The latest news on Tooting and Mitcham United FC from guest blogger, Roger Butcher.

A piece of news that has reached us in the last week was the decision of Tooting favourite, defender Colin Hartburn, to hang up his boots (possibly temporarily). A combination of footballing and personal factors have led him to “take a break from the football commitments for the time being.”
 

Colin Hartburn made his debut for us as a 17 year old in the 2002/2003 season and has left us and rejoined us on at least two occasions. “Mad Dog” as he is affectionately known has built his reputation as a fearless, uncompromising tackler who has played with distinction at full back, centre back and central midfield.

He was also part of the team that reached the 1st Round of the FA Cup in 2006 away to Stockport County, where he picked up a yellow card! He also played for Croydon Athletic and Carshalton Athletic amongst others.

Colin had recently slipped down the pecking order in boss Craig Tanner’s back four, as the team had gone on a good run of results over the last 6 weeks or so, which has seen the Terrors climb into the playoff picture. We had recently won 5 games out of 6 to leave us in 5th place in the table, which is the final playoff position. The pick of the performances was probably the 4-2 victory over Chipstead, which included a fantastic hat-trick by in form striker, Dan Summers. Then last weekend we were pitted against the 4th place team, Merstham, in a big 6 pointer.  Unfortunately, we started the game slowly and ended up narrowly beaten 3-2, dropping us down to 6th. However, the team are confident that they can get on another good run of results and make a concerted push for promotion.
 

Last night (Wednesday) we travelled to Worthing, and achieved a creditable 1-1 draw in a game played in torrential rain throughout.  This left us in 6th, but with games coming thick and fast in December, the Terrors will be looking to improve on that.

In other news, we welcome new goalkeeper Luke Badiali, who we signed from Walton Casuals. Regular first choice goalie, Paul Smith has sustained a back injury which may keep him out for a while, so Craig Tanner moved fast to bring Luke in. So far, he has impressed, particularly with some spectacular diving saves.

Upcoming home fixtures:

• Walton & Hersham on Saturday 29^th November at 3:00pm
• Horley Town (Surrey Senior Cup) on Tuesday 2^nd December at 7:45pm
• Folkestone Invicta on Saturday 13^th December at 3:00pm

Come along – the 280 bus stops just outside the ground!