ROCKFIELD Rovers nearly didn’t have a team in pre-season, but less than a year on they have secured third in the Monmouthshire Windows East Gwent Division Two, writes JACOB DEIGHTON.

The club were unsure if they would have enough players to compete, but a crop of new, young and some older talented and committed players grouped together and shared some fantastic moments.

In the 18-game league campaign, Rovers won 11 times and drew once, with their biggest win a 9-1 away hammering of Sudbrook CCFC 2nds.

And Rockfield will be aiming to go even further next season with a potential title challenge.

The Monmouth side won their final game in ruthless fashion on Saturday, comfortably beating Caldicot Castle Reserves 5-1 away.

Tommy Tynan proved why he’s the league’s top scorer, scoring four goals, with captain Max Goodridge also on target.

Tynan scored 22 goals in 14 league appearances and has been the standout performer for Rockfield and the league.

Ben Johnson claims second spot in the golden boot standings, netting 14 times in 11 league games.

Goodridge said of his first season as skipper: “I turned up at the start with the knowledge that if a team couldn’t be formed there would be no more Rockfield Rovers.

“A few training sessions later I realised we had a group of talented lads and it took a lot of building through the season considering we didn’t know each other at the start, but by the end we solidified third spot.

“And when the last game finished with a comprehensive win I realised we’d gone from a group of strangers to a group of friends, and more importantly a team.

“I couldn’t be prouder of the all the boys and their dedication throughout the whole season, and I couldn’t be prouder to be their captain. UP THE ROVERS!”

Focus now turns to preparing for a title push next season, with the main rivals probably Underwood.