Oakley James is confident Cheltenham Saracens “are picking up momentum” and can use this form to continue “climbing the table” in their bid for top five finish.
Saracens have won two league games in a row for the first time this season, as they sit 15th in the Uhlsport Hellenic League Division One , 11 points adrift of playoffs.
Midfielder James started the season at fellow Gloucestershire side Cirencester Town, however made the decision to return to Sarries.
James explained “I came into the squad a bit late, but I’ve been working hard, trying to take my chances when I’ve been playing.”
The 19-year-old left Step Five outfit Cirencester Town having “not enjoyed his football” while there and returned to Saracens just after the start of the season.
Following their recent wins, he is confident that their upward progress in the league can be kept up.
“The Morale is really high in the changing rooms”, James continued.
Saracens came from behind at home to Bewdley Town for their first league win in six games.
They took a 1-0 lead in the second half with Paul Homes converting, before a quickfire counter was finished by Michael Bridges and an own goal put the visitors ahead.
🟡🔵 Cheltenham Saracens first goal against Bewdley Town pic.twitter.com/PjLLE3lFa7
— Jasper Hudson (@JHudsonSJ) November 15, 2024
Paul Holmes opens the scoring for Cheltenham Saracens
A goal from Lucas Price levelled the scores before summer signing Jacob Chamberlain volleyed in a last-minute winner off the post to complete the comeback in a 3-2 win.
They then followed this up on the road with a commanding 3-0 victory against Southam United where the previous goal scoring trio all found the back of the net again.
“We are doing really well at the minute”, James commented on his side’s recent performances.
“The managers buzzing at the minute with the work rate, the lads, the performances which have been going well”, he continued.
“We’ve got a good run of games to pick up some points”, as they face Kidlington Reserves tomorrow at home venue, Petersfield Park, before travelling to Shortwood United who they knocked out of the Wiseman Lighting Floodlit Cup on penalties.
Kidlington Reserves drew 1-1 last time out in the league against Bewdley Town with Adam Smith the goal scorer.
James and Smith both play for the University of Gloucestershire Men’s Firsts, with Smith saying “It should be a good game.”
“Playing against your mate is always interesting, but hopefully we can get the win”, he added.
Saracens manager Ryan Betteridge will be delighted to have the return of Callum Debonis ahead of tomorrow.
Debonis joined in the summer from Cheltenham based Bishops Cleeve, who play two leagues above in Step Four.
The midfielder has featured 11 times this season for the Sarries, however, hasn’t played since there 3-0 away loss to Wellington on October 12th.
James welcomed his return to action, “He’s a big player for us, big character in the dressing room and its great to have him back.”
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