After nearly six years as a Longbridge player I have never looked forward to a game or been more nervous of the final result than this weekends fixture!

I have played in many leagues and many cup competitions in the red and black of the bridge and all of them have been bottom of the table battles and early cup exits. However, this year there is a different feeling about the team, only half the season in and I already feel like the team has achieved more than I could have possibly wished for. With nine consecutive victories and all but two of them being by a two or more goal difference Longbridge's form has been nothing but exceptional! A potential cup final on the cards and the team sitting top of the league Sunday mornings are no longer a kick around with my mates, every game is important and a must win. The team has become stronger through hard work and a sense of stability has been supplied by an almost fully committed squad and of course our dedicated manager! He has given us the stability and belief, through tough times he always told us we had the ability and it is a pleasure to reward him with good results and a 100% effort rates. New players have come in to help but I believe it is the increased effort and confidence of the Longbridge faithful that has tipped the balance; even the goal keeper has become more dominant. I have always loved Longbridge Football Club but now I am happy to say I am proud of being a Longbridge player. No longer do I run around the pitch waiting for the final whistle, I hold my head high and I believe we can win the competitions we are in. In my opinion thats why this game is the most important in the teams history, if we win you could argue the final will be the biggest but I disagree! The semi is the ticket to the final! A reward for all the hard work and commitment shown not only by the players involved but the manager and all of the people that support the Bridge! Every one in and involved with this club deserve that Final!

Alex Weaver