BERE ALSTON UNITED – 1ST TEAM SEASON REVIEW 2010 / 2011

Having finished the previous season in good form and following a mixed Pre-season, Bere started the campaign well by winning their first two League games.

A 2-1 win at Launceston on the opening day was followed up with a 1-0 home win against near neighbours Tavistock, but any thoughts of a third win were brought to an abrupt halt with a 4-1 home defeat to eventual Champions St Dennis.

Several of the ‘Berey’ old guard left the club throughout the course of the season but the 1st team made some great signings too, namely:

• Chris Bray
• Jason Cordice
• Jack Dixon
• Paul Simpson,
• Robbie Court
• Euan McCall
• Chris Carter

A better run in the League Cup saw Bere reach the 1/4 Finals before going out to eventual winners St Dennis, but by and large it was another inconsistent season, plagued by injuries and highlighted by a disappointing home record.

However, the season was never the less interspersed with some outstanding performances too, non more so than the 2-1 win at reigning Champions Torpoint Athletic, which was even more impressive when you consider it was their first defeat of the season and their first at home for nearly two years.

A poor run of form early in the New Year saw Bere lose five games out of six in the League, which put paid to a top four finish, but another good end of season run (Bodmin apart) culminated in doing a rare double over Bude Town and saw us end up in a creditable 6th place (one better than last season).

All in all, a lot of the things that have affected performances and results in previous years have still been evident this season, in particular a lot of missed chances and being punished for lapses in concentration and mistakes.

Overall the size and quality of the squad has improved considerably but hasn’t been helped by unavailability at certain times, especially the evening games at the end of the season and this has undermined the gelling process and been a major factor in the team’s inconsistency

Jack Dixon has had a decent first season between the sticks but the back four in front of him has changed around a lot during the course of the season which was hampered by Jason Clancy missing 8 weeks out injured at the turn of the year and was reflected in a higher ‘goals against’ total.

The midfield has been quite strong throughout the campaign with different players having good runs in form at certain times and if we can get all the players in the middle playing well together for longer periods next year this will go a long way to shaping our season next time around.

The one thing the club has been striving for since their promotion to the Premier Division was a 20+ a season striker. To manage to land two players who regularly hit the net since they were signed has been a major plus and with a full season together next season, augurs well in the striking department.

There is still a need to strengthen in certain areas but as stated previously despite some indifferent results, I believe the club has moved forward both on and off the pitch and if everyone re-signs and continues to show the right attitude, allied to the work rate and commitment, then we will have a great chance to challenge for honours next season and make great strides to take the club to the next level.

League Record:

Home

Played 15, Won 7, Drawn 0, Lost 8, For 28, Against 28, Goal Diff 0, Point 21

Away

Played 15, Won 9, Drawn 1, Lost 5, For 40, Against 28, Goal Diff +12, Point 28

Total

Played 30, Won 16, Drawn 1, Lost 13, For 68, Against 56, Goal Diff +12, Point 49

Leading Goalcorers:

1. Jason Cordice 18
2. Chris Bray 16
3. Dan Follett 13

Best 3 Performances:

1. The 2-1 away win at Torpoint Athletic (11/12/2010)
2. The 3-1 home win against Bude Town (09/04/2011)
3. The 4-1 away win at Probus (16/04/2011)

Worst 3 Performances:

1. Losing 4-3 at home to Bodmin Town (07/05/2011)
2. Losing 2-0 at Lanreath (26/03/2011)
3. Losing 3-0 at Saltash United (16/10/2010)

Best 3 Goals:

1. Will Westlake’s 35 yarder at Plymouth Parkway (19/03/2011)
2. Chris Bray finishing off a great team move at Tavistock (03/01/2011)
3. Paul Simpson’s 2nd goal at Morwenstow (05/02/2011)

Best 3 Saves:

1. Jack Dixon’s point blank save from Luke Avis-Reardon against Torpoint Athletic (11/12/2010)
2. Jack Dixon’s save from the close range header against Seaton Town (09/10/2010)
3. Jack Dixon’s 2nd half save against Morwenstow in the League Cup (02/10/2010)

Player Reviews:

Jack Dixon:

Answered the call when the club were going through a GK crisis and made his debut against St Dennis on 18/08/2011. Had a decent first season with the club.

Tom Hammond:

This season’s player to make a breakthrough from the 2nd team, Tom was settling down well in the 1st team until he broke his hand prior to the game at Torpoint Athletic on 11/12/2010 causing him to miss 8 weeks. Was not the same player on his return and a niggling ankle injury ended his season by Easter
Nathan Harvey:

Bere’s ‘Mr Consistency’ had made his usual start to the season albeit in a new CD role. A change of job meant Nathan had to miss the last 2/3rds of the season and he was sorely missed.

Mark Wheeler:

Mark went into Semi retirement but made a more than able Assistant Manager during the 2nd half of the season. Put in a great run of form when called upon due to injuries and will hopefully be persuaded to continue in a similar role next season.

Jason Clancy:

A mixed season for Jason where he picked up more than his fair share of injuries, notably missing 8 weeks early in the New Year with a double hernia. Still an intelligent organiser in the back four, who will hopefully come back firing on all cylinders next term.

Dan Follett:

A pleasure to work with again this season not least for his complete effort, work rate and commitment. Nailed down a position in CM and weighed in with a splendid 13 goals. Fully deserving of both the Manager’s and Player’s Player awards at the end of the season.

Marcus Pethick:

An inconsistent season from Marcus who is, however, still virtually unplayable when on form and in full flow. Struggled in front of goal but provided a vital 12 assists during the course of the season.

Euan McCall:

Signed from near neighbours Tavistock just prior to the start of the season and had two good spells in the side at RB in between his University studies.

Chris Bray:

Our 2nd signing from Tavistock, Chris was brought to the club to score the goals that were missing in the previous two seasons. Despite a lean spell in February and March Chris still managed an impressive 16 goals and towards the end of the season his partnership with Jason Cordice was beginning to flourish.

Jason Cordice:

Having chased Jason for nearly 3 seasons he finally signed for us and made his debut against Morwenstow on 02/10/2010. A little slow to get going and not in his best form by his own admission, Jason started to hit form at the turn of the year and ended the season with a run of 10 goals in 6 games to finish as top goalscorer with 18 goals from 19 starts.

William Westlake:

Still an influential team captain, Westy had a disappointing season playing wise by his own high standards. Spent most of the season at LB and whilst he had one or two problems with a few of the league top wingers, He still did well enough to make the equal number of most appearances with Dan Follett.

Nick Aplin:

This season’s ‘Mr Versatile’ having played (and done well) in various positions this term. A typical teenager attitude wise, Nick was unhappy at being asked to play out of his preferred position but having put in an outstanding performance at RB in the away win at Torpoint, he could nail down a permanent position there if he puts his mind to it.

Mike Curtis:

Another player who was asked to play ‘out of position’ but actually discovered his best position in CD. Brilliant at playing out from the back, Mike needs to be a little more commanding (particularly vocally) and he can become one of the best central defenders in the ECPL if not higher.

Aaron Rockey:

Aaron’s RAF commitments meant we saw precious little of him again this season but he was none the less a vital member of the team when available. A change in shift pattern means we will hopefully see a lot more of him next season.

Paul Simpson:

Having worked with Simmo before, he eventually signed for us from Tavistock and made an immediate impact by scoring a hat trick on his debut at Biscovey on 13/11/2010. Can sometimes hinder his performances by staying out on Friday nights but his ability to turn games with his undoubted talent is unquestioned.

Ed Hillier:

The biggest disappointment is that once again we missed Ed for large chunks of the season. A great CD on his day, it’s a shame that he’s not available more often.

Robbie Court:

Robbie was our 4th signing from Tavistock and after impressing against us was much sought after for a holding role in CM. A quiet lad who let’s his football do the talking, Robbie was just settling into the side when a fractured cheekbone picked up against Probus on 16/04/2011 ended his season prematurely.

Chris Carter:

Signed on 13/04/2011 after playing against Bere for Roborough back in September and finishing the P&D season with them. Played 5 games for Bere with a view towards next season when it is hoped he’ll make a permanent switch to the ECPL.

1st Team Awards 2010 / 2011

• Leading Goal Scorer – Jason Cordice
• Most Improved Player – Mike Curtis
• Manager’s Player – Dan Follett
• 1st team Player’s Player – Dan Follett

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, Mark Wheeler for role as Assistant Manager, my Captain and Chairman, 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