The University of Gloucestershire men’s football team sit at the top of the BUCS Western 3A table after a fantastic start to their campaign. Halfway through the season, after five games played, UoG have 12 points.
23-year-old Oxfordshire-born Scott Chappell has been out of playing regular weekly football since starting at the University of Gloucestershire.
But the midfielder made a few appearances for the university men’s second team last season, making five appearances, scoring one and assisting one.
Chappell wasn’t sure if he even wanted to play football this season due to not feeling fully fit enough to compete, but after attending training, he found himself playing for the first team.
“I wasn’t even planning on playing football this year. I’ve been coming off the bench in every game, having an average of about 15 minutes. I’m gradually getting back into things. To be in the first team, and especially with how well we’re doing, is great. It’s great to contribute, it’s a great feeling”.
Everyone knows coming on as a substitute in sport can be difficult, especially in a fast-flowing sport like football. It’s difficult to get into the flow of things and fit into a team that are wearing out and needs the encouragement to keep going. Chappell knows this first-hand.
“It can be hard coming on as a substitute in football; it’s a fast-paced sport. I’ve been lucky so far this season where when I’ve come on, we’ve been 1 or 2 nil up.
“So, despite being more of an attacking midfielder, I’ve just got back and defended. As one of the older players in that team, I understand from a men’s game that even leading by two isn’t safe. It’s important to come on and motivate the players and to see the game out, That is my main priority”.
Chappell explained a lack of confidence in recent times due to not playing regular football. However in Wednesdays league fixture against the University of Plymouth Chappell contributed to a goal, a contribution in which he looks to be the start of something great for him.
“It feels so good, and such a relief to get an assist in yesterdays game. It was at an important time in the game, 15 minutes to play, the opposition just missed a penalty. For me to assist that goal was such a great feeling. Hopefully I can keep coming off the bench and contributing to more goals”.
The 1’s team are really starting to gel as a group, and their approach to games as well as their reactions to conceding are improving throughout. From the outside, it’s clear there’s something great going on with this side, but what’s it like to be apart of that?
“The spirit in the changing room is another level. The teams morale is as high as it possibly can be, everyone interacts with everyone, we all love each other. The spirit is very high, and I can’t see that changing. The first team has something special. Rory Hunt as a player-manager too, he’s great in knowing what’s best for us as a group. He knows us all down to a tee.”
UoG have now played half of the season, with the majority of their games having had a home advantage. UoG have a 100% record at home this season in the league. The second half of the season resumes after the new year, where they will have to prove themselves away from home, which will be a huge test for the side.
“It’ll be a lot harder! We are used to astroturf at Plock Court, whilst most teams we travel to play on poorly kept grass pitches. The second half of the season will be a challenge, and we know that, but we are prepared to fight. We’ll be taking each game as it comes”.
The BUCS Western 3A is a funny league. Earlier this season, UoG went away to Plymouth and lost 4-0, yet in the reverse fixture, UoG won 4-0. Gloucestershire will be looking to stay top, but in a league like this, only time will tell.
“My worst moment was travelling down to Plymouth, a six-hour round journey, and we rocked up there 10 minutes before kick-off, warmed up for 1 minute, then straight into the game, which we lost 4-0.
“We then got home about 10 pm, and that’s been our only league loss this season so far, so the game itself was enough to make it the worst moment this season.
“Anything can happen. Plymouth were top after the first three games, but now, after six games, they sit fourth out of seven. We’ve just got to focus on ourselves and keep up the momentum.
“We go into Christmas top of the league. When the season restarts after the new year, we hopefully can look to carry on the good form.”
