Washington season review

The dust has finally settled on what has been a long slog for Washington; who have avoided relegation to The Wearside League by the skin of their teeth. 

The squad was ravaged by injuries as they went into the 2021/22 season, with new signings and fresh faces galore as the club looked to build on the previous season- where they once again survived relegation by the barest of margins.

Though as the club started the season with two disastrous defeats (3-1 at Horden and 6-1 at Billingham), there was little hope for a side which was clearly short on confidence.

Though, as Washington took maximum points off Esh Winning, many would have hoped that the side had turned a corner; this hope was short lived.

Damaging defeats would soon follow, shipping five goals one week, then six the next, then the odd seven goal thrashing left the side second bottom in the table. Only Durham City found themselves below Washington.

They went into the second half of the season in third bottom, having picked up a few precious points, including wins against Bedlington and the late, late show against local rivals Birtley Town which saw the club go into the festive period on a high. 

The second half of the season finally came around and after a month long break, Washington picked up from where they left off; winning four of their next six games, easing relegation concerns for the next few weeks anyway.

Though in football, nothing is certain, and the devastating defeats would soon follow. Points were dropped at Ryton and back at home to Carlisle, relegation was suddenly feared as sides around them picked up points.

Confidence was clearly shot, as they lost four games consecutively, a 3-0 battering at relegation threatened Blyth Town did nothing to ease relegation fears, leaving the club in desperate need of points sooner rather than later. 

Though they did arrive, in the battle of the bottom clubs- Washington took all three points away to Esh Winning to all but secure their safety for another season. 

Though their safety was assured, Washington travelled to basement club Durham City on the final day of the season looking to take all three points.

Durham had gone an entire season without winning a league game, that was until Washington came to town. The hosts ran out 1-0 winners, a poor way for Washington to end the season.

However, Washington did steer themselves clear of relegation, thanks mostly to their mid season form. All eyes are on next season now, as they look to fire themselves up the division sooner rather than later.