Season Review – 2017/18

2017-18 season will live long in the memory for Cubans, as great progress off the field was matched by two memorable cup runs and a trophy on it (see Honours page).

While the 2XI lifting the W&D Centenary Cup is the icing on the cake, the 1XI reaching a Step7 semi-final should also be celebrated. In truth, the 1XI were unlucky not to progress, although the club take great pride in reaching the latter stages of a competition of this quality.

In league action, it was a mixed season for both sides.

The 1XI started slowly, hampered by GK selection issues. However, the free transfer signing of Jack Hutchinson was an inspired one, who nailed down the number 1 shirt and helped the side to charge their way up the league. 6-2 & 5-0 wins against Battersea and Reigate demonstrated this, and the attacking flair the side contained meant the team closed for Christmas focussing on the upper echelons of the table.

Post-Christmas was always going to be tricky for the 1XI, with only 9 league games left and a cup run to manage, it meant that the side often had bye weeks to contend with. Despite this, the team delivered some good results, scoring a total of 24 goals after Christmas (including back to back drubbings of Merrow and Reigate). However, the team were on the wrong end of a few results and the stop start nature of the run in played a part. A 6^th place finish is one the club are very proud of and our highest since the 2011-12 season. What is more pleasing is that this side are capable of more and we look forward to seeing what can be achieved in the coming season.

As for the 2XI, it was another positive transition season, with the side incorporating new players into the squad. The return of some familiar faces also boosted the side, who knew that a competitive season awaited. Some positive results followed, with the team collecting 10 out of the first 15 points available. At Christmas, it was still all to play for despite a few results going against the side. The notable win for the first half of the season was the 4-1 win against Gorillas with a bare 11.

The second half of the league season unfortunately faded away for the side, as despite positive performances in the cup, they were unable to replicate this consistently in the league. With 2 games to go, an outside chance of promotion was still on the cards, but unfortunately it wasn’t to be. The side can take solace as their promotion challenge lasted longer than Arsenal’s, but like there north London compatriots they will hope next year will deliver more.

Of course, the 2XI won’t be disappointed with the season. Having brushed aside Northern Town and Merton in the early stages, Cubo faced a strong Earlsfield FC in the final of the Centenary B Cup. With the club winning this competition twice before, the pressure was on to maintain our record and bring silverware home following a 6yr gap. They truly delivered, winning on penalties following an entertaining game which saw 3 goals scored in the last 90 seconds of extra time.

Off the pitch it was another season of good progress. The committee, bolstered by the additions of Marcus Torr and Andrew Findleton, continued to make strides forward. The re-introduction of training was a massive positive and delivered results on the pitch, with this set to continue into the new season. From a finance perspective, the club continued to invest in their Southfields ground, with the purchase of dugouts. This of course wouldn’t have been possible without the input of BDO, to whom we were grateful for continued their sponsorship of the club. This allowed the club to purchase two new kits which will serve our sides for seasons to come.