A proud Danny Plumb admitted after watching his Harpenden Town side complete an incredible season with a 3-1 win over Holmer Green that next year could be totally different.
A 3-2 success on Saturday at home to Biggleswade FC, coupled with Leighton Town’s loss to Welwyn Garden City, meant Harpenden were secured of third position in the Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division before kick-off against the Greens.
It added to their Dudley Latham Memorial Cup success last month and capped a fantastic year for Harpenden, who were only promoted last season.
And they went way above the expectations of Plumb, who had set a target of just 40 points at the start of the year.
He said: “That was true, people thought it was a wind-up but it was absolutely true.
“We sat down and after all the hard work we’d put in to get promoted, we just wanted to consolidate.
“But to challenge to the end and get some silverware is fantastic.
“We’ve got 86 points and haven’t lost at home in any competition, it’s an amazing record.”
However, the Town boss is convinced that his team’s success will have a knock-on effect for the next campaign.
He said: “I’ve been so focused on this season and even today, even though we already had third, I just wanted to get as many points as possible.
“But I think whatever happens next year there will be pressure.
“I wanted to go under the radar this season but teams come here now and want to beat us.
“Teams like Welwyn have had to put up with it, Berkhamsted have and we’ll get it.
“That expectation will be totally different but everyone is looking forward to a few weeks off and seeing what happens.”
Goals from Sam Jenkins, James Ewington, and an own goal, gave them a 3-1 win over Holmer Green, played under a baking hot midday sun.
Rather unsurprisingly it had a distinct end-of-season feel to it but Harpenden were still comfortable for the most part, despite having a dip in form in the second half.
Ewington’s goal came in the 94th minute and completed a remarkable season for him personally.
It took him to an amazing 47 goals in all competitions, 39 in the league, and gives him the SSML golden boot.
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