Season Review · July 28, 2025
Difficult campaign - A season to learn from and improve
Penley's 2023/24 season in the sixth division was undeniably challenging, marked by a tough battle on the pitch and a steep learning curve. Finishing 11th in league three, the team struggled to find consistency, managing only 1 win, 2 draws, and suffering 19 defeats. The season's fun fact reveals a significant defensive issue: a goal difference of -88, highlighting the defensive struggles that plagued the team throughout the campaign. Despite the hardships, the season provided valuable lessons and a foundation to build upon for future growth.
Gary's mark
5/5
Poor
Finished
11th
Points
5
Record
1-2-19
GD
-88
Gary "Nano" Pettit-Thompson IV
Lead Football Journalist
The Match & Season Desk
Data-first, narrative-second. If it happened on the pitch, Gary filed it.
A Columns Desk filing — visual season centre first, then the full notebook.
Season Centre
The campaign in pictures — before the filing.
Position
11th
Points
5
Win Rate
5%
Games
22
Season Shape
Most used XI
Best-fit starting eleven for the campaign's most common formation.
Primary shape
4-3-3-F9
Formation usage
Standouts
Season honours
MVP by goal contributions, plus the leading scorer and creator.
Season MVP
Adham Zakaria
0 contributions
Top scorer
Adham Zakaria
0 goals
Top assists
Adham Zakaria
0 assists
Season profile
League-relative strengths
Percentile rank against clubs in the same league. Further out is stronger.
- Results
- 5
- P13
- Scoring
- 17
- P13
- Defence
- 105
- P4
- Goal difference
- -88
- P4
5/5
Season mark
Poor
Campaign Record
1-2-19
Wins
1
5%
Draws
2
9%
Losses
19
86%
Attack · Defence
-88 GD
The Filing
Gary's notebook, desk by desk — with the forthcoming newsroom voices framed around the edges.
From Gary's Notebook
Season Overview
Filed by
Gary Nano
Penley's 2023/24 season in the sixth division was undeniably challenging, marked by a tough battle on the pitch and a steep learning curve. Finishing 11th in league three, the team struggled to find consistency, managing only 1 win, 2 draws, and suffering 19 defeats. The season's fun fact reveals a significant defensive issue: a goal difference of -88, highlighting the defensive struggles that plagued the team throughout the campaign. Despite the hardships, the season provided valuable lessons and a foundation to build upon for future growth.
Interestingly, the team’s top players, including Pedro Fuentes, Peter de Bruin, and Jose Soares, contributed in multiple ways, embodying the team spirit even when results didn't go their way. With a focus on development and resilience, Penley’s season was a testament to perseverance amid adversity.
Campaign Highlights
Key Achievements and Highlights
Filed by
Gary Nano
- Only 1 league win showcasing the team’s fighting spirit
- Multiple players contributing across various roles
- Recognized defensive struggles as a key learning point
- Total goals scored: 17, reflecting offensive efforts despite setbacks
Standout Filings
Player Analysis and Standout Performers
Filed by
Gary Nano
While individual statistics may not tell the full story this season, the collective effort of players like Pedro Fuentes, Peter de Bruin, Jose Soares, Paul Smith, and Pedro Cerqueira was vital in maintaining team cohesion. Their contributions in multiple roles exemplify the team’s spirit, even if the scoreboard didn’t reflect success.
Pressure Points
Areas for Improvement
Desk lens
Touchline
Defensive organization and resilience are the immediate priorities for Penley. Addressing the significant goal difference and reducing conceding will be crucial. Additionally, developing attacking potency to convert more opportunities into goals could help turn narrow defeats into valuable points.
The Long View
Final Assessment
Desk lens
The Ledger
Penley's season was a tough journey marked by defensive vulnerabilities and limited victories. The team’s resilience and collective contribution stood out as positives, but there’s clear room for improvement, especially defensively. With focused development and strategic reinforcement, Penley can aim for a more competitive and balanced campaign in the seasons ahead.