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

Tooting reached their first London Senior Cup Final since 2008 after a nailbiting 1-0 over Cray Valley. Tooting started brightly and got an early goal when Saidou Khan arrived late into the box to side foot the ball home from a Joel Sebuliba cross. Tooting dominated the rest of the half, but suffered the familiar failing of not scoring more whilst on top. Despite their lower league status, Cray Valley put us under a lot of pressure in the second half, and we were relieved that the game didn’t get forced into the lottery of a penalty shoot out. The final takes place at Metropolitan Police’s Imber Court ground on Wednesday 8th May, with the opponents yet to be decided due to a number of postponements due to the bad weather.

The rest of the month had a slight end of season flavour about it as we have missed out on the play offs this season, and look to be safe from relegation. Two wins and three draws in March has actually extended our unbeaten run to 7 games.
 

In player news, Frankie Sawyer has left us, to join Redhill in their relegation battle, but we were boosted by the return of Max Noble. Max damaged a knee ligament in a pre-season friendly and has been forced to miss the entire season so far. He made a late substitute appearance against Corinthian Casuals, and may just have enough time to get match fit before the Cup Final.

We have also been joined by full back Sam Charles, who was signed from Chipstead, and midfielder Gerald Akosa who arrives from Billericay. Both have made steady starts so far.
 

In wider news, congratulations should go to Burgess Hill Town who top our division at the moment having lost just 1 league game so far. They have also had a couple of fantastic cup results against higher level opposition. They aren’t mathematically certain of the championship yet, but I’m sure they’ll pick up the necessary points in the next couple of games or so. They will be worthy winners.

A final word about striker, Dan Summers. When he scored our first in the 2-2 draw away to Hythe Town, it was his 30th goal of the season, which is a terrific achievement at any level of football.  And when you consider that he is not our penalty taker, it makes his figures even more impressive. When the player of the season awards are handed out, he will be a strong candidate.

Please note the new website address is www.tmu-fc.co.uk

Upcoming home fixtures:

• Hastings United on Saturday 28th March at 3:00pm

• Whyteleafe Monday 6th April (Easter Monday) at 3:00pm

• Worthing on Saturday 11th April at 3:00pm

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