RILEY Smith believes that The Lynchpin are in a good position to challenge for an historic third consecutive East Berks’ Premier Division title this season, writes Rob Stevens.
No club has claimed a hat-trick of Premier crowns in over 30 years and though Smith will take the season one game at a time he expects The Lynchin to one of the frontrunners again.
Pin boss Smith told the Observer: “We’re looking forward to it as usual. It will be interesting because there are some new sides in the league this year. They’re all unknown quantities and will be looking to get off to a good start.
“We will take it one game at a time but we’ve got a good squad, which you need in order to challenge and we rely on people turning up.
“If we can keep putting out a regular side and not get injuries then I will be happy and we will be up there challenging with the usual suspects.
“It’s always nice to have a close run-in with Chalvey (WMC) Sports, and both Iver Heath Rovers and Langley will have strong squads this year.
“Pre-season has been good, we’ve not lost a game, but I don’t really take any note of that to be honest. Last year we lost every friendly but went on to have a really good year.
“We’ve brought in three or four players in crucial positions so we’re looking good. Hopefully we can get off to a good start, keep players interested, and then take it from there.”
Lynchpin start the new season with a visit to Slough Central this Saturday (2pm ko).