We are the B team of the mighty Hesketh Casuals AFC, and we ply our trade in the heady heights of the Lancashire Amateur League, Division 6.
Three years ago we were ushered into the 7th Division of the LAL as Hesketh Casuals' 4th team. As we were a new team we had to start at the bottom - ability-wise we should be in the Premier Division. The squad consists mainly of a group of friends who were chums back in primary school through to college. There are a fair few family friends and friends of friends in the squad too.
Our current squad consists of around 15 players, although the manager has not had the luxury, this season, of naming 3 substitutes. Like all amateur football and general sporting teams, Cassies B team suffers an epidemic of the cry-off virus which usually sweeps through the north west at around 8pm Friday evening. Such viruses lead amateur footballers to, through no fault of their own, reveal some of the most farcical reasons for crying off man kind can imagine. Furthermore, amateur footballers watch too much TV, and actually revel in the hysteria of being injured.
Having said that, Cassies 'B' have enjoyed relative succes in their near three year history. The virgin year as a team saw them secure 5th spot in the league, missing out on promotion by a single point (with referreee Steve Shaw responsible for another year of stagnation in the lowest tier).
The second year saw progression with a promotion to the 6th Division, albeit by default as the league decided to promote the top 5 sides, and with us finishing a respectable 3rd, we got the nod.
This season started with the anxiety of hoping we would not end up the whipping boys of the division, with survival our main aim. We exceeded these expectations by finishing 4th, despite regular difficulties with numbers and key players deciding to live in a random baltic country. The season also included a near cup final appearance, but we were outwitted at the final furlong. With any luck the league will see fit, yet again, to promote teams outside the top 2 this year. Roll on Presentation night.
Who I'd like to meet: Division 5 teams on a weekly basis
