Ellie Jeffkins was part of the Chatham Town Women’s side who was relegated from National League South at the end of last season, but is now part of the charge pushing for promotion.

The midfielder has been a key component in the start that the Chats have enjoyed in the new season as Sunday’s 3-1 win over Chesham United Women’s team lifted Keith Boanas’ side to third in the table, just three points off top spot. 

“Everything is so different to last year – the mood in general; our fighting desires is one hundred percent and we are not going into games expecting to concede goals straight away with our heads down,” Ellie admitted.

“It really was tough last year – the motivation to come every week and not expect to lose was just horrible, but because I was one of the senior players, we just had to try and keep going.”

“But this year is so different, we are more of a family and more of a team and I think that has been reflected every week in our performances.”

“When you look that we still haven’t play that many games as a new team, it is still early days, but I feel like we have got things to click and it’s just getting the final moments right and to get more goals.” 

“Three hard fought points Sunday in difficult conditions,” Ellie told us, “The pitch was so wet that people were slipping all the time. We fizzed the ball around well, I think it was just a case of getting the right pass into feet!”

“Our performance in certain areas wasn’t great and we know that, but at the end of the day three points away from home is the best thing about the day really.”

“We always knew they were going to be difficult as I think they had a point to prove as well, but the three points away from home is always the winner!” 

“Moments like their goal (Chesham equalised totally against the run of play in first half stoppage time) where we switch off for a couple of seconds and put ourselves in it does reflect on us sometimes. But we got the three points and we must remember that we cannot switch off in moments like these!”  

“We next have Dartford on Wednesday in the Cup before Cambridge in the League on Sunday so we are back in at home – unlike last year we have enough quality players in the squad to rotate the side every week and I think that is an important chance from last year where we didn’t have those options, as if we had someone coming in the next week, it wasn’t really balanced. But this year I think we are strong in every area.” 

“We’re getting the backing off the pitch this year as well and going to Chesham was a credit to everyone who made the two hours plus trip on a Sunday, it does get us going and the support is great!” 

“I honestly think that we can win this League – we know that we are going to come across some bigger teams that are fighting for the same goal. I think there are four or five of us fighting for the same goal, it’s very tight and each week you look at the table and other peoples results – sometimes it’s in our favour and sometimes it’s not, but as long as we keep doing what we are doing, I think we can win the League!”