Growing Strong in Uncertain Times – A 2020/21 Review
The country was battling against Covid-19 and it seemed as though the country, if not the World, was winning the battle with positive cases and deaths falling by the day.
With restrictions in place to help protect everyone the players returned to training with a strong line-up of friendlies pencilled in to get the club going again. Karl Rose boosted his squad with former Parkgate striker Connor Peace signing on to regain his form following an ACL injury. Brothers Lee and Steve Bennett, plus Ben Phillips, joined from the folded Grimethorpe LLUK to add experience and Premier Division quality to the side. Ryan Smith became manager of the new U19 side who would play in the Northern U19 Alliance and gathered a group of 20 strong teenagers who would look to push for a place in the first team over time. Around the ground new paint work was applied and the addition of a perimeter fence around the ground provided added and much needed security. New windows and central heating were placed inside the clubhouse as well. A brand new first choice kit was also designed and new sponsor J. Hole Ltd came on board to sponsor the shirts for the first team and the U19s. Despite several clubs receiving “upward movement” from division two to division one, sadly there was no place for Wombwell Town in the Premier Division following a vote by the clubs which would have seen the Wellers replace the fallen Grimethorpe side. Another season in Division One it would be. During pre-season it was a case of history repeating itself as a friendly against North Gawber was abandoned due to injury. Jak Rennison was injured 12 months previously in almost the exact same place on the pitch as the North Gawber player was this. History repeated itself again as the first game of the season saw Wombwell Main make the hop across town. Once against the Wellers won, this time with a 2-0 victory thanks to goals from captain Luke Exley and debutante Connor Peace. As December approached only five games had been played with eight postponed because of positive tests in our camp and our opponents. Covid-19 was still taking its toll on the country and a 2-0 win over Athersley Rec Reserves just before Christmas became the final game of the season. With another lockdown after the New Year the League was suspended and finally made void. The U19 side had an even worse time with less than a handful of matches played before the New Year. Around Christmas there was work behind the scenes which will see the club grow on the field and improve facilities in the ground. With so many clubs folding around the country, it seems as though Wombwell Town continue to grow stronger against adversity. With no more on field action until pre-season the club announced a merge with Shaw Lane JFC to give Wombwell Town more than a dozen teams ranging from U7 to the First Team. |