Long Stratton manager Adam Burroughs proud of what his Hadley & Ottaway Anglian Combination Premier Division side has achieved this season

Long Stratton’s Hadley & Ottaway Anglian Combination Premier Division title hopes may have taken a hit last weekend, but manager Adam Burroughs remains proud of his side’s achievements this season.

With the top two teams – Caister (1st) and Sheringham (2nd) – playing out a 1-1 draw, Stratton had the chance to split those clubs and move to within two points of the leaders.

However, they could not get the better of 12th-placed Acle at home, having to settle for a 1-1 draw that leaves them four points adrift of Caister prior to their trip to face the Lifeboatmen tomorrow (2.30pm).

A win at Allendale Road would reignite Stratton’s challenge, but with injuries starting to mount up and a cup final on the horizon, it could be a depleted squad that heads to the Norfolk coast.

Nevertheless, Stratton have already picked up more points this season than any other in their history, as well as having the league’s best defensive record.

All of which has left Burroughs in upbeat mood, although he does have one final target for his men.

“Last weekend was a massively missed opportunity. The lads knew the situation but we had five playing with injury and just could not get it done,” said the boss.

“A win against Acle and another against Caister would have put us above them but the gap still remains.

“It looks like a big chance lost but I am still massively proud of what this team have achieved this season.

“In recent times Stratton have finished in the bottom five so if you had told me at the start of the season we would be in third with 55 points and a cup final to look forward to, I would not have believed it.

“I would still like us to get to 65 points. That was the target I came up with a little while ago and we have four games left to get there.

“If that is enough to get us in and among the top then fantastic, but whatever happens it has been a great season.”