LOOE Town can look back on a season where they grew in confidence after a disastrous start which saw them lose their first seven league and cup matches to finish in 13th place in the East Cornwall League, after finishing bottom the previous season.

Manager Duncan Sweeney said: ‘Looe Town’s season started early in August which caused us real selection issues.

‘For the first five to six games, getting a team out on the pitch was the real result for us, due to work commitments and three lads’ cricket seasons not finishing until September.’

He added: ‘We kept the core of our younger players and the older players, who deserve massive credit for enduring the previous season, which we had to go through to gain experience of the league.

‘We suffered some bad defeats along the way but some promising performances in others, particularly against Torpoint away and Mount Gould at Looe.

‘One of these players was Joe White, whose 10 goals from midfield and positive captaincy and on- field coaching turned our team’s momentum around.

‘Jonny Filbey signed before Christmas, and with Joe became the senior players any side needs to build momentum and performances.

‘After Christmas, the team’s spirit changed, and we became difficult to beat.

‘Torpoint were relieved to come away with a last-minute winner in a 2-1 victory.

Rewarded

‘Now players like Archie Sweeney, Solomon Philips, Noah Philips and Sam Wiltshire began to deliver the performances which they had given for their successful DJM side.

‘Senior players such as Jordan Puckey, Nick Lister and Ricky Manning were also playing with a renewed power and skill.

‘Aaron Rix, our goalkeeper, who had endured more than any man’s misery over the past seasons, was rewarded by these displays.

‘Sadly, Aaron is moving on from Looe but deserves nothing but praise for all he has done for the club, both on and off the pitch, most of which went on properly unrecognised. Thank you from the team Aaron.

‘These performances were reflected in the team’s rise up the table, which should have continued had current events not overtaken us all.

‘We will lose players, inevitably, we shall still promote youth where we can, new signings have been made and the key core backbone of the side is in place to hopefully continue the team’s renewed upward momentum.

‘With these positive upturns, we are confident Looe can re-emerge as a strong, solid football team and carry on the work and success achieved by Mick Crick and Wes Garaghon.

‘We would like to thank team kit sponsor Stormseal Windows and wish a new team supporter Redfoot Sportswear success.

‘We wish all our league opponents well for the future and look forward eagerly to the resumption of competitive football.’

by Dave Potham