They say what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Last summer almost killed Peacehaven, but anyone who has seen the last half of this season would say the Club could hardly have emerged stronger from a season which promised little but has delivered more than anyone could possibly have expected.

Peacehaven ended the season in 3rd place (on goal difference), which for a side who lost the majority of their squad last summer, and then their first three league matches, is a considerable achievement.

That they have done so with a core squad of only twelve or thirteen players, and with a team that costs less to field than the central midfield partnership of one of their rivals, is testament to the management of Pete Edwards and Terry Hall.

After a hugely successful first season back in Division One, last summer proved calamitous for the club. It's easy to forget how bad the situation looked last summer, and it is worth recounting again. Peacehaven had lost their central defence, central midfield, both wingers and most of their back up players. Other players were either injured or unavailable.

The first win came against Crowborough, but performances remained patchy into September. The game against Three Bridges typified this period, with Peacehaven creating plenty of chances but unable to get any reward. After this match Ryan Bradley signed, and this proved to be a turning point in the season. Alongside the fast improving Ashley Rees he started to give the side a cutting edge to go with their improving performances.

He introduced himself to the club with a goal on his debut against East Grinstead, and endeared himself to the club with a last minute equaliser in the long awaited meeting with Crawley Down.

An injury to Rees coincided with a downturn in form which saw Peacehaven exit both the John O'Hara and RUR Cups inside a week. The turning point came with Rob O'Toole's last minute equaliser away at Shoreham, a goal which proved pivotal in both teams seasons.

After that Peacehaven's form started to pick up again, and they steadily climbed the table. Only one more league match would be lost before the end of the season, bizarrely at rock bottom Eastbourne United.

The season culminated with a run of nine successive wins which assured the club of a top three finish, including wins against front runners Rye, Pagham and Three Bridges.

Ironically Peacehaven now find themselves back where they were this time last year, celebrating a successful season and looking to push on next year. I am assured that lessons have been learned and we can look forward to a concerted title bid this time. With the Clubhouse renovated and the new stand in place for the start of the new campaign, there is plenty to get excited about at Piddinghoe Avenue.