The Blues pre-season fixtures will commence on Tuesday ahead of the 2024/25 season. We have nine fixtures over the next five weeks before the Isthmian Premier League season starts in August. Both our fixtures this week will take place at The Football Pad in Barnet Lane. Ahmet Rifat has confirmed seven new signings already for the season ahead and this week presents the first opportunity to see some of those new recruits in action!
First up this week, on Tuesday night (7.45pm kick off) we will face Sporting Bengal United. The team from Mile End achieved back-to-back promotions, being promoted from the Essex League (step 5) last season meaning that they will be in Isthmian North League (step 4) in 2024/25. Sporting Bengal achieved playoff success by first beating Woodford Town in a penalty shootout, before a 3-1 win over Romford FC. Sporting Bengal are managed by ex-Blues player and manager Steve Clark, who has led the club to the recent success since his appointment in 2021.
On Saturday lunchtime (1pm kick off) we will face Royston Town in our second pre-season friendly. Royston are a fellow step 3 side, playing in the Southern League Premier Central division, finishing in 10th place last season as Needham Market were champions and Leamington won the playoffs in that division to reach National League North. The Crows have been a regular fixture at this level since their promotion from step 4 in 2016/17. Royston are a regular pre-season opponent for the Blues, including a 1-1 draw at Barnet Lane last season.
Our new kits, are now available for pre-order and selling fast, ready for collection ahead of the new season. Meanwhile there is still time to get your early bird season ticket (until 31st July) to ensure you're there to see all of our exciting new recruits in action!
