Kelvedon Hatch Reserves enjoyed another successful season.

The season started on the 2nd October 2010 with a 4-2 win against Westhamians in the Reserve Challenge Cup. This set the trend of things to come when at the end of a long season we took the Runners-up spot in the League on goal difference from Rayleigh Town Reserves, with Harold Wood Reserves winning the title.

The season started with much the same squad as in the previous season along with some new additions in Jon Whittaker, Gavin Cooper, Joe Benson and young Stephen Piper. These additions considerably strengthened the side and the new boys (or former players returning to the Club) fitted in very quickly. Additions were also made towards the end of the season in Sean Baldwin, Simon Stokes and Stuart Alexander, who all played their part in our success.

The biggest achievement of the season by far was to win the Essex Junior Cup for the first time in the Clubs history. It took six rounds to get to the final, overcoming a number of other Clubs First teams en route, to set up the final against Braintree and Bocking United at Billericay Town FC on 20th April 2011. In what proved to be a thrilling final, the Reserves typified their resolve and determination by coming from behind 3 times. The score was 2-2 at full time and 3-3 after extra time, sending the final into a penalty shoot out. Thanks to some fine goal keeping, by Mark Allan, after 5 penalties the score was 3-3, so to sudden death penalties. Dean Walker, captain on the night, scored but the Braintree player had his penalty saved and so the jubilant Hatch Reserves lifted the Cup to provide a piece of history for the Club.

I have to say that apart from the success, which makes it a very enjoyable Club to be part of, one of the most important things from my point of view is the friendly atmosphere, changing room banter and camaraderie. Without this, I have no doubt that we would not be as successful as we are. I am sure all the players not only enjoy the football they play but the social side of the team as well. This is certainly reflected in the large squad the Reserves have and maintained without a single player leaving the Reserves all season.

I would like to say a big thank you to all the committee members, for all their support throughout the season, along with the people that help me run the team in Jason Lee, Gary Barnes and Ray Balcombe. Without these people none of the season’s achievements would be possible.

Finally, I would like to give a big thank you to all the players for their hard work and commitment throughout the season which made my job an easy and very enjoyable one. We must now look forward to next season, as we have set very high standards we must endeavour to live up to these expectations and bring more silverware to the Club.

Lee Walker
Reserve XI Team Manager