We’re staying up, says Colden Common’s Howie

Colden Common will avoid relegation in their debut season, according to their assistant manager.

Eleven games in, a bullish Louis Howie told Winchester News Online that Colden Common will stay up in this year’s Wessex Division One. 

Colden Common started the season poorly with a 5-2 defeat to last season’s runners up Frimley Green on the opening day, which was followed up to a 4-1 defeat to Fleetlands 

Following Saturday’s draw with Ash United, the Stallions are joint fifth but stay sixth due to goal difference.

The Green Army took the lead through Luca Scanella’s curler before former Winchester City forward Ben Sunley’s volley levelled the game before half-time. 

On the 1-1 draw against Ash United: “It is a tough one really, [I think] Ash were well organised and they will be a threat this season. I thought we kept the ball really well today, we made plenty of chances but it was the same as Thursday [against Blackfield & Langley], just could not get the ball into the net. I think [Ben] Sunley makes a great finish out of nothing really. I think some lads will be a bit disappointed that they did not get a goal today.”

Is it a point gained or two points dropped: “It is definitely two points dropped but it might be an important point in the future. It is a long season, compared to the Hampshire Premier League. It is a marathon, not a sprint – it might be an important point in the future.”

Thoughts on the start of the season: “We have had a tough start to the season, in terms of personnel – we had eight players either injured or suspended. I think we adapted really well [to the Wessex League] but started slowly. I think Cove [away] was a massive turning point, winning that game 4-2 after coming back from two goals down was huge, it has then given the squad confidence.”

“The plan [before the start of the season] was to avoid relegation battle, I personally think we are better than that and I do not want to jump the gun too much but we will definitely be playing Wessex league football next season.”