March ready to bounce back after knocks

March Town have unfinished business as they prepare for the forthcoming Eastern Counties League division one north season.

The Hares were in two cup finals and looking good for promotion to Step 5 when coronavirus lockdown halted their season in March.

But even the blow of not being picked for this year’s FA Cup cannot dampen spirits at the GER as Arran Duke’s men prepare for a season which could end in glory.

The club has retained all of last year’s squad, signed another top striker in Jack Frohawk from Downham and will welcome back long term injury casualties midfielder Scott Callaghan and club captain Max Mattless.

“Jack has fitted in great and having Max and Scott back are like new signings too – we don’t need anyone else,” said manager Duke.

“Pre-season has been like no other as the lads have not been playing for five months rather than the usual two, but it’s going well.”

The whole squad has been used in workouts against Parson Drove (won 4-3) and Step 4 Bedford Town (0-3) and there are further behind-closed-doors friendlies at home to Ongar Town on Saturday, at Long Sutton on August 22 and one to be arranged the following week, before the season, hopefully, gets under way on September 5.

“We have got a good enough squad to go anywhere and not feel we are short,” said Duke. “We have every chance of success and we have to make sure that happens.

“We did really well to hold a very good team in Bedford for 65 minutes before we let in some disappointing goals. We are feeling positive.”