Thatcham Town pay tribute to fans as relegation season wraps up
Thatcham Town ended their season on a positive note with a 2-0 win over Tavistock.
It’s a case of so close, yet so far for Thatcham, as they occupy the highest relegation spot, but finish four points away from safety.
The club was relegated last week after their 1-0 loss at Didcot Town.
Thatcham made a positive start on Saturday, looking to reward their loyal supporters with a win to end the season.
Christian Johnson and Mo Ceesay both went close in the opening stages but it was Ben Portbury who made the breakthrough in the 34th minute.
As the ball broke to Portbury on the edge of the area, he curled a well struck shot into the top corner for 1-0.
Thatcham continued their positive momentum in the second-half, putting the visitors under significant pressure and forcing a number of good saves from the travelling keeper.
In the 77th minute they put the game to bed, as Johnson refused to be shoved off the ball and finished with a placed left-foot finish to make it 2-0.
The full-time whistle brought a challenging season to an end for Thatcham.
The Kingfishers ended up winning nine, drawing nine and losing 23 of their league games this season.
They were comparatively solid at the back, conceding only 78 goals.
For comparison Helston Athletic, who finished a place above them, conceded 98.
One consistent factor has been Thatcham’s home support, with a contingent of young ‘ultras’ always stood behind the dugouts and cheering their side on.
The squad and staff were more than happy to pose for a photo with their young fans.
“The fans have been brilliant, all season they haven’t turned on us,” said manager Yashwa Romeo.
“They stuck with us through thick and thin.
“They give their heart and soul for the club.
“The best way to repay them was to get the win.
“Going forward we have to be together, it makes everything a lot easier.”
Thatcham’s end of season awards saw Harvey Flippance take home the golden boot, with his total of eleven making up almost a quarter of Thatcham’s goals this season.
“His work rate is second to none,” said Romeo.
“He probably does too much running, but he’s so honest.
“I can see him going on to be a captain at some point, he’s uplifting.”
Captain Callum Willmoth took home the Supporters’ Player of the Season and the Players’ Player of the Season.
“Before he came in hardly anyone used to talk,” reflected Romeo.
“We always had a young squad, but he’s that guy with the voice.
“He picks up the players on and off the pitch.
“He’s been really consistent with his performances as well.”
Young Player of the Year went to Jadyn Dundas, who impressed on loan from Maidenhead United.
“Before Saturday I was actually undecided,” said Romeo.
“But he made three tackles in a row from the halfway line to the box.
“His work ethic is crazy… a pleasure to work with.”
While Thatcham’s squad will look to make use of some time off, Romeo jokes that there is no break for himself.
He’ll set about building a squad capable of winning promotion straight back to Step Four.
