This is a special group of players

Tuesday, 7 May 2024 01:00

Dan Fitchett has enjoyed his tenth season plying his trade at the Ray Mac this term and has heaped praise on the current crop of young players.

He and captain Sido Jombatti lifted the trophy after Salisbury overcame AFC Totton 4-3 on penalties after a nail-biting 2-2 draw after extra time.

Fitchett, 33, has played for both Salisbury City and Salisbury FC in two spells at the Ray Mac, appearing in some of the biggest games in both club's history with both FA Cup and National League highs along the way.

Speaking after the thrilling playoff victory, the Salisbury frontman spoke highly of the young players in the squad, "This group of players is special. We keep going even when we're down. I think we just knew it was. It was written in the stars for us."

Dan Fitchett celebrates with the trophy (Images: Michael Berkeley)

The playoff win mirrors the way that the old club, Salisbury City, were promoted from this league in 2011 when they visited Hednesford Town, who finished second in the league that season, winning on penalties after that game was level 1-1 after 90 minutes, 2-2 after extra time.

Salisbury's younger players stepped up when it mattered, with Owen Dore (19), Noah Coppin (22), and Josh Hedges (22) taking penalties alongside Sido Jombati (36) were calm and collected, "I think the penalties were superb. Throughout the game, we did well, controlled it when we needed to and dug it in.

"So yeah, young players with loads of quality, and I'm just so pleased for everyone."

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