Pitchero Non League

.....on this season’s record-breaking campaign.

The Scholars’ twelfth place finish was the highest in its history as was the tally of fifty-seven points in the Ryman League Division One North.

Despite this, boss Lee felt his side should have ended even higher up the table after battling for the play-off places at the start of 2012.

Lee told the Welwyn & Hatfield Times: “From October to January we did well and started to flirt with the play-offs as we started to cut out silly individual errors at the back.

“But a bit like last season we slipped away and I think we underachieved in the end.”

Lee had to rebuild his squad last summer after a host of first team regulars departed the club, this is something he is hoping does not happen this time around.

“It was a disappointing start to lose a few players from the season before,” he said.

“It took a couple of months to get it going, with one or two players filtering back in.

“We played some good stuff, most people who came to watch us appreciate what we try to do.

“What we have to do this summer is to keep what we’ve got and add some experience.

“I’ve enjoyed the season, the boys are always learning what the Ryman League is all about and that there is no given right to win any game.”

Lee’s young side impressed and with a little more experience in the squad things could have been even better.

This was highlighted in the final game of the league season as Town, with an average players’ age of 21, suffered a 6-0 loss away to Leiston, whose average age was 26.

One of the stars of the Scholars’ season was striker James Gershfield, who bagged twenty-one league goals and another four in other competitions.

His rise to prominence earned him the `most improved player` award at the club’s end of season celebrations.

Lee is keen for the hitman, who made the step up from Molten Spartan South Midlands League side London Lions, to remain with Potters Bar, he said: “From a selfish point of view I want him to stay, and for him I think it would do him good to stay and hit the ground running next season.

“The rest would take care of itself if he starts well with goals flowing.

“We give young players a chance and try not to put too much pressure on them although of course we want to win games.

“I want them to enjoy their football.”

One significant departure from the club during the past season was attacker and local lad Tom Pett, who left to join Ryman Premier outfit Wealdstone.

“I was pleased for Tom Pett with his move, he did very well for us,” said Lee.

“After Tom left James Gershfield stepped up. Josh Urquhart has consistently done well and Rob Magwood did well when he came from St Albans City.

“The intention is to keep the crux of the players.

“I really enjoy the job - I think the only thing that would put me off is if we lost six or seven again, I’m hopeful we can all stick together, but if we lose six or seven we will be back to square one.”

Tags: News | Potters Bar Town

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