Interview: Q&A with Doddsy

On Sunday mornings at the famous Hackney Marshes, Stratford Athletic play their home games with manager Mike Earll looking on from the touchline. If you know the club well then you'll also have noticed someone standing by the gaffer's side, roaring encouragement to his lads in their pursuit of the Division Three title. His name is Will Winthrop, and these are his thoughts...

What were the results of your MRI, and how long will you be sidelined?

Fortunately there's no ligament or cartilage damage so it's not as bad as first feared. From the MRI scan we've learnt that I've got severe bone bruising, with blood in my knee. The doctor has recommended I stay on crutches for another month, with minor gym work, and rest the knee as much as possible.

How disappointed are you that you won't be able to play in this weekend's cup match?

I'm heartbroken, it's every player's dream to play in the Dickie Davies Cup, and try and complete the journey to the featured pitch at Hackney Marshes. But I've got faith that the lads can pull off a cup upset and get us one step closer to Hackney's "Theatre of Dreams".

What did you make of last weeks win?

Glad to pick up the three points but I share the gaffer's concerns about the worrying trend of throwing away leads and making things difficult for ourselves. Soon we won't be so lucky and we'll throw away a lead that'll cost us dearly.

Will you be providing your usual support from the sidelines this weekend?

As always, I'm 100% committed to the club after the contract negotiations in the summer and will be looking to continue my role of assistant manager on Sunday.

As AM, what are your thoughts on the captaincy situation?

Fella's captain, his commitment to the team on sunday is remarkable and has to be applauded. As for vice-captaincy, I don't believe it's a big issue. If the gaffer's happy with Boyo as vice-captain, then I support his decision 100%.

Is there anything you'd like to add before we depart?

Quick thanks to the gaffer for his continued support throughout my injury, he continues to prove he's a club legend - up with the likes of Paul Nicolaou - and has proven he is the greatest manager in Stratford Athletic History.

Match Report: Shoreditch FP HOME

Stratford Athletic 4-3 Shoreditch Fire Penguins

Sunday, 7 October 2012 - KO 10:30 - South Marsh, Hackney

Squad: Deacon; Gallie (Kelly), Jones (c), Wachowski, P. Stanley; Reynolds; Venus (Pruce), Bishop; F. Stanley; Greening, Mills

Stratford Athletic battled hard to their first win of the season against Shoreditch Fire Penguins on Sunday morning.

After a flurry of early chances Elliot Greening thought he had added another goal to his league tally but his looping header clipped the crossbar on its way over.

Essex loanee Tymal Mills grabbed the first goal, coolly tapping in Fred Stanley's drilled cross from the left. Minutes later Stanley himself latched onto the end of Chris Deacon's long goal-kick to slot the ball past the opposition goalkeeper. In similar fashion to the opening goal, Mills added his second - and Stratford's third - by sweeping home a cross from Stanley, this time from the right wing. 

Just before half time the Fire Penguins had a lifeline. An indirect free-kick was given for obstruction inside the box, and Shoreditch converted it by blasting the ball through a crowd of red shirts. Deacon was left fuming at how easily the ball slipped beneath his body.

After the break the team in grey rallied to find two goals in quick succession. First a burst from behind the back four allowed their No.9 to get away from club captain Josh Jones and slide the ball past Deacon. Then a blinding effort from the left winger sailed into the top corner from 25-yards - despite pressure from no fewer than four red players, making it 3-3.

Stratford, buoyed by the home crowd, found another gear when they needed it. Sublime build-up play between Greening. Stanley and Ryan Bishop brought about several chances that could have lead to more. Finally, with about 15 minutes remaining, Fred Stanley was brought down in the box and the referee pointed to the spot. Mills stepped up and calmly put the ball in the net for his hat-trick, 4-3.

In the final minutes Stratford conceded a host of corner-kicks but strong defending from Mills, Pete Stanley and Tomasz Wachowski kept the Fire Penguins at bay.

Stratford's first home win maintains their 100% record on home soil, as well as breaking the club record for highest scoring game involving the reds.

After the match manager Mike Earll said: "I was pleased with everyone's work today, especially knowing that it was the big derby. I deployed a few tactical changes and they seemed to work well. Give the players all the credit though, they're the ones who made it happen."

"I'd like to thank Mr. Mills for his incredible loan performance for us today, it's hard to imagine a better debut. We will welcome him back soon, I'm sure."

"As for next week, we play Florist Arms on Mabley Green. If we build on this performance, and concede fewer goals then we could definitely get another three points."