After capturing the Premier Cup just days after retaining their coveted Senior Division title, I caught up with Heathside Captain and Secretary Sam Bass who paid tribute to the effort of all those who contributed to such a successful season on and off the pitch for Heathside United.

Running a football club is a time consuming pastime but success is only achieved by the dedication and attitude of ALL those involved.

After successfully winning the Senior Division in the 2006/2007 season, it was always going to be a hard task for Heathside United to retain their league championship. Having completed this task, together with winning the Premier Cup, has assured that Heathside United have collected the two most sought after prizes within the Essex Sunday Football Combination.

Hard work began in pre season, with notable friendly wins against high flying Essex Corinthian League outfit Elan 4-0, and the May & Baker Saturday 1^st Team 2-1. Heathside were ready for the forthcoming battles that lie ahead. To fill the gaps of departures of the close season, striker Danny Whybrow, 18 year-old left back Matt Sallis, defenders Ken Thomas and Ivan Thomas (both from East Thames F.C) were all brought into the club.

Heathside made an all-important start to the first three league games of the season, winning all three, with no goals against. The trend of this defensive stability was to follow for the rest of the season, as the Heathside defence and goalkeeper produced clean sheets in more than half of their competitive games.

With a few injuries, and unavailability of a few players, Heathside went through a tricky period in late October/November. So, Tom McDonald and the 16 year-old Bradley Smith were both recruited. The signing of Smith proved to be a good one straight away, as he was to score two crucial goals on his debut against fellow title rivals Ideal. The 3-1 victory at Ideal proved to be pivotal to Heathside’s season, as they were to go on a nine game unbeaten streak afterwards.

The team’s goal count was on the rise again, and indeed three different forwards, the industrious Danny Whybrow, the ever improving Tarron Tennent and the leading scorer from the previous season Matt Humphreys, each scored hat-tricks in three consecutive matches.

There was also a remarkable cup-tie within this period against another title competitor Globetown. The tie was goalless after extra time, and some thirty-two penalties later, Heathside were victorious by 14 penalties to Globetown’s 13.

After indulging a three game winless period, Heathside regrouped, and focussed on their run in. Two key wins 4-0 in the league v Medhurst, and a 3-1 Premier Cup quarter-final victory over Globetown was the start of the six wins on the bounce in all competitions that made sure the league and cup double was to be theirs. It was in these two games that keeper Smith produced two decisive penalty saves.

Going into their last league game, Heathside required one point to hold on to their title. A 1-0 victory courtesy of a twenty-five yard strike from James Leverett was enough, and Heathside had retained the Senior Division championship. Heathside have always looked to progress, in the view that the season’s achievements should outdo those of the previous campaign. To do this would mean winning the Premier Cup Final against Ideal FC.

A rock hard surface after a few days hot weather made it a difficult game for the flair players within the side to get the ball down and play. But an industrious team effort, an opening goal finished off by the outstanding Luke Reid and second goal added by Matt Humphreys made sure that the league and cup elusive double was complete.

Now the season has come to a close, it is a time for reflection. What has brought Heathside success is the strength of the squad. Aside from those players mentioned are right back Peter Shearing who’s contribution over the years cannot be stated highly enough, experienced captain Sam Bass who commands things from the back, central Midfielder Brendon Naylor - the ‘old man’ of the team, who’s enthusiasm is absolutely remarkable and continues to perform with great consistency, Michael Rivers who whether he’s placed in midfield, left-back or most recently at centre back always puts in a good performance, and 2006/2007 players’ player of the year Tommy Baker who is the real heartbeat of the side. But it’s that collective spirit and ability within the squad that has made the 2007/2008 season both a memorable and historic one.

As well as becoming a successful football club, Heathside also have pride in their appearance. After not choosing any club colours in their formation, Heathside have adopted a European football club’s colours for each season. The home kits of Juventus, Real Madrid, AC Milan and this season Sampdoria, have all been worn. Watch this space for which next kit the team will wear for next season.

Top goalscorers –

Matt Humphreys – 16

Tarron Tennent – 15

Danny Whybrow – 9

Luke Reid – 8