Selston vow to prove they can compete at step 5

Selston picked up their first point of the season during their last match of the curtailed campaign.

The Villagers have finished rock-bottom of Midland Football League’s Premier Division for the past two seasons.

But Ball is confident Selston began to show signs last season that they could compete in the league.

“We have had a torrid couple of seasons without doubt,” he said. “Karl Steed came in (at the end of last season), he only had a couple of games but you could see a bit of an impact.

“We have hope there. We have kept the core players and we are optimistic and excited for the new season.

“We want a good close season and to hit the ground running.

“My predecessors and managers before got us to a very high level for the club. We are there, we have earned the right to be there and we want to compete.

“We are still punching above our weight and we will attack the season and see how we go.”

Ball believes the key to survival next season will be winning the mini-league of fixtures against fellow strugglers.

“Last season we only picked up one point, but nine of our 10 games were against teams you would expect to be in the top half,” he added.

“This is why we are thankful that the league was null and void. We always know we are in a mini-league of two or four teams down at the bottom.

“If we win those games we stay in the league and that's the way we are approaching the season from the start.”

He also believes Selston will also be aided by a shake-up of the division which will give it a more local feel next season.

“We were leaving quite a bit earlier for away games, midweek especially,” added Ball.

“People have work and things. We don’t have a playing budget at Selston, which sets us apart at this level and it makes it difficult. People still have to work and they play for the love of the club,

“It made player availability a little more difficult. Some of the lads work Saturday mornings, so it will greatly help in that respect.

“We should be able to have a more consistent team.”

Selston are planning to return to action in May as part of a mini-tournament organised by Sherwood Colliery, and also featuring Ollerton Town and Staveley MW.