Youth is the way forward for Heathfield

RESULTS may not have gone their way of late, but Heathfield will not be sidetracked from their goal of developing the club from within.

Focusing on youth talent, rather than spending big on new recruits, this season – the Greenies' first in London 2 South – has been a transitional one, to say the least.

They lie fourth from bottom, but with a nice gap between themselves and Tunbridge Wells, and looking above, rather than below them.

A mid-table finish was the goal at the start of the season and that is still the aim of coach Dave Jones.

"We did not go out and recruit a huge amount of players," Jones said.

"We knew this season would be a learning curve. We had to find our own way in the league and try and aim for mid-table, with the squad we've got and the players we are developing through our youth system.

"One or two results could have gone our way, but we are where we thought we would be. It's a tough league and we neither want to, nor have the budget to buy players in.

"We are committed to developing players through the club."

This season has seen the likes of Joe Wood, Ethan Walker and Will Maxfield – all products of last year's Colts team – force their way into the first team squad alongside regulars like Bryn Jones and Sam Goatcher.

There have been a whole host of games where Heathfield have only lost by a handful of points and you just get the feeling that the experiences of this season will only see them grow stronger in future.

"We are keeping an eye on what is below us in the table," Jones said. "But there are a few games we are targeting seriously. There is a gap between us and the bottom three that we have to maintain. To be honest, we hope to pick up one or two places in mid-table."

The only concern for Heathfield is the run they are currently on. They have not won since beating Old Mid-Whitgiftians 24-10 on November 19, losing five in a row.

They entertain Lewes tomorrow and will be hoping to win their first game of 2012.

"We've got into a losing habit when we'd much rather be in a winning one," Jones said. "A win is long overdue. We beat Lewes at their ground, but they have obviously improved. Players are back from injury and it will be a tough game. Everyone is up for it and there is still a real buzz at Heathfield."