East Harling looking to carry on from where they left off last season

East Harling enjoyed a largely positive first season in the Hadley & Ottaway Anglian Combination Division One during 2018/19, and manager Stacey Lawrence is hoping for more of the same this term.

A long unbeaten run that stretched 12 matches from December 1 until March 3 had the Green Army battling towards the top end of the standings for a while, before the teams around them made up their games in hand and Lawrence’s men eventually finished eighth.

Certain aspects of the summer have been the source of frustration for Lawrence, but he is nevertheless looking to build upon the previous campaign’s foundations.

“It was our first season in senior football and overall I was really pleased,” he said.

“We started slowly and then a lot of things seemed to go against us, but we clubbed together at that point and went on that fantastic run.

“It would have been nice to finish in the top six but if you had offered me eighth at the start of the season I would have taken that.

“The summer has been a bit frustrating and I have not been able to get as many bodies in as I would have liked, but the squad is still strong.

“You cannot assume you are established after just one season at this level in 40 years. We want to build on what we have done so far and anything higher than eighth would be a bonus.”

Jay Webb, who scored 10 goals for Attleborough Town last season, has signed on the dotted line at Church Road along with midfielder John Woods (Thetford Rovers) and full-back Jamie Edwards (Attleborough Town Reserves).

Meanwhile, Thomas Miles has left the club while Daniel Bareham has signed on, but will not be available every week.

East Harling’s campaign will get under way on Tuesday with a trip to Wymondham Town (6.30pm).

It has been a busy summer of transfer activity for Wymondham who have recruited a number of players with Thurlow Nunn League experience, including ex-Diss Town striker Jamie George.