Heathens win was just what the doctor ordered
Flackwell Heath: Flackwell bounce back to beat Ardley after consecutive defeats
A clean sheet and a league victory were just what the doctor ordered for Flackwell Heath boss Chris Ayres after the side's momentum had been checked by a couple of disappointing results.
The Heathens had won six of their opening seven matches under Ayres and his assistant Paul Shone before losing narrowly to Guildford City in the FA Vase and following that up with a home defeat to promotion rivals New Salamis in the league.
It felt like the new management team’s honeymoon period had come to an end so to pick up three points with a solid 2-0 win over Ardley United on Saturday was both pleasing and well deserved. The result leaves them ninth in the Spartan South Midlands Premier Division and, while a title challenge is probably beyond them this season, the top five remains just about within reach.
Jamie Essex opened the scoring for the visitors in the 17th minute before Simeon Weekes scored from the penalty spot to secure the points.
Ayres said: “It was very pleasing to get a clean sheet and get back to winning ways.
“It was a challenging game in terms of the conditions as the pitch was very heavy and the wind was hard to contend with. Also, you have to deal with the slope at Ardley.
“Paul (Shone) and I changed a few things around and the boys showed real character on the day. They really had to dig in as the conditions didn’t really suit how we wanted to play. It was a game of limited chances, I think we had three, and they might have had one so there wasn’t a lot in the game.”
Ayres was also full of praise for Weekes, who he said was ‘outstanding’ from the first minute until the last. He also commended the young forward's composure in scoring the side’s crucial second half penalty.
“I thought Simeon was outstanding,” he said.
“He led the line fantastically well and got his reward with the penalty. He took it and scored to cap off a good day.”
On whether this victory reignites their hopes for a top-four finish, Ayres added: “I think we will find out where we are on Saturday. We are at home to Harpenden Town who are fourth currently, so it will be another test.
“I’m sure if we show the same desire, effort, and togetherness that we did on Saturday, then we’ve got a good chance. The group is certainly good enough.
“We’ve just signed centre-half Callum Mapley from Thame as well which is another good addition for us.
“Aiden Higgs is close to coming back in too. He played for the reserves on Saturday and scored two so, I’m not sure about Saturday, but he is close to being back in the line-up soon.
“It will be great to have him back, and it’s going to be a bit of a headache to fit him in but that’s part of the game and that’s how you be successful. So, things are looking good.”