucky in our league games. Our current league position does not reflect with our performances; in other words, we know that we should be amongst somewhere in the Mid-Table. However, we have couple of league games left, and I know that all the lads will give it a big push towards the end of season and achieve the highest possible finish. We will not be defeated and will not be at the bottom of Bromley League – and that is a fact I tell you.
Our 9-0 trashing of Fulham Reserves in the EDF Plate Quarter-Final takes us a step-closer to the EDF Plate Final – which could be our potential 2nd Final this season, should we continue to perform and believe at the highest level. Our commitment have remain fully focused on the training pitch every week – and will continue right up till the last day of the season, and that will be 18th May 2008, at the EDF Plate Final.
We have had couple of our lads trying out a place with the England Deaf at the recent trials for the World Championship, which will be taking place in Greece this July. Sadly, none of our lads have been able to process any further, but have received acknowledgement of encouragement from the England Management Team – and could be selected in the future.
Our player, Joe Wylde, who has been helping us with few games this season has hung up his football boots, just for now, as he faces a lay-by from his wrist operation. We have been truly grateful for Joe’s outstanding contribution to the club, and we all wish him the very best for a speedy recovery. We hope to see him back on the field again soon with us lads!
David Nelson, who has given it all his for the club since the launch, and beyond with Bexley DFC – has finally decided to hang-up his football boots for good, after 30 something odd years of high level football. David has always let his Football come first, and has seen many wonderful years playing at his pace, and was soon joined by his 2 sons, Jonny and Matthew, making it 3 Nelsons on the pitch! It was truly memorable 2 years ago, when Charlton narrowly lost against Docklands in the Cup final, but David finally achieved his life-long dream of playing in the XI line-up with his sons, Jonny and Matthew!
It is without a doubt that David will be missed amongst the 1st Team, but this has opened up many opportunities for many of our young players trying for a place in the team each week. David will continue to be a great ambassador for the club in the years to come.
Finally, before I head off, away from the Computer once again, for a few months and focus on the Team’s final matches of the season, I want you all to put down a potential date in your diary for first 2 Saturdays of June – where it is hoped that the club will hold a AGM and Awards evening for the club. It will be an evening full of awards and important talks for the next phrase of the club – the new 2008/09 season. Come along and be a part of our club going into the new season!
Finally, and lastly, do come out and cheer us on in our last few games of the seasons, we cannot ask more for your generous supports at this crucial time of the season. Come along and enjoy the sunshine!
Best wishes and regards to you and your families.
Oliver |
