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PICTURE: Sandhurst Reds are in their first-ever season in the East Berkshire League Premier Division this season after winning promotion as runners-up in Division One last term.
Sandhurst F.C Reds manager Jordan Goodall believes the combination of some big characters and talent quality will make his team tough to beat in the East Berkshire League Premier Division this season.
The Reds are now in their fifth season in the EBFL and had their best-ever campaign in 2022-23 when finishing as runners-up in Division One as well as reaching the Semi Finals in the League Cup.
Goodall is confident that his squad has improved again over the summer and hungry for more success, with a first ever appearance in a Cup competition Final high on the agenda.
The Sandhurst boss said: “Last season was a big success for the boys as they achieved their first automatic promotion to the Premier Division. There were some fantastic games in the season, including three times recovering from being 3-1 behind at half time to win matches 4-3. Our biggest highlight was the 4-1 win against Division One champions Stoke Poges, we stopped them from going unbeaten for the season and it was a result that helped us achieve promotion.
“We’re confident going into the new season and we want to be a difficult team to beat again. A Cup Final would be a big accomplishment for the lads, and we will work hard to achieve as high as possible in the Premier Division.
“Our strength will be our squad depth this year. We have lots of big characters and quality in the dressing room now. We have built a very talented squad who are all hungry for success. We look forward to developing over the year and becoming stronger than last season.”
Goodall continued: “It’s a good stepping stone for the EBFL to be attracting more teams and creating more competitive divisions. It makes football more enjoyable with more games and more chances in Cup competitions. We did well in both the League Cup (Semi Finals) and Ascot & Fielden District Charity Cup (Quarter Finals) last season, so we are keen to go further again.
“We don’t focus on anyone else however, we just want to approach every team in the same way. We know our job and we want to be difficult to play against. We will be keen to cause some big upsets this year.
“We are excited to be in the Premier Division, and of course another Showcase Match to put things right this year (suffered a 1-0 defeat against Stoke Poges in a Showcase Match last season).”
Goodall would like to thank Cardiac Risk In The Young (C.R.Y) which helped Sandhurst Reds acquire its blue striped kit last season, and act as the team's head sponsor.
Sandhurst Reds has made a mixed start in the Premier Division with one win and a draw as well as two losses in their opening four matches, leaving them in ninth position in the table. The Reds suffered a heavy 6-0 defeat at Prestwood Reserves on Saturday, a surprising result given they beat the same team 6-1 in the reverse fixture the previous weekend.
Sandhurst turn their attention to the League Cup and a First Round tie away at Old Windsor Reserves this Saturday (2pm kick off).
To enter the East Berkshire Football League ahead of the 2024/25 season, or for further information about the league, or an entry form for the upcoming season, please email the team at contactebfl@gmail.com
