Football: Almonds ready for crunch title clashes (From Gazette Series)

FTL Futbol Hellenic Premier League: Interview with Almondsbury Town manager Paul Weeks

9:00am Thursday 19th February 2009 in Sport By Mark Halliwell

ALMONDSBURY Town’s hopes of lifting the FTL Futbol Hellenic League title could hinge on the next fortnight.

Paul Weeks’ side lie fifth after Saturday’s 6-1 home hammering of Wantage Town, but face top three Hungerford Town, Witney United and Shortwood United in the next two weeks.

After Saturday’s game at Shrivenham, Almondsbury go to top side Hungerford next Tuesday, followed by a home game with Witney on February 28, then host Shortwood on March 4.

After that, on March 7, Almondsbury go to sixth-placed Ardley United.

“It’s a huge set of games,” said Weeks.

“We have Shrivenham first, which is not the best place to go but after that is it time for us stand up and be counted.

“Hungerford, Witney and Shortwood have all got to come out and beat us and we have to make sure that we do not lose to them.

“A point from each game would not be a disaster as they would be no further away from us.

“But realistically, we have to win the games.

“Of course nine points will be the objective, and especially we have to beat Hungerford and Shortwood, but we have to be careful and approach it in the right manner.

“But we have not lost to any of them yet, having drawn with all three earlier in the season.”

Weeks does not believe that these games alone will decide the destination of the title – and with it the chance of promotion into the BGB Southern League.

“It all depends,” said Weeks. “If we beat Hungerford and lose to Shortwood, then the pressure falls on Hungerford as they have lost six points to Shortwood.

“But if we can get through these games unscathed, having not lost any of them, who knows?

“As we know to our cost from last year, there are still many twists and turns to come.

“”If we can get nine or 12 points from these games people might think we can win the league.

“I think we have enough quality to go and beat Hungerford.

“The spirit in the camp can see us through. I believe we can beat all three – now we have to make it happen.”

The Wantage game saw a debut for new signing Paul Chenoweth, recruited from Yate where he spent five years as player-coach.

The former Bath, Cheltenham and Gloucester midfielder’s experience will be crucial in the coming weeks.

“I am really pleased to have Paul on board,” said Weeks.

“It took two weeks work, and other clubs came in, and he has that winning mentality I want, and plenty of other attributes.”