End Of Season Report 2007/08
The 2007/08 season started with high hopes for both Hilltop teams, and victories on the opening day of the campaign for the reserves against Chapel End Salutation, and a Tribune Cup Qualifying round against Anker FC looked to add weight to that suggestion. But what happened in the coming months was complete contrast between the two sides. Hilltop FC went on a 14 game winning streak in the league and the reserves lost countless players and had to re-build the squad, which later saw them relegated.
The first team in the summer lost big players, captain Blayne Leput left the club and was replaced by Danny Armiger, Jimmy Elliott came in from the Arms, Denzil Richards added some punch, coming in from the Old Bull side, and Sean Worrell, sured up the defence after Jonny Robbins left to play in division 4. The cup campaigns were very mixed, and after looking like a cup run was on the cards in the Tribune Cup, Hilltop once again failed to make it past the 2nd round for the third season in a row, going down in extra time to Premier 2 side Collycroft Cricks. In the charity cup, a night out for one of the lads birthdays has to take the blame for a poor defeat against a Crystal Palace side who on the day just wanted it more. However... From all the previous read disappointment, Hilltop first team did go onto play in the NIC Challenge cup, going down 1-0 to an Andy Kirkham strike at Bermuda.. The lads ended up disappointed, but for the many that 'win or lose, on the booze' over jacks in coventry, it'll be a night to remember for a long time!
Onto the league, Hilltop were deducted 3 points over a late match report and the following week lost there first leage game. At this point Hilltop were a massive 11 points behind with six game to play. If the lads were going to win the league it would be the greatest achievement in the clubs history. After months of playing poorly, swapping formations due to the injury of key midfield player James Elliott, Hilltop did finally turn the corner against a fairly strong looking Coton Liberals side. Hilltop went onto win 7-1, hitting form at a crucial point in the season. The lads followed up with wins against Ford Oak, Hartshill Res, Coton Liberals again, and left themelves with the advantage over ford oak going into the final game of the season. With just a point needed, Hilltop put in there most professional performance of the season to see off there tital rivals 5-0 and be crowned Champions for the 2007/08 season.
Congrats lads!
Full reserve report will follow from the reserve team management!
