It has been an impressive start to the 2024/2025 campaign by The Mullets.

A hectic month has seen a healthy return of five victories from the opening six fixtures – including progression in both the RUR and Peter Bentley Cup Competitions.

Victories against rivals Selsey (2-1) and the dominating performance against Alfold (6-2) have kept Mullet’s supporters on the edge of their seats – with the team scoring an impressive 21 goals in the process, giving them the enviable title of top scorers in the whole of Sussex County League Football at this early point of the season.

“I have been pleased with how we have started. We were poor in the first game against Billingshurst (2-1 defeat), but since then the boys have responded well, have taken on board what we have said, and we have won five on the bounce.”

“The thing I am most pleased about is the energy which we are playing with. I keep going back to the Billingshurst game – but it really is chalk and cheese in terms of our energy and commitment levels.”

“We are creating plenty of chances, and although we are scoring goals for fun – we could have had a lot more, but I do not want to be too greedy. The lads have been excellent.”

“We are starting to see the best of players like Liam Brady and Toby Funnell, and with Harrison Mott also in excellent form, we are in a really good place.”

“Daegan Walsh is another one who has hit the ground running this season. Having that whole season last year getting experience of the level, he is become a real commanding presence at the back.”

“I want us to carry on as we are, not worrying about the opposition – let them worry about us. We are a handful for anyone.”

The Mullets head into what is a challenging bank holiday weekend of away fixtures against Dorking Wanderers Reserves and newly promoted Infinity FC, and with that you would forgive the manager for curbing early season optimism.

“On paper these two away fixtures are right up there in terms of the most difficult ones over the season. To have them both in the space of a three day period is not ideal, but it does give us the opportunity to see where we are as a team, pull up our socks and put in some really gritty performances – because that is what these games will take in order for us to pick up points.”

“We know a little more about Dorking having played them over the last couple of seasons. The pitch is 4G, is usually well watered, so we will have the opportunity to play our passing game and play with real freedom. It is a lovely stadium, and I know the boys enjoy playing there.”

“Last season we took a strong support to Dorking. It would be great to replicate that, and we are under no illusions how tough of a game it will be – Dorking are traditionally very strong on home soil.”

“The Infinity game is a little more of an unknown. They are new to this league, have had a couple of mixed results – but, by all accounts have strong financial backing, and will have expectations of being right up there come the end of the season.”

“I see the Infinity game being more of a physical battle – and that is something which our lads are more than ready for.”

With new signings such as Billy Ground, Ollie Craydon and the imposing Ollie Humphries hitting the ground running, a change in formation also seems to have paid off dividends.

“The new lads coming into the squad this season have started excellently, and have fitted in really well with the rest of the boys.”

“We have made a few tweaks with the formation and patterns of play, and we are seeing some really good responses to these from the players.”

“For me, it was really pleasing to see Hump get off the mark early on, as that is what you need if you are a striker – and he has now gone on and added to his tally over the last couple of games.”

“Billy is another one who has come into a new environment and has performed well – with Tijan picking up a wrist injury, he has grasped his opportunity with both hands.”

“Ollie Craydon has showed how versatile he is, playing at both centre half and centre midfield, and with that you can see his fitness and confidence growing with every game. He had a break from football, so it is fantastic seeing him enjoying his game.”

“I am fortunate to have a squad of players where anyone can come into the starting eleven and stake a claim to stay there the following week.”

In a division where fine margins and percentages are crucial in terms of securing vital points, Craig is also keen to shed praise on the work that Coach Andy McCarthy has being doing with the team on the training ground when it comes to set plays.

“The work which Macca is doing with the boys on set plays has been phenomenal, and it is great to see these coming off on the pitch. In a league which can be unforgiving at times, it sometimes can come down to small details – and with Macca taking the lead on both defensive and offensive set plays, I know we are in good hands.”

Come and support The Mullets on the road this weekend in what appears to be one of the most challenging weekends of the season:

Tomorrow: Dorking Wanderers Reserves (A), 3PM KO, Meadowbank Stadium, Mill Lane, Dorking, RH4 1DX

Bank Holiday Monday: Infinity FC (A), 11AM KO, The Lumacon Stadium, Sidlesham Memorial Ground, Sidlesham, PO20 7RD