Southam United vs Halse United Matchday Programme

KEEPING THE PRESSURE ON THE FRONT FOOT

WORDS // RHIAN TILLEY

After joining the team back in November, forward Melvin Mauritson has consistently progressed into a formidable presence on the Southam front line. With four goals in the last match away to Bure Park he will be brimming with confidence and ready to add to his season’s tally in today’s final match.

Its the last match of the season and a possible second place finish in the table is at stake. How much pressure does the team feel going into the game?

I don’t think we’re feeling any pressure to be honest. We know what we can do and if we play our game no team in this league can match us. If anything its just excitement for me.

After a difficult winter period the team has really finished the season strong with a 10-match unbeaten streak over the past 3 months. That must do wonders for the confidence in such an important match.

Yeah it was a super tough period for all of us, but we weathered the storm and me and the other lads believe that if we’d had the squad and tactics we now have throughout the season, we wouldn’t have lost a game. So we’re super confident overall.

Last match away to Bure Park you picked up joint Man of the Match and no less than 4 goals. What was it about that match that allowed you to find so much success?

I think after my first finish I was confident enough to shoot from range and not think too much about my strikes, which can be a problem of mine. If I don’t think, I tend to score.

Being the end of the season its nice to be able to look back on the year, back to when you joined in November. Did you expect to have had such an impact on the squad and results over those 19 matches?

Not at all. My start in the team wasn’t the strongest and I definitely wasn’t happy with my performances. However, Rich believed in me and kept starting me until I got my goals against Yarnton which is what got the goal streak going.

The partnership with Jay Lawes up top has really blossomed, especially with the change in system that Rich implemented a few months ago. How important is that connection and how have you seen your role shift over the season?

I’ve always been a striker so being in that role is where I’m most confident. I was obviously out on the wing for the first few weeks, but I think as soon as Rich saw me and Jay’s link up play and understanding, there was no other choice than to move to a two-striker formation.

Rich has spoken about the recent performances and the feelings in the squad, saying you are all focused, have a great attitude and are scoring superb goals. How does it feel, from your point of view, on the pitch, in training, and with the lads?

We’ve got a fantastic, supportive squad. I’ve played football all my life and I definitely haven’t felt as supported as I do here at Southam. So, its definitely a great atmosphere to be a part of.

With a big off-season coming up, and likely move to Step 6, what are your plans for next year? Do you plan to be back with the Saints?

100% I’m going to be back next season. I’m looking forward to the step up and chellenges.

What have been your most memorable moments from this season?

I’ve got to say my 2 first goals for the club against Yarnton. It felt like a massive relief having not scored for so many games and has obviously caused a confidence boost to allow me to score loads more.

Any plans for the upcoming break after the season concludes?

Nothing much other than our big promotion party and a big rest. After that until we start back up!