Season Preview: Division One

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Aston

Following last season’s relegation they will be hoping to bounce straight back, but it easy easier said than done in what should be a real competitive division. If rumours are to be believed much of last years squad are still in place and have added Steve Caton to their defence. The problem last year was their reliance on Benji Sunblad to score their goals, when he got injured with 1/3 of the season left the goals dried up. Others need to chip in with 10 or so goals as well if they are to bounce straight back up.

Prediction: 8th
One to watch: Benji Sundblad

Brize Norton Reserves

Last season's run away Division champions 2 will hope the momentum will carry them to a succesful campaign this season as well. Last years manager Adam Smith has stepped up to take charge of the 1sts so it will be interesting to see how the new manager adjusts. Both John Smailes and Mark Jewell scored goals for fun in Division 2 last year. Goals came from all around the pitch and i believe that Matt Noakes was highly thought of by the management.

Prediction: 9th
One to watch: Nigel Byng

Carterton Reserves

Will Griffths is the new man in charge  at Toon Town.  Once again the team narrowly missed out on silverware last season. If the 1st team have managed to secure the services of a number of former starlets expect the Res to benefit. Were the divisions leading scorers last season and there is plenty of experience to go with the youngsters who have come up through the ranks.  Expect them to be in the shake up again.

Prediction: 4th
One to watch: Scott Walters

Ducklington Reserves

The experienced duo of John Harper and Martin Hamilton over at the Glebelands and hopes are high after a good pre-season for success. There is lots of Premier Division experience all over the pitch as well as a good cropof younger players. The return of Paul Neale is great news and he is sure to fire in the goals. An experienced midfield could contain the likes of Martin Ferreira, Anthony Lune and Ray Read in its ranks and it bodes well for the side.

Prediction: 7th
One to watch: Duncan Sellman

Eynsham A

Only avoided the drop last season on goal difference and their defence shipped far too many goals for them to be competitive.  Everyone knows what to expect from John Wick and his merry band and some times the physical nature of their game cancels out their undoubted ability. Expect another season of struggle.

Prediction: Bottom (Relegated)
One to watch: Jon Roome

FC Mills

Had a major problem scoring goals last season - with only Olly Lyon managing more than 2 league goals. They hope to have addressed this problem with the re-signing of Dan Harwood. Defensively they were much tighter and in Pete Claridge and Steve Lyon they have two experienced guys who have seen it all before. They have also added new man mountain of a German keeper to add to the defence. Good set if results in pre-season and they will certainly be in the mix come the end of the season.

Prediction: 3rd
One to watch: Dan Harwood

FC Nomads

Nomads experienced the lows, highs and lows of the Premier Division last year. Starting dreadfully, have a great middle and then suffering last day heartache. Whether they will be able to bounced back is debatable.  There has been lots of movement in the close season, unfortunately for Nomads most of it has been away from the club. However manager Billy Bircher is bound to have his troops wound up for the opener.

Prediction: 6th
One to watch: Mickey Hole

Kingham AB

Grabbed the runners up spot in Division Two last season with a fine late run and Miles Harding again was the star turn scoring 42 goals to make him the leading scorer in the league. Never an easy place to go, expect Kingham to gain a lot of points at home but not so many on their travels. Will probably settle for a mid-table finish.

Prediction: 11th (Relegated)
One to watch: Miles Harding

Milton

A number of new signings has manager Diddle Keen purring with delight and he is hopeful his charges will do better than last season.  Pip Benfield and Dave Jeynes are both decent strikers and can find the net if given the good service. Paul Dray has returned after a 2 year hiatus and much is expected of him. They also have added the talents of Justin Summers to the ranks and have a much bigger and better squad than last season.

Prediction: 5th
One to watch: Paul Dray

Minster Lovell

Another squad with high expectations and a new managerial duo in place.  Everyone’s favourite Forumite Chris King is at the helm together with Shaun Cross.  7 or 8 players have made the journey to Wash Meadow to join the revolution most notably Bradley Bryant and Dan Bishop.  Expect Martin Latimer to make friends again with Division one defences and his goals will propel them towards the title.

Prediction: Champions
One to watch: Martin Latimer

Witney Royals

At times Royals played some of the best football in the Division last season yet there is always a wonder if they will ‘bother to turn up’ some days.  There is obvious class in the side with Chris Catchpole, Steve Brasier and Richie Benham all catching the eye.  On his day Russell Plumb can be a real handful but their remains a nagging doubt about their defensive capabilities. May have to settle for the runners up spot.

Prediction: Runners-up
One to watch: Richie Benham

Witney Wanderers

Things were all doom and gloom in the Wanderers camp last week - Star man Chris Bennell had high tailed it out of town and the changing rooms had been condemned. But the week before the season starts the Messiah returns and the Council have a change of heart. Wanderers for the title then! Only having the one team can often prove to be hard work and a smaller squad than most will not help Wanderers chances.

Prediction: 10th
One to watch: Chris Bennell