So that’s 2024 done. And it’s been an interesting year, to say the least! There have been some low points but, thankfully they have been overshadowed by the high points.
Low Point: While the home defeat to Hinckley stung, for me, the low point came with the gut-wrenching defeat in the penalty shootout at the playoff final against a team loaded with more ringers than it has supporters.
With 8 minutes to play, Spa were leading 1-0, but the makeshift Saltmen side were hanging on, running on fumes and, like a Cuban Cadillac, held together with sticky tape and woolly string. Even though it was effectively an away game, the overwhelming majority of the 553 crowd were unable to will their heroes over the final hurdle. It’s probably less than 20 miles to the Kings Norton ground, but the journey home felt like 200!
High Point: This was more difficult as there have been many more highs than lows, particularly this season. The playoff semi final win at Allscott Heath was amazing. The FA Vase win at old foes Ashby Ivanhoe was even better but my favourite Spa experience of 2024 has to be the trip to Holbeach United in the first round proper of the Vase. A great day out to an excellent and welcoming club with a fantastic clubhouse. A visit to a proper pub and a great onfield display. The journey home was brilliant. Travelling with the team allowed us to see and join in the celebrations which were raucous and very good humoured. Even the trip to Sainsbury’s to refill the beer supplies (and make room for some more) was fun…and I’ve never said that before!
Overall it’s been a really good year. The team has been incredible. Watching young players linking up with more established players. Seeing the development of Dom Rogerson. Seeing Duggers bagging four at Newent. The long unbeaten run to open the season. Attendances are up and the number of Spa fans travelling long distances to away games is amazing. There can’t be many clubs at Stage 6 whose supporters regularly outnumber the hosts’ support.
I’m not sure anyone honestly predicted the degree of success this season has brought so far. However, we are only half way through the league programme and with fixtures now coming thick and fast, the hard work on soft pitches really begins here. I’m sure the club has the individual talent and strength in depth to complete the job but it isn’t going to be easy. The least we supporters can do is provide the best backing we can and be grateful for the hard work that goes into providing us with such a positive experience following the Saltmen.
See you at Carterton on Saturday.
Cheers
Steve
#UTS
FOLLOWING THE SALTMEN 
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