NOW IT’S STARTING TO CLICK!
Cup kings have finally found their feet
LEWWIS Spence says FA Trophy winners Hornchurch are seeing their true spirit and showing you don’t just become a bad team overnight.
Having lifted Non-League’s top cup last season after a remarkable run to Wembley while not playing a single league game, expectations were high for Mark Stimson’s Urchins.
But a disjointed start to their Isthmian Premier campaign has seen the Essex outfit playing catch-up on the early pacesetters.
Now seven wins on the bounce have kick-started their rise up the table and captain Spence says they are showing what they’re capable of.
“Ultimately, we weren’t at the races as a group at the start,” Spence told The NLP. “I couldn’t pinpoint what that was – there isn’t any arrogance or egotistical players who think they’re too good for this level because we won the Trophy. That’s not what we’re about.
“But, for one reason or another, we just weren’t getting consistent results. People from the outside could say we had injuries but I don’t even blame it on that. I just think we as players on the pitch weren’t quite getting it right.
“If you look at those players, we’re all here now when things are going well. When you’re in a rut, it’s not easy to just get out of it.
“To be fair to the management, they stuck by everyone because the expectation was to be in the areas we are working towards now.
Mixer
“It’s starting to come good – I don’t want to say it HAS come good because we’re not fully in that mixer at the moment.”
Spence, 34, highlights the signings of Tom Wraight from Chelmsford City, midfielder Ola Ogunwamide, the returning Tobi Joseph and Nathan Cooper, pictured right, as important additions by Stimson.
But the veteran midfielder has been playing his part with some eye-catching goals. He’s scored two from the halfway line – against Haringey Borough and Bognor Regis Town – as we as a thumping volley at Brightlingsea Regent.
His fifth of the season, against Bishop’s Stortford, “came off my shin like my other touches that day” and he is enjoying his football on the back nine of his career.
Influence
“I had a conversation with the gaffer in the summer after what we’d achieved with him setting out what he expected from me this season,” Spence said.
“I sat out some of the earlier games. The boys in there had been flying so I was thinking how could I give my impact and value to the team. When we weren’t performing, I felt it was time for me to step up and show I can still do what I am capable of doing – whether that’s leading the group, being a positive influence, encouraging, doing the basics correctly.
“I’d like to say I’ve offered that over the last run of games. It’s important now I maintain that for the group. I don’t want to turn up to football and just make up the numbers.
“I’m 34. In my mind I thought this might be my last year. But, the way it’s going, can I go another one? Can I keep myself at a level of fitness to perform? It’s about trying to maintain it and help those around me.”