A good win for the first team in the sunshine has taken us where we needed to be. We now host Avonmouth FC at the Athletic Ground this Tuesday in the playoff semi final, kick off 19:30.

The other semi final sees Sturminster Newton United host Bristol Telephones FC. The final will be played on Saturday at 15:00 at the ground of the highest placed finalist. For us, it is simple. If Sturminster win and we do our job, we travel. If Bristol Telephones win and we do our job, the final is at home.

We go into these playoffs as underdogs. Sturminster finished above us and have had the better of us this season. Avonmouth and Bristol Telephones have also taken points off us home and away. That is the reality. We have earned our place, and we are in form at the right time. One game changes everything.

With the season now complete, FA and league rules apply. Season tickets and memberships are not valid for playoff fixtures. Income and costs are shared between the clubs.

For Tuesday, please arrive early. Parking will be on the grass and in the usual car parking areas. We need support with stewards, turnstile staff, and general staff. These roles are usually filled by volunteers and members, but we will need extra help for this fixture due to FA and league rules.

We hope for a strong crowd. That backing matters, and it is on us to use it properly and make this a difficult place to come. Avonmouth know what is ahead of them. The same applies to whoever comes through the other semi final.

For Tuesday, we thank our match day sponsors:
24/7 Drainage
Soldi Group
Protec

Regardless of what happens next, I want to record my thanks to Steve Murray. He came in after a poor start and has turned the season around. To take the club to a third place finish from that position is a strong achievement. Credit to the players and staff.

Looking forward

Looking beyond Tuesday, it is worth recognising where the club is as a whole. The youth section continues to grow and perform well, with a number of teams in finals over the coming weeks. That progression is important for the future of the club.

With that growth, and with costs increasing across the club, I can confirm that next season’s membership and team costs will be:

Under 6 to Under 10: £180 per season
Under 11 to Under 18: £200 per season
Senior players: £200 per season

We will offer flexible payment options, including split payments between the start of the season and Christmas.

Membership will be £21 per year, made up of £20 membership and £1 for the club limited company guarantee. Clubman membership remains limited to those who meet the criteria. As a reminder, this includes current senior players, coaches, main sponsors, committed volunteers, and former players who continue to give back to the club.

The position is simple. You need to be actively supporting the club. Holding a Clubman membership this season does not mean it will automatically be renewed next season. With rising costs across the board, we cannot offer reduced entry and bar pricing to everyone. The club will continue to support those who support it.

The membership committee consists of Alex Petheram, Gino Nicodemi, James Bevan and Paul Randall.

A reminder that our junior tournament starts on 16 May. Under 7 and Under 11 fixtures take place in the morning, with Under 12 in the afternoon. On 17 May, Under 9, Under 10 and Under 13 fixtures take place. Limited spaces remain.

Finally, congratulations to Devizes Town FC on a strong season.

We go into the playoffs as underdogs, with nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Thank you all for everything this season!