A fourth successive promotion within the competitive playing surrounds of the Leinster Senior League has been attained by Willow Park.
A stellar achievement by the progressive club, assistant manager, David McGuinness, reflected on the Covid-19 effected Senior Division 1A Sunday league campaign and noted that promotion was the start of the season goal for the management and playing squad as the club continues to ascend the Leinster Senior League divisional ladder.
“We were delighted to achieve our aim this season with three games and nine points to spare. Promotion was only guaranteed on the last day of our previous two league seasons so that in itself was a welcome change,” David enthused.
With the persistent presence of Covid-19 within the community, the uncertainty remained that this season’s league campaign may not have been completed but having returned to competitive action the players applied a positive attitude to ensure promotion was eventually achieved.
“The players maintained a strong level of fitness during lockdown. We had only four weeks to prepare for our remaining five games and we managed to play two friendlies when we were permitted and this helped our cause greatly.
“Our defence, in particular, were very cohesive after the break as we managed to keep three successive clean sheets. At the season’s conclusion, we had the best defensive record in the league and were the third highest scorers.
“It is also fantastic for the club to the be the highest placed Midlands team now in the Leinster Senior League ranks. Next year we will be competing against Collinstown, Newbridge Town and Ballymun so we have to raise our game once again both on and off the pitch,” David acknowledged.
With pre-season training imminent, the mind is fully focussed on the challenge which awaits when competitive action returns to DPD Park in due course.
“We will be freshening the squad with some of the young cohort of players from our middle section who again had a hugely successful season. Some of the younger players have been training with us throughout the season so now is ample time for them to play at a higher level.
“It is a boost for Declan (Holohan ) to have that conveyor belt of talent available and we hope that the club and committee strives to maintain such a quality of footballer.
“The support we receive from the committee has been continuously fantastic. We also receive great support from our main sponsors DPD. To have the backing of such a huge company in Athlone is massive filip for the football club,” David concluded.
