Saturday team celebrate superb season

14 May 2005

Crawley Saturday's superb double winning season reached its climax when they celebrated their achievements with the end-of-season awards evening.

The Saturday first team, under manager Gary King, have just had the most successful season ever by an adult team - winning the SMFL Division 2 Championship, the Beds Senior Trophy and missing out on a unique treble when they lost on penalties after extra time in the League Cup - our third appearance in this cup final in four years.

Held in the new lounge for the first time, the evening saw the two Saturday sides (first and reserves) coupled with the midweek U18 team, who, under the guidance of Mick MacDonald finished the season strongly challenging for honours until the very last match.

With half of this team appearing for the Saturday reserves under Craig Freeman, the team finished with a creditable mid-table position plus they reached the county cup semi-final - a superb achievemen with such a young team.

Above, Vice-Chairman Alan Clark presents Maureen Bowler with a bouquet of flowers in recognition of the superb fundraising she does for the Saturday side.

Craig Freeman presents Francis Harkin with the Reserve Manager's Player of the Year award. Franny also received the Manager's Player of the year for the U18s.

Jack Kelly proudly accepts his Players' Player of the Year award for the reserve team.

First team manager, Gary King with his Top Goalscorer - Adey Bascombe.

Craig Freeman received the Alan Coles Memorial Trophy for his contribution in running the reserves and whilst offering superb support to first team manager, Gary King.

Popular youngster Peter O'Donnell - Pod to his mates - receives the first of two trophies on the evening, this one for the Players Player of the Year.

. . . before receiving Young Player of the Year

Mick MacDonald, U18 manager, presents Jack Nelly with the "Players Player" for an outstanding season.

Whilst Paul Kelly recevies the U18 "Most Improved Player" awards

The successful Saturday side are presented with the SMFL Division 2 Champions cup - held by goalkeeping hero Nigel Blower.

Former youth star Phil Turner proudly holds the Beds Senior Trophy aloft as the team proudly show off their double winning team.

Adam Turner, received the Manager's Player of the Year.

Thanks were also expressed for the sponsors of the Saturday side, TG Installations, Kings Windows and HMS Ltd and to
Michael MacDonald who supported the U18 immeasurably!
Without the goodwill of these sponsors the sides would struggle to meet their commitments in all parts of the financial costs of running teams.

Thanks too, to Alan Burgess, (above) who regrettably has retired as Secretary of the Saturday football side. Alan has done a superb job running the admin side of the Club for the last five years and many years before that at Breachwood Green. Another hard act to follow!