Felixstowe Harpers United utility man Andy Crump accepts his side aren’t having it all their own way this season, but does see a successful campaign in order.

Ahead of tomorrow’s home encounter against Westerfield United, Harpers sit in fifth position in the SIL Senior Division, nine points short of leaders Cranes and seven of second-placed East Bergholt.

A side who strengthened their playing squad in the summer with a host of signings who have played at a higher level, Harpers were expected by some to challenge at the very top for the league title this season.

However, some inconsistent results have seen Harpers loiter in the Europa League places.

“The expectation from everyone talking about us in pre-season was very high,” declared Crump, who alongside brother Danny, joined from neighbours Felixstowe & Walton in the summer. There was talk that we’d win the league comfortably, but to be honest that expectation never ran into the squad.

“Nobody here has shouted or screamed with arrogance thinking that they’ve just got to turn up to a game to win it.

“It doesn’t work like that. Yes, some results have been disappointing and we would have liked to have picked up more points than we have, but the squad wants to do well.”

As well as the Crump brothers, Harpers also added Lyndon Dowson-Alexander, Mical Moore, James Carr (all from Grundisburgh) as well as Matt Ryland, Dan Pryke, and brothers David and Lee Grimwood (all from Brantham) in the summer, all players who have played at a higher-level previously.

“We’ve got a lot to do if we want to get back into the title-race,” continued Crump.

“Cranes are playing really well at the moment, they look like they’re going to run away with the league, and credit must go to them for that. The cup competitions (Bob Coleman and Suffolk Senior Cup) will be important for us this year, and in the league we do have to push on and play to our maximum ability.”

Crump believes Harpers reached ‘their peak’ in last weekend’s important 3-2 victory over third-placed Wenhaston United, in terms of performance and team spirit.

“There’s been some comments thrown around that the atmosphere here isn’t good, but that’s actually the opposite,” explained Crump. “We all do our job together, have some banter in the changing room, and get on really well afterwards. We went 2-1 down last Saturday but the team showed great togetherness to win 3-2, and we have a bunch of decent lads here who are all enjoying it.”