After ten years in the Hellenic League, United were finally back in the Southern League following their Hellenic League Championship winning season of 1999/2000. Placed in the Eastern Division of the First Division, there were some long away trips to places such as Eastbourne, Newport Isle of Wight, Hastings, Bashley, and Tonbridge.

The season began with an away game at Sittingbourne, the match kicking off late due to United being delayed on the motorways. Not the greatest of starts to the club’s new venture and on the field it wasn’t either, going down 1-0. It was a poor first couple of months to the season for United with no league wins in their first nine games and after losing 3-2 at home to Wisbech Town at the end of September the Puritans were in 21st place in the table with concerns growing of a rapid return to the Hellenic League!

Here is a team photo for that season taken at the beginning of the season.

Back Row (Left to Right): Kevin Brock (Manager), John Cramond (coach), Gary Harrison, Andy Wallbridge, Jody McKay, Jon Skeen, Anton Rogan, Ashley McKinness, Steve Jenkins, Brian Robinson (Assistant Manager).

Front Row (Left to Right): Les Phillips, Frankie Dorrian, Ady Fuller, Matty Gooderick, Jon Corbett, Kieran Sullivan, George Redknap.

However, a much better October and November saw United climb up towards mid-table but another disappointing run after that saw the club down to just above the relegation places when travelling to play Erith & Belvedere on Saturday 3rd February 2001 – 25 years ago this week! Many would argue that afternoon was the turning point of the season with a very impressive 5-0 win for the Puritans, goals coming from Jon Corbett, Steve Jenkins (2) (1 pen), Jody McKay and Matty Gooderick. The remainder of the season was much improved for the Puritans, the club eventually finishing in13th place and comfortably maintaining their Southern League status.

Matty Gooderick was the club’s leading league goalscorer that season with 17 goals, ahead of Gary Harrison with 12 and Jody McKay with 8. Matty Gooderick and Jody McKay were ever present in league games, making 42 appearances. Ady Fuller and George Redknap made 41 and Jon Corbett 40.

The club reached the final of the Oxfordshire Senior Cup that season but lost at Oxford United’s Manor Ground 3-1 to Thame United, the last time the Puritans played at the Manor!