Sam’s Section: “An exciting time to be at Hartpury”- Martin Longworth celebrates back-to-back titles with the club after Glass victory
Hartpury University FC manager, Martin Longworth, believes his side can “go for more” after they were crowned Hellenic League Premier champions on Wednesday night.
“Euphoria for the lads. Obviously they were disappointed on Sunday, but I think we’ve been working towards this since early July.
“We’ve been top since October so, there was a bit of expectation on that as well.
“As soon as that first goal went in and from 60 minutes I thought there was only really one team in it, and I was proud of that.
“It was great composure from Cheick [Kone] to chip the ‘keeper on the six-yard line.
“It came down to the penultimate game of the season and I thought it was a champions performance today,” Longworth said.
This victory sealed back-to-back titles for Hartpury and their third promotion in four years since their formation back in 2020.
It’s a run of accolades that many players and managers dream of but for Longworth and his side it’s become the normal and the boss believes there is no better time to be at Hartpury then now.
“Our five year plan changes every year because that’s three promotions in four years for the lads and three of those lads have been with me from step seven so I’m super proud for them.
“They step up every single time and to have different challenges and the play-off final upset, losing on penalties and then to go back-to-back with an average age of 19, 20 it’s unheard of really.
“I keep telling them I’m a glass half full kind of guy, but we could go for more, why not? We’re not in the Vase next year we’re in the FA Trophy and we’re playing some really prestigious clubs across the southwest and country.
“What an exciting time to be at Hartpury,” he said.
Hartpury had lost just three league games all season heading into this game knowing that just a single point would be enough to grasp the title.
But Roman Glass in recent weeks had pilled the pressure on the Acorns as they headed into this title decider on a nine game unbeaten run making the victory more important to Longworth.
“Roman Glass have been unbelievable as they’ve had to push us the whole way winning nine games in a row.
“We played ridiculously on the ball, I thought we were brave, we cut them open multiple times, we defended really well forcing them into different shapes and changes.
“I’m just so absolutely proud of the boys and they deserve it,” the boss said.
From scoring goals to keeping them out and goalkeeper Stephen Sarkodie put in a player of the match performance helping his side to the title.
Sarkodie produced three vital stops during the first period whilst his side faced a spell of pressure from Glass which kept his side in the game heading into the break.
The shot stopper had not long returned to the side after suffering an injury at the turn of the year, but Longworth believes his ‘keepers display earned the title for the Acorns.
“Steve’s worth his weight in gold at the moment.
“He got injured about two months ago and it’s been tough for him getting his fitness back but the last two, three, four games I think he’s been absolutely unbelievable.
“He’s a great shot stopper but what I thought was most important from him tonight was when he was coming for the crosses.
“The two or three crosses he came relieved all pressure. Just a brilliant performance from him,” he said.
Hartpury have two games left to play out this season firstly with the visit of SC Inkberrow in the league on Saturday.
But following the conclusion of the league season, Longworth’s side have the chance for more silverware as they are in Marsh Challenge Cup semi-final action against Pershore Town next Tuesday.
Another trophy would be welcomed at Hartpury, but Longworth wants to utilise this opportunity to access his squad heading into their new challenge next season.
“We’re going to respect the competition and we’re going to play the lads that got us there.
“We’ve been playing a lot of the junior players who are with us for next year, played some of the squad players.
‘We’re going to go in with the same mentality as those lads have beaten Roman Glass and Droitwich Spa to get us there so we’re going to play the same team.
“Obviously, it would be lovely to get another title and another one in the locker, but I think it’s a great opportunity to put out a team that’s a team that will potentially playing next year,” Longworth said.
Listen to Martin Longworth’s full reaction on Saturday morning’s Buttee’s For Breakfast
Follow Sam Yapp on Twitter (X) @SJY_Journo for more
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