Run Can Extend - 10th April

Shrivenham manager Mark Love believes his side can extend their winning streak to four games with the visit of Wantage to the Rec this weekend.

The Shrivvy boss has witnessed a new found spirit among his squad in recent weeks, a phenomenon he puts down to a couple of new signings. “We’ve brought it Danny Thomas and Scott Lane at the back and they’ve brought three clean sheets with them. The confidence is back in the squad. With the results we’ve had in the past few games we’ve given ourselves a great chance of staying up.”

Shrivenham saw off Wantage 2-1 in the reverse fixture earlier in the campaign but Love is not underestimating his opponents. “They’re on a good run and their manager is from Swindon and knows a fair amount about us. It’ll be a good game.”

Shrivvy, however, will have to do without the suspended duo of Jon Peters and Alex Rigley, Love branding the latter’s absence as “a big loss”.

After their third loss on the trot at Kidlington midweek, tomorrow’s Hellenic Premier clash with Abingdon Town is the "biggest game of the season", according to boss Mark Love.

The under-pressure manager says Shrivvy’s journey to Oxfordshire is their most important 90 minutes of the campaign so far. “This is the biggest game of the season,” admitted Love, pictured. “It’s a must win game and we’re going all out for the win. Me and the lads are feeling the pressure, we’ve got to go and perform. We’ve got nine games left and I think we need to win at least three of those.”

The struggling Recreation Ground outfit have endured a torrid time in front of goal in recent times, only registering once in their last eight league games.

And Love admitted: “We need a bit more quality on the ball. Since the turn of the year we’ve not created the chances we used to. On paper we’ve got some great strikers at the club but they are misfiring at the moment.”

Such have been Shrivvy’s goalscoring woes of late that strikers Alex Green and Ben Carter have been rushed back from long-term injuries in recent weeks.

But although putting the ball in the net has proved a problem, Love says his team are certainly not lacking in desire. “The fight is still there to get us out of trouble,” he added.

Love has been boosted by the news that combative midfielder Jon Peters will be available for the weekend. But the Shrivvy manager must contend with the absence of Michael Silvanus, who has work commitments, while Taylor Gill and Michael Scarf both have broken wrists. Chris Flanagan is a doubt with an injured toe

Mark Love is hoping a week of punishing road running can get Shrivenham back on track in the FTL Futbol Hellenic League Premier Division.

Shrivvy were humiliated in an 8-0 thumping at Reading Town last weekend, and their players have been paying the price all week for the under-par performance by pounding the streets across the area. They face a daunting task tomorrow however, with a home game against high-flying Almondsbury Town, but Love insists he wants a reaction from his troops.

“It was a really bad day at the office for us against Reading,” admitted the boss. “Everyone played badly and it was one of those days where everything they did resulted in a goal, and we couldn’t do a thing right. It was nowhere near good enough so we’ve put them through extra training this week - plenty of road running sessions, as punishment for the result. Our fitness levels weren’t how I thought they should be, so I organised a punishment run on Monday and then it’s been more of the same most of the week."

“We’ve got a tough run of games coming up, starting this weekend against Almondsbury. It’s not ideal after last weekend, but we’ll be looking for a big response from the lads. Almondsbury won 6-1 last weekend so they are bang on form, and it’s not the sort of game you want after what we went through last weekend, but I need to see something more from the players.”

Scott Scanlan misses out for Shrivvy tomorrow, but Love has signed Dean Flockton (pictured) on loan from Southern League Thatcham Town and the centre back will go straight into a much changed starting line up.

“There will be changes,” revealed Love. I’m not naming any names yet, but we’ll be changing things around and some of the guys who have been out of the side will be getting a chance to play. Last week wasn’t good enough and people can’t think their places are secure because they’re not. We realise now we are getting dragged into the pack right down there at the bottom, so we need to start winning games again quickly. We’ve got three tough games coming up but hopefully we can push on and get back into mid table.”

New Signing For Shrivvy - 9th January

Mark Love is confident new signing Alex Rigley (pictured) can lay on the goals to boost his side up the Hellenic League Premier Division table.

The former Swindon Town and Supermarine youngster has signed for Shrivvy from Toolstation League side Calne Town and goes straight into the squad for tomorrow’s visit to struggling Milton United. Left-winger Rigley was highly-rated in the youth team at the County Ground until a broken leg stunted his development, and following his release last year he has turned out for a number of local non-league clubs.

But Love insists the wide man is at Shrivenham for the long-haul and believes his capture could be the catalyst for them to push on in league action. “Alex has been over at Calne, but I heard he was available and he got in touch with me to say he wanted to come and play here,” revealed Love. “It’s a really good signing. He’s got a lot of quality, a great left foot and it adds a bit more firepower to the team. Hopefully he can score goals as well as creating them."

"He’ll go straight into the team against Milton and it’s a game we are looking to win. They are fifth from bottom and after beating Highworth last time out we have to build on that. Getting that win against Highworth was a big boost for everyone at the club but we can’t just do it against them - we need to find the consistency to get results every week."

“We beat Milton 3-1 at home earlier in the season and it was the first win for me as Shrivenham manager. It brings back some good memories, so hopefully we can do the same again.”

News has been released today that Shrivenham Recreation Trust Committee whole heartedly supported the application by Premier Division Shrivenham FC to erect two metre high close boarded fence at the bottom of the slope adjacent to the pitch.

The fencing will have a number of double gates set into the fencing line to allow access to the ground but these would be closed to meet the FA criteria of an enclosed ground at Step 5. Plans are in hand to extend the clubs covered spectator accodomation to exceed 200 with at least 100 being seated.

Club Chairman, Robb Forty, who attended Monday evening's Trust meeting said. "I thought it might be difficult to get everything approved but having now got the nod it will be all systems go, once the ground is not quite so frozen solid".

Robb was very appreciative of the help and assistance given to the club by League Officers in achieving that which is required to continue to play Hellenic Premier football.

Looking For Big Response - 21st November

Mark Love has urged Shrivenham to bury their FA Vase disappointment by halting the Shortwood juggernaut in the FTL Futbol Hellenic League Premier Division tomorrow.

Shrivvy bowed out of the knockout competition on Wednesday night, downed 4-1 by Hamworthy United in the second round replay.

Love, who welcomes back the Gill brothers Bradley and Taylor as well as Scott Scanlon from suspension, admitted: “It was disappointing because we didn’t perform on the night. But we’ve got to pick ourselves up now and I’ll be looking for a reaction from the boys. Shortwood are on fire at the moment, if they win their games in hand they’ll be top, so it doesn’t get any easier for us. But I’ll be looking for a big response.’’

Shrivenham have it all to do again on Wednesday night after conceding in the final minute of extra-time in their FA Vase tie against Hamworthy United. The reward for the winners is a home tie against Hungerford Town.

The sides drew 2-2 at the Recreation Ground after it looked as though Chris Cox’s goal was enough to see Shrivvy progress. However, a lack of concentration with seconds remaining allowed the visitors to equalise from a corner and Shrivenham boss Mark Love could not hide his disappointment at having to replay the tie.

“It was a cracking cup game,” he revealed. “They equalised in the final minute of extra-time which was really frustrating and it was just a shame that we couldn’t hold on for the win. The boys worked their socks off and did brilliantly to go ahead during extra-time, but we were caught out at a corner in the last minute and it was frustrating more than anything. For a lot of the players it’s their first experience of playing in the Vase and it’s my first time in it as a manager as well so it’s a real learning curve for us all. But we think we did enough to beat Hamworthy and we’ll have to go down there on Wednesday and do it again.”

Shrivvy went ahead two minutes before the break when James Lewis fed Michael Silvanus to fire home, but Hamworthy were back on level terms immediately after the restart through an own goal.

With neither side able to find a winner the tie went into extra-time and Cox thought he had clinched Shrivvy a spot in the next round when he tapped home Silvanus’ cross with just five minutes remaining. However, Hamworthy’s last-gasp equaliser forced a replay on Wednesday night in Dorset.

Hungerford meet the winners on 6th December.

Shrivenham will be hoping to repeat last season’s heroics in the competition as they entertain Hamworthy United in the FA Carlsberg Vase.

Shrivvy reached the last 32 before exiting at the hands of Newcastle-based Dunston Federation, and new manager Mark Love has already been well-versed in the club’s history.

“We’ve only got three players still here from last season and our captain Mark Peters has been telling us all about their run last season and how good it was. We would love something similar this year.”

Mark Love is confident his side can continue their resurgent run away against Old Woodstock Town. Shrivvy have netted 15 goals in their last four games, and Love revealed confidence in the camp is high.

“The boys are buzzing at the moment and we’re really looking forward to Saturday,” he said. “It was nice to have no midweek game for a change because it gave us chance to work on one or two things in training. We are scoring for fun at the moment, but we need to tighten up at the back. That is something we worked hard on the other night, so hopefully we can keep a clean sheet this weekend.”

Injured striker Ben Carter is the only absentee for Shrivenham tomorrow.

Gill's Open Their Shrivvy Accounts - 4th November

A debut strike from Bradley Gill (left) in the last minute, plus a first goal for the club by Taylor Gill, helped Shrivenham achieve 3-3 draw away at Hook Norton in the FTL Futbol Hellenic League Premier Division on Saturday. But boss Mark Love was left to bemoan his side’s defensive frailties after letting the hosts back in it.

Shrivvy were two up at half time thanks to Mark Peters and Taylor Gill (right), the youngster’s first for the club since joining from Fairford. But some sloppy defensive play allowed Hook Norton to score three second half goals, before Bradley Gill, who only signed from fierce local rivals Highworth Town last week, snatched a point with time running out.

Love admitted: “It was definitely a case of two points lost rather than one gained. We played some lovely stuff, and going forwards we were very impressive, it was so positive. But because we put so much emphasis on attack sometimes it left us a bit open at the back."

“We didn’t defend well enough as an 11. It’s disappointing and we’ll work in training this week to put that right. Hook Norton were sixth in the league. We took a point off them and are disappointed with it, that shows just how far we’ve come as a team over the course of the season.”

Shrivvy leapfrogged arch rivals Highworth Town in the Hellenic League Premier Division table after a 6-1 demolition of Abingdon Town at "The Rec".

“It was a brilliant all round performance by the boys,” said a beaming Mark Love afterwards. “Things have finally started to click and the belief is there for everyone to see. I’ve got the players that I want and we’re playing the way I want them to, and the results are coming now.

“Our chairman was delighted on Saturday. He came into the changing room with a big smile on his face because we had just gone above Highworth in the table. They have got several games in hand of course, but it was a nice feeling all the same.”

Love Raising The Stakes - 24th October

Mark Love has been forced to re-assess his targets' for the season as his Shrivenham side put a poor start to the campaign well and truly behind them to stride up the FTL Futbol Hellenic League Premier Division.

Shrivvy are at home against Abingdon tomorrow knowing that three points could push them into the top 10, a far cry from their early form which saw them win just one of their first seven league games.

Having taken over at SN6 in the summer, Love, pictured right, was forced to almost rebuild from scratch, and admits survival was originally his main aim, but the boss is now eyeing up a midtable finish.

He admitted: “We’re going out to win, we’ve got to get the three points. We’ve played a couple of extra games to other teams but a win would put a bit of a gap between us and the lower sides and that cushion would give everyone loads of confidence. We had a really tough start, we had to start all over again as there are only two players left from last season and it’s a really young side. My aim was to stay up, but the way things have gone in recent weeks we’re now looking at midtable. We’re building something good here and hopefully we’ll continue to get better over the next few years.”

Shrivvy are without Michael Silvanus, who is working, while striker Ben Carter is a doubt with an ankle knock.

Paul Sander’s (pictured left) predatory brace helped Shrivenham to their first away win of the season in the absence of manager Mark Love.

With Love attending a wedding, assistant boss Rob Hopkins (right) took the reins for the trip to Flackwell Heath, and it was smiles all round for Shrivenham at the final whistle. Sander’s double was complimented by a Shane Davis strike as Shrivvy netted all three points with a 3-1 win.

“That victory was fully deserved and hopefully we can kick on from here now,” said Hopkins. "We have played quite well in the last three matches too, but just not been able to convert our chances. That was the difference on Saturday.

“Paul Sander and Shane Davis were excellent up front, they were clinical. It was a nice to tell Mark we had won the game and make his day.”

Sander latched onto a Jonny Dart through ball to tuck home Shrivvy’s first after 28 minutes. Davis put further daylight between the sides just before the break when Sander charged down the goalkeeper’s kick and he stroked in the loose ball.

Flackwell pulled a goal back with an excellent finish from Nathan Jack. But Shrivvy made the points safe two minutes from time, Sander collecting Mike Scarfe’s pass before steering the ball past the on-rushing goalkeeper.

“Hopefully that win will give us a spring board to push on now,” said Hopkins afterwards. “I think it was a psychological thing before, with the players not quite believing in themselves. But we have gone to Flackwell, who have made a decent start, and outplayed them from start to finish.This is a big confidence boost.”

Shrivenham FC of the FTL Futbol Hellenic Premier League are looking for a Physiotherapist / Sports Therapist to join the back room staff and support the first team squad for the coming 2008/09 season.

The minimum level of requirement for this post is "The FA Level TWO treatment & management of injury" and you also must hold a valid first aid certificate. Anyone interested in taking up the position please contact Rob Forty ( Chairman ) on 07767371414 or Emma Skilton ( Club Secretary ) on emma.skilton@nationwide.co.uk for an informal chat about the role.

Shrivenham FC of the FTL Futbol Hellenic Premier Division has appointed Mark Love as First Team Manager and will take over with immediate effect.

Love who was due to join One West club Pewsey Vale has been released from his agreement with the ‘Vale’ who will re-commence their search for a new manager.

Shrivenham Chairman Robb Forty confirmed the appointment saying; “Mark was an outstanding candidate and his hunger and enthusiasm to take the club forward was great to see, he’s a young manager with an impressive record, Shrivenham as a club want to push on and strengthen and look at the long term future of the Football Club which was a major factor in appointing a younger hungry manager who wishes to push on with us. There were other applicants and candidates and we’d like to thank them for their time and patience whilst making our choice, however Mark stood out for us and we are sure we’ve appointed the right man for the job”.

Mark will bring in Rob Hopkins as his assistant who holds a UEFA A coaching license and I’m sure he will also become a big asset to the club. Shrivenham, as a committee see it as a very exciting time for the club and feel that we can now build on the success we have already achieved and start a new era which hopefully will bring more success to the club once again.

Horwat Resigns From Shrivenham - 20th June

Pete Horwat has resigned as manager of Shrivenham, citing work commitments as his reason for stepping down from the helm of the Hellenic League Premier Division side.

Horwat led Shrivenham to the last 32 of the FA Vase and eighth place in the Premier Divison last season but is about to go through some major changes in his working life.

The Swindon Advertiser reports Horwat admitted he would not have been able to devote enough time to his role at the club if he had stayed on as manager.

Horwat, who works in senior sales management, revealed it was a major wrench to hand in his resignation, but believes he is doing the best for Shrivenham.

"I'm taking voluntary redundancy at the end of June," he explained. "There are one or two jobs in the pipeline, but they would take over my life. I wouldn't be able to give the club the time it needs, so I've decided to step down before pre-season training starts to give the chairman enough time to find someone else to do the job. I've had some great times at Shrivenham and it's a club that will always be close to my heart. Everyone has been really good to me, from the chairman and committee, through to the first team, reserves, A team and the youth set up.

"I've tried to speak to as many of the players as possible so they know what's going on and don't hear it second hand. I hope they all stay at the club as they're a great bunch and there is a lot of talent and potential there. They can really look to crack into the top four with the right guy in charge next season."

Shrivenham chairman Robb Forty said he was disappointed to lose his manager so close to the start of pre-season, but sympathised with Horwat's reasons for leaving.

He said: "It was a shock, but obviously work has to come first. Pete goes with our best wishes and I want to thank him for all the hard work he's done over the last two seasons. He's done a great job, and reaching the last 32 of the FA Vase was a special achievement for a club our size. But the hunt now starts for a new manager."

Anyone interested in becoming Shrivenham manager should call chairman Robb Forty on 07767 371414.

Ex-Highworth Skipper Now Shrivvy Management - 3rd June

Jon Reeves (pictured) has been appointed as Shrivenham's assistant manager.

The veteran defender hung up his boots at the end of last season after an illustrious non-league career which included lifting the Hellenic League Championship as Highworth Town captain.

Reeves crossed over to join Highworth's fierce rivals in a player coach role at the beginning of the last campaign, and having now ended his playing days, will be Shrivvy boss Pete Horwat's right hand man.

Horwat admitted: "It was a great catch to get Jon over at the start of last season and we're delighted that, even though he's retired from playing, he is staying on as my assistant. He's got a lot to offer us in a coaching capacity and it's great that he's accepted the position. He's got bags of experience, he's great with the players and gets a lot of respect."

After watching his side achieve an eighth-placed finish in the Hellenic League Premier Division last season, Horwat has already begun working on progressing further this time round. He revealed: "I've talked to three or four players already and will have more extensive talks with them in the next week or so. I don't think we need to try and find six or seven new faces we've got the basis here, it just needs a couple of additions."

"From conversations I've had we've got the majority of last season's squad signing back on again. Everyone here is keen to stay on. We all want to improve on last season and take another step forward. There's no reason why our target this time can't be top six."

Reeves will hopefully continue the trophy trail where he left off in his last game before retiring, when he lifted the Swindon Sunday League Knockout Cup as captain of Sunday team Greyhound.