Bramford not aiming high

SOCCER: Bramford United now have Glen Parker and Ian Crick back in charge – and they are not setting their sights too high. "If we finish third from bottom we will be more than happy," said Crick today.

By Elvin King

BRAMFORD United now have Glen Parker and Ian Crick back in charge – and they are not setting their sights too high.

"If we finish third from bottom we will be more than happy," said Crick today. "The club had one season in senior football and then dropped down. We don't want that to happen again.

"If we can avoid relegation this season, we will then be able to build and establish ourselves as a senior club."

Crick began the season in the Bramford camp but then fell out with chairman Alan Woods. Woods resigned around Christmas and Crick is now back in partnership with Parker as joint first team managers of the Metaltec SIL club.

"I was asked to come back, and since then results have picked up with wins over Stonham Aspal and Ransomes, a draw with Capel Plough and narrow defeats by Grundisburgh and Melton St Audry's," added Crick.

"We play Leiston St Margaret's in the Senior Division tomorrow and three points would do nicely. We have a difficult run-in so need the points against Leiston."

Bramford are third from bottom, ahead of Ransomes and Brantham Athletic and they have games in hand.

"Anything higher than third from bottom will be a bonus," said Crick. "The players have had a meeting and have pledged support so hopefully no one will jump ship."

Bramford have a wealth of talent on their books with PaulClennell and Andy Brown former Jewson League players. Dodi Lawrence is doing well in midfield while Junior Isodore has proved a more than useful acquisition following a move to the area from London.

"And Andy Ditcham has done well in midfield, I can't believe that Ransomes let him go," said Crick, who praised the efforts of Robert Stollery who is still playing the occasional game in goal.

"His wife Tracey is secretary and Robert is assistant secretary. Along with BobWakelin he is doing much good work."

Colin Sparrow has taken over as acting chairman. Leaders Grundisburgh will be seeking to get back to winning ways at Stonham Aspal, while title favourites Walsham-le-Willows face a potentially tricky time at Woodbridge Athletic – one club who might be interested in the available Tony Kinsella.

Old Newton, on the crest of a wave, entertain East Bergholt, and both clubs will be desperate for points when Brantham meet Ransomes.