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Manager Marcus Richardson is confident AFC Aldermaston will now start climbing the Velocity Wessex League Division One table after an impressive 4-1 home win over United Services Portsmouth with goals from Simeon Weekes (2), Josh Lambden and substitute Mohamed Adam.
That was their first win in seven league games, which was rather surprising considering in the same period they had made progress in three different competitions – the Isuzu FA Vase, Berks & Bucks Senior Cup and the Wessex League Cup.
So, why haven’t The Atom Men got more league points under their belt?
“We’ve been a little unlucky this season,” replied Richardson. “If you don’t put away your chances, the other team are going to score at the other end.
“Defensively, we look alright – though I feel we can still get better. We’ve only conceded nine goals, which is one of the best records in our league, but we haven’t been scoring enough goals, at least not until last Saturday.
“I was pleased to see four go in against United Services; I always felt a big win was going to happen.”
Richardson continued: “I’ve been saying for some time that it is only a matter of time before everything clicks together.
“The boys know what they have to do, they’ve got to get their heads down and get on with the job. Perhaps one or two need to put in a bit more work, but that will come, I am sure of that.
“I may be being a little too critical, but I see a lot of potential in this group. I’ve managed some good sides in the past, and the aim is to take them to that level and progress to even better things.
“We need to get into a momentum. Once we do, I think you will see the best of us, and we will start pushing up our league.”
Former Football League striker Richardson is continually looking to strengthen his squad and has made a few new signings in recent weeks.
“I’m always going around the local parks looking for players; those who I think have the potential to step up a level.”
One of his best signings so far is goalkeeper Sam Baldock, who plays for Sunday League club 116 Exiles.
“He has made a massive difference to us,” said Richardson. “The others I have brought in look very good and interesting; players I really want to work with. I think they will make a big difference to the team.”
His squad also includes Rio Bartley, the son of Marlow manager Mark Bartley.
“He has loads of potential, but he is not always available to us as he is at Bradfield College and they also play on a Saturday,” said Richardson.
Rio was in the Bradfield team that earlier this year won the Boodles ISFA Cup final for the third time in four years, establishing them as the UK’s top independent school for football.
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The Atom Men’s most experienced player is Simeon Weekes, who played for Richardson when he was in charge at Flackwell Heath before switching to Thatcham.
“I am lucky to have someone of his experience in my team,” added the Aldermaston manager. “He works so hard throughout a game and is a guy who can win a game for you.”
Weekes proved that when scoring both goals in their 2-1 win at Devizes Town in the second qualifying round of the Isuzu FA Vase.
In the opening round, they had defeated Bristol Telephones 3-2 on penalties after a goalless 90 minutes.
Their reward is a home first-round proper tie against Southern Combination League Division One high-flying side Infinity at Thatcham on October 18th.
“I don’t know anything about them, so I will need to do some homework before they come here,” continued Richardson.
Three days earlier, on the 15th, Aldermaston take on National League South side Maidenhead United in the second round of the Berks & Bucks Senior Cup, having previously defeated Langley 2-1 thanks to goals from Mohamed Adam and Jacob Wallace.
They are also through to the second round of the Velocity Wessex League Cup after beating Amesbury Town 4-3 on penalties following a 3-3 draw; their goals coming from Vandyic Addai, Matt Butler and Charlie Davies.
Cup runs, particularly in the FA Vase, are always welcome as they generate extra revenue for the club.
The 48-year-old Richardson, who last season was part of the Windsor & Eton team that won the Uhlsport Hellenic Veterans Division 1 East title, accepts Aldermaston still have to establish themselves on the non-league scene, but says: “We’re definitely heading in the right direction” and the club’s ambitions are reflected in the work of chairman Martin Desay.
He added: “The chairman wants to move the club forward, and I am hoping that in the near future the boys will reward him in the same way he is willing to reward them. He is a very good chairman, and the future is looking good for the club.”
And that could get even better. Whilst they are happy playing at Thatcham, the dream of returning to a new-look Rec Soc may not be far away for the Atom Men.
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