Wokingham & Emmbrook, Holyport and Woodley United fan previews

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A small number of Uhlsport Hellenic League Division One East sides kicked off on Saturday, but Tuesday night is where the action begins for Holyport, Wokingham & Emmbrook and Woodley United.

All three are in Hellenic League Challenge Cup action – the full midweek fixture list is here – before kicking off their league action on Saturday.

As we have done with the National League and step 5 clubs we cover, we asked fans for their opinions on the season ahead. So here’s what supporters of each of the three clubs thought.

Holyport

Division: Uhlsport Hellenic League Division One East Last season finish: 4th Manager: Derek Sweetman.

Fan preview by:  Sophie Tavender. Vote here to have your say in our Hellenic League Division One East predictor.

Derek Sweetman. Photo: Richard Claypole.

How has pre season been?

Impressive start. Some new faces fitting in well and happy to see the ones from last season back. With a solid win against Windsor (3-1) Holyport showed how they work as a team and know each of their players strengths/whereabouts throughout the game. Making each pass count and this has shown.

What’s a realistic aim for this season on the pitch?

I’m excited. I think Holyport were on good form last year and had a decent number of wins. From what I’ve seen so far I am confident they will get more wins than loses and be on even better form this season. They seem effortless on the pitch when they have the ball.

Being positive, with a fair wind and a bit of momentum, where might you finish?

Tough league this season but I’m going for top 4.

New signing you are most excited to see more of and why?

No new players have officially signed, however, from watching pre-season matches, Ian Henry, he is quick with the ball and had great technique. I think he will be one to watch in the attack.

Player you wish you could have kept hold of and why?

Luckily, we managed to keep everyone from last year!

Which player do you expect to breakthrough this season and why?

Franco, he’s determined and puts 100% in every game. Training endlessly to improve his fitness and taking no prisoners when in defence.

Who do you see as your big rivals this season?

There are a number of good teams in the league this season and we finished behind Thame/Aldermaston last year so be good to finish above them this year!

You can only do one away day this season, what’s your choice and why?

Abingdon United – good facilities!

Wokingham & Emmbrook

Division: Uhlsport Hellenic League Division One East Last season finish: 6th Manager: Dan Bateman.

Fan preview by: Patrick Cummuskey.  Vote here to have your say in our Hellenic League Division One East predictor.

Dan Bateman. Photo: Neil Graham.
Dan Bateman. Photo: Neil Graham.

How has pre season been?

We had a really good pre-season with a mixture of experienced and young players featuring in all of the matches. The introduction of experienced players in the Eagle bothers and the returning Luke Scope will add some guile and resilience to the squad. The young stars from last season will continue to develop but Ellis Day and Josh Harris have missed pre-season due to injury whereas Connor Holland has shown that he’s improving and we’re all expecting an exciting season from him and the others on their return.

What’s a realistic aim for this season on the pitch?

Promotion is the focus of everyone at the club.

Being positive, with a fair wind and a bit of momentum, where might you finish?

Top 4 would be excellent and will be enough for promotion.

New signing you are most excited to see more of and why?

Connor Holland. Photo: Graham Tabor.
Connor Holland. Photo: Graham Tabor.

Luke Scope (pictured top). He has gradually improved his fitness and is looking sharp. He’ll add a physical presence up front and hopefully add goals and assists. His link up play with Connor Holland in pre-season has added a new dimension to the team.

Player you wish you could have kept hold of and why?

N/A

Which player do you expect to breakthrough this season and why?

There are several young players at the club with great potential. Good luck to all of them

Who do you see as your big rivals this season?

I’m expecting a very tight league where possibly 8 teams will be battling to make the top 4.

You can only do one away day this season, what’s your choice and why?

Arbour Park. Great facilities and stand with a great view.

Woodley United

Division: Uhlsport Hellenic League Division One East Last season finish: 11th Manager: Jon Laugharne.

Fan preview by:  Chris Burnett. Vote here to have your say in our Hellenic League Division One East predictor.

Jon Laugharne. Photo: Neil Graham.
Jon Laugharne. Photo: Neil Graham.

How has pre season been?

So far, so good. 100% win record scoring plenty of goals

What’s a realistic aim for this season on the pitch?

Improve on last years finish. Mid table.

Being positive, with a fair wind and a bit of momentum, where might you finish?

Top four.

New signing you are most excited to see more of and why?

Harvey Rackley-Hayes. Young goalkeeper who has played for England under 17’s. Only seen him play once but looks promising.

Player you wish you could have kept hold of and why?

Chace Jewell. Most appearances in 18/19 who improved as the season went on and could play in multiple positions. Also with him leaving our attendances take a big hit as his dad was an ever present at games.

Which player do you expect to breakthrough this season and why?

Sam Guze. Incredibly talented midfielder who missed chunks of last season due to injury. If we can get him fit on a consistent basis it will give the team a huge boost.

Who do you see as your big rivals this season?

Wokingham & Emmbrook

You can only do one away day this season, what’s your choice and why?

Marlow United. New to the league and always nice to go to a Step 4 ground as they share with Marlow.

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Upcoming fixtures

Thursday 28th March 2024

Slough Town FC Ladies19:45Tilehurst Panthers Women

Friday 29th March 2024

Maidenhead United15:00Aldershot Town
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