Bere went into the season full of anticipation after a pre-season which saw them score 17 goals in four games.

However, a year plagued by inconsistency, injuries and a lack of commitment from too many players saw Bere finish the season in a disappointing 10^th place.

Despite scoring a record number of goals in the League (79), Bere also conceded a record number (70) and threw away the lead on SEVEN occasions.

This clearly shows where the problems lay and an ever changing defence was not helped by injuries, unavailability and uncertainty in the goalkeeping department with four different keepers used during the course of the season.

The fact that Bere didn’t draw a single game was further evidence on the Jekyll & Hyde nature of the season and apart from the problems with the goalkeeping situation, the lack of a proper ‘holding’ midfielder meant we were constantly susceptible to the counter attack and were often punished when we lost possession.

Lapses in concentration and individual mistakes were also punished far too frequently to be just a case of bad luck and this is something the whole team still needs to address.

It was evident that once the training was switched onto the 3G atTavistockCollegein October that the numbers dwindled and this apparent lack of commitment to want to learn and improve was also a major factor in the downturn in performances.

Bere’s disappointing League form was further compounded by, near neighbours, Tavistock doing the double over us for the first time since the 2008 / 2009 season and failing to score in either game.

The fact that they deservedly finished four places and 16pts!! Ahead of us is also something that needs to be addressed next season before we can even start to think about challenging at the top end of the table.

Bere did fare better in the Cup competitions and the highlight of season was the impressive 4-2 win at home to Appledore of the SWPL Division One (East) in the 2^nd round of the Devon Premier Cup.

However, this was tempered by the fact that they went into the League Cup 2^nd Round game at home to Sticker the following week missing SIX of the players that started against Appledore and they were unceremoniously beaten 4-1.

There was further misery for Bere when they threw away a 4-0 lead against Newtown FC in the 4^th round of the Devon Premier Cup, and after scrapping a 5-5 draw, once again, had players missing from the replay and also went out of that competition 4-1.

As said, it was an overall disappointing season but there were a few bright notes, particularly that our 20+ strikers did exactly that with Jason Cordice and Chris Bray scoring 32 and 21 goals respectively.

With Dan Follett (11) and Paul Simpson (10) also hitting double figures…..and both from midfield, it proves that as an attacking force we can be the match of any team in the League.

The late season emergence of Darren Phillips from the 2^nd team was also a plus point and it’s hoped he can push on again and retain his place in the side next season.

League Record:     

Home

Played 15, Won 6, Drawn 0, Lost 9, For 42, Against 34, Goal Diff +8, Point 18 

Away 

Played 15, Won 7, Drawn 0, Lost 8, For 37, Against 36, Goal Diff +1, Point 21 

Total 

Played 30, Won 13, Drawn 0, Lost 17, For 79, Against 70, Goal Diff +9, Point 39
 

Leading Goalcorers: 

1. Jason Cordice (32 goals)
2. Chris Bray (21 goals)
3. Dan Follett (11 goals)

Best 3 Performances: 

1. The 4-2 home win against Appledore (08/10/2011)
2. The 3-1 away win at Launceston (01/10/2011)
3. The 5-0 away win at Morwenstow (24/03/2012)

Worst 3 Performances:

1. Losing 5-0 atBudeTown(28/04/2012)
2. Losing 2-1 at Lanreath (17/03/2012)
3. Losing 4-0 at Tavistock (08/05/2012) 

Best 3 Goals: 

1. Chris Bray’s stunning 35yd volley at home to St Dominick (07/04/2012)
2. Paul Simpson’s 25yd curler at Saltash United (04/04/2012)
3. WillWestlake’s 20yd free kick atPlymouth Parkwayon the opening day (20/08/2011) 

Player Reviews:

Jack Dixon:

Jack made a disastrous start to the season conceding 19 goals in the first 4 games and left to play for Marjons in the Plymouth & West Devon Combination League.

With hindsight it proved a mistake to let him go, although arguably came back a better keeper playing the final ten games of the season. 

Mark Wheeler:

Mark took the gloves when Jack left and did OK up until two errors cost us the game at home toPlymouth Parkwayin mid October.

Mark’s form between the sticks mirrored the inconsistency of those in front of him until Jack’s return in mid March and his best performances were still at sweeper in the last quarter of the season.

Work commitments meant he missed the odd away game from Christmas onward and it is anticipated that this may also force him to play only a bit part next season.

Jason Clancy:

Injuries and unavailability meant Jason missed a total of 16 games during the season.

An intelligent organiser in the defence, whose presence, was sorely missed when he wasn’t playing.

With Will Westlake expected to play a lot less next season, Jason is being hotly tipped to take over the captaincy, but he needs to work hard in pre-season to guarantee his fitness.

Dan Follett:

A pleasure to work with again this season not least for his complete effort, work rate and commitment. Our most consistent midfielder, Dan again weighed in with 11 goals.

He also did a good job when asked to fill in at centre half.

Picked up a knee injury in the penultimate game at Tavistock, but is expected to be fit to start pre-season training in July.

Marcus Pethick:

Another inconsistent season from Marcus but is still virtually unplayable when on form and in full flow.

Scored goals for fun in pre-season but only managed nine during the season.

Was plagued with back and knee injuries throughout the campaign which resulted in him missing nine of the last twelve games.

Chris Bray:

Chris was brought to the club to score the goals and although he weighed in with 21 it was his unselfish work as the main target man that was a major factor in him winning both the ‘Most Improved’ and ‘Player’s Player’ awards this season.

The second half of the season in particular saw Chris hit a purple patch of form that augurs well for next season.

Jason Cordice:

We fought tooth and nail to stave off a host of admirers keen to capture Jason’s services throughout the season and the club were rewarded with him hitting 32 goals in 29 starts to once again finish as leading goal scorer.

Formed a formidable partnership with Chris Bray, Jason’s loyalty deservedly won him the Manager’s Player of the Year award.

William Westlake:

Still an influential team captain, Westy struggled for form at left back in the first half of the season.

Switched to a more familiar central midfield role after Christmas and was particularly effective in the role when we reverted to 3-5-2.

Westy is expected to take up the Assistant Manager position next season which could see him playing a lot less, although he still remains the most committed player at the club both on match days and in training.

Mike Curtis:

With all the changes in defence during the course of the season, the one player to stand out was Mike at centre half, with some terrific displays, particularly in the first half of the season.

Was nailed on to win a host of awards until a sudden dip in form over the final few games

Aaron Rockey:

Unfortunately Aaron’s RAF commitments meant we saw precious little of him again this season, especially as he was also picked to represent the Combined Services.

A vital member of the team when available, Aaron put in one or two notable performances and it is again hoped that we may see a lot more of him next season.

Paul Simpson:

Simo was the only ‘ever present’ player this season but blew hot and cold throughout.

Brilliant when on form but anonymous when not in the right frame of mind, Simo still managed to find the net 10 times and also weighed in with an impressive 19 assists.

Jamie Court:

Our first signing this season, Jamie took a few games to settle in but put in consistent performances week in week out.

Jamie was in a rich vein of form when a niggling groin injury put paid to his season in mid March.

Unfortunately it is likely that Jamie’s work commitments will prevent him from re-signing next season.

Mike Cornew:

Originally signed as a striker just before the home game against St Stephens Borough, Mike switched to right back and then finally to left back in the second half of the season.

A manager’s dream in that he will play wherever you ask him to, Mike had a very steady season.

Expected to switch back to a more attacking position next season.

Darren Phillips:

Asbo stepped up from the 2nds to fill in at right back for the trip to Morwenstow and gave an MoM performance.

Played in seven of the final nine games it is hoped Asbo can push on again next season and cement a regular starting place in the team.

Ryan McShane:

Signed just before the opening League game atPlymouth Parkway, much was expected of Ryan given his SWPL experience.

Very good on the ball and a good reader of the game, unfortunately Ryan was ineffective when not in possession and after ten games he decided to concentrate on his University studies until next season.

Nathan Blamey:

Local ex pro Nathan, stepped in to help out the defence for the away game at Wadebridge and his quality and experience gave the team an instant boost. 

Unable to commit himself due to work and playing for Tavy Vets, Nathan only managed to make 6 appearances but it is hoped he could have some input off the field next season.

Matt Frost:

Another player with SWPL experience, Matt made his debut in the 6-0 home win against Lanreath.

Steady at right back and a very good passer who reads the game well.

Unfortunately, Matt was another player who missed a lot of games in the 2^nd half of the season due to work commitments.
 

Presentation Night – 2011 / 2012

1^st Team Awards 2010 / 2011

• Leading Goal Scorer  –  Jason Cordice   

• Most Improved Player  –  Chris Bray 

• Manager’s Player  –  Jason Cordice  

• 1^st Team Player’s Player  –  Chris Bray

AND FINALLY…..

As manager of the 1st team I would personally like to thank all the players that have pulled on a 1st team shirt this season for their effort work rate and commitment.

I would also like to thank, our sponsors, in particular the Victoria Social Club and Carling.

A big thank you to Derek Murphy, the 1^st teams resident linesman, what would we do without him every Saturday

Once again a special thank you to Will Westlake for all that he has done in helping drive the club forward again this season, from cutting the pitch, to gaining sponsorship, to his unwavering leadership of the team every Saturday....

....and last but by no means least to my lovely wife Michele who does so much for the club week in week out.

A sincere thank you to you all

Kev Taylor (aka 'Tizzle')

1st Team Manager