Ahead of this evening’s clash with Hebburn Town, Match day programme editor Matty Hunter sat down with Hornets supporter, Matty Duggan, to discuss last season’s first at step three, their summer acquisitions, season aims, how he expects tonight’s fixture to play out and more…
How would you sum up last season? What went right and wrong in Hebburn’s first year at Step Three?
Looking back at last season for us I think we did well for being our first season at this level and build on it going into this season. The way we finished the campaign, there were some highs and lows. We made a strong start and struggled at the start of the year with injuries and suspension to key players, but the lads give everything each game and did all they could when called upon.
What are your aims and targets for this season and how have you fared so far?
I think our aim for this season is what it was last season which is to get as many points on the board as we can and look to finish the season in a better position than we did last season and see where we end up and hope we can keep everyone fit for the rest of the season. After a bad start, the lads have done well in the last few weeks to pick up a few wins to kick start our season and hopefully we can have a better year.
What have you made of the impact of your summer signings?
The new signings that we brought in have done well and settled in quickly and you can see the impact they have made to the team. After losing Amar Purewal in the summer, I have been impressed with Jack Foalle and Gary Martin who so far have done well. I think we will bring in one or two fresh players during the season when we start having injuries or suspensions.
How are you expecting this fixture to play out?
I think it will be another tough game. Last time I had us to win and only came away with a draw, I would love us to win to keep our good form going but i think it will be another draw especially against a good Morpeth team.
Three to watch:
Matty Elsdon – a rock at the back since joining Hebburn two years ago. The Middlesbrough youth product continues to be an important part of the setup at The Hornets.
Aidan Haywood – the Hebburn captain was a big miss for the majority of the campaign and the hometown full-back is a huge leader on and off the pitch.
Gary Martin- the experienced striker’s presence up front will be important for Hebburn this year again and he has already started the season well leading the line.
