GODMANCHESTER Rovers were beaten 5-0 by Brantham Athletic on Saturday but managers Nev Nania and David Hurst can feel proud of their players as the club’s first season in the Premier Division of the Thurlow Nunn Eastern Counties League nears its conclusion.

With just four games left, three of them against teams higher than the now ninth-placed Rovers, Nania reflected on lessons learned this term and told The Hunts Post: “We have been one of the form teams since Christmas. How could you not be proud of their achievements?”

It was an understrength Godmanchester side that went to Brantham with goalkeeper Rob Mackney, defender Tom Moran and midfielders Chris Hyem and Jason King all injured.

And Nania confessed it was the high-flying Suffolk village side who wanted it more, though he did say the scoreline was not necessarily a fair reflection of the way the team played.

“The goals all came from mistakes in our defence,” he said. “It is a harsh scoreline but we were beaten by a Brantham side that will finish in top four.

“We learned from this game that the defence cannot make so many mistakes, including the goalkeeper, as you will be punished. And We didn’t have enough quality on bench to make changes.

“With four home games on the bounce now a top six finish is very much in our hands.

“We have Hadleigh United at home on Wednesday night to respond in a positive manner.”

And looking further forward? “Next season we only need three or four players to challenge for top two position,” said Nania.

Next Saturday’s game against Walsham-le-Willows has been designated an old boys reunion game and many players from Goddy’s past will be make up what general manager Karly Hurst is hoping will be a sizeable crowd.

“It’s going to be a great for the club and it will be good to see some old faces watching this new team,” he said.

“We have had some great crowds at Goddy this season and I really want to thank everyone who has come to the club to support the team this season.”