Jewson/Hellenic Hallen's focus switches to FA Vase after tough start to league campaign

ARL Baggaley believes his Hallen team will enter tomorrow's intriguing FA Vase tester with visiting Newquay in “good health” as they strive to maintain an upbeat mood from a welcome on-field upturn.

- Simon PARKINSON

Hallen FC manager Karl Baggaley

The Moorhouse Lane leader admits he and his charges had been “taken by surprise” by the high standard of step 5 Hellenic Premier Division competition on the back of last season’s Western League Division One title success, promotion and subsequent switch of leagues.

Relieved Hallen finally celebrated a first league win of a tough start a fortnight back with a 3-2 home defeat of Cinderford Town, although they approach their first round proper joust with mid-table Jewson Premier Division guests Newquay unbeaten in four in league and cup.

Asked why he felt it had taken so long to pin that prized first league win to the board, Baggaley insisted: “Results-wise there's been an upturn, but the performances and attitudes of the lads have never been questioned in my mind. We really should have more points to show for our efforts so far.

“Maybe the quality of the Hellenic League throughout took us by surprise at the start. The Western League had always been renowned as the being the better, stronger league. But that's not necessarily the case now.

“Td say eight to ten of the teams we've played so far this season would comfortably hold their own in a league above ours.

“It's a world away from what we came up against last season in Toolstation (now Jewson) Division One in terms of opposition standard, and I mean no disrespect by that.”

The Hallen supremo stressed: “We've never as a club had the financial resources many at our level enjoy, even when we were a competitive Toolstation Premier outfit.

“We're out on a limb a little location-wise, which means we've never had the largest of supporter bases. We're surrounded by so many big Bristol clubs by comparison.