To say that the 2023/24 season has been eventful for Atherstone Town would be a bit of an understatement. Three permanent manager, two caretakers and a change of chairman, alongside games behind closed doors made for a truly turbulent campaign off the pitch.

On the pitch, a recent slump in results was turned around with a 3-0 win against Bewdley Town on Tuesday 9th, and the game at AFC Wulfrunians was seen as an opportunity to end the season in a positive manner. And that was exactly what Atherstone managed to do.

The first half was very even, but was just edged by the Adders. Lewis Collins and Jake Brown caused the hosts plenty of problems, as both sides struggled to create clear cut chances. Supporters Player of the Season Callum Rudd and his fellow defenders dealt well with the attacks that Wulfrunians were able to put together.

The half’s best chance saw a Collins cross nearly catch out the keeper and hit the cross bar. At half time it had the feel of a one goal game either way, and it was just a matter of who would get that goal.

Atherstone came back out on the front foot in the second half and applied heavy pressure to the hosts. Brown missed a very presentable chance from close range, and the Wulfrunians keeper had to be in top form to deny several Adders attempts.

It was a set piece that would eventually break the deadlock, as an Atherstone corner was only half cleared allowing Rudd to head the ball down for Gabe Webster to strike. The effort through a crowd of bodies just trickled over the line, giving the Adders a deserved lead.

The hosts went in search of a leveller but were not able to challenge Jack Sandel in the Atherstone goal. The final whistle brought to an end the final act of a chaotic campaign with an impressive win that can be built on over the summer and into next season.

With other teams in the league still to play the final league position is not guaranteed but currently Atherstone sit 8th, another solid mid table finish to be built on again next season. There are lefty of signs of encouragement to be taken from the performances of this current squad, and the atmosphere built by the management team.

At the conclusion of another season thanks once again must go to the wonderful group of volunteers who have kept the club going through some very difficult times. Whether they are battling the weather or other circumstances out of their control, they have risen to everything to keep the club moving forward.

See you all in August to do it all over again. Up the Adders.