Liam Pearce | AFC Sudbury

The mission impossible specialists! Two successive seasons now AFC Sudbury have survived relegation from step 3 against the odds.

📸 ScreechPhotography

The side from Suffolk have finished 18th and 17th respectively in the last two Southern Premier Central seasons, and currently reside in 20th place this campaign. Liam Pearce is a shining light at the Suds, and the jewel in the crown to the attacking third, particually after the big departure of last season's top scorer Joe Neal.

The versatile midfielder who usually plays out wide or up front featured 35 times in the league last season, 20 of which starts, scoring five goals. This season, the 20 year old is one of two Suds players who has featured in all 15 league games, alongside Callum Page. The wide man has started 14 of those, and is close to last season's goal tally, having already scored three times.

I spoke with Liam on Wednesday to get his thoughts on the side's huge 2-2 draw away at the league leader's, the key figures to his stay at Sudbury in the summer, his season as a whole so far, the club's expectations for the rest of the campaign, and his message the yellow and blue army.

"I think for us pre-match against Harborough we had nothing to lose given our previous results. We knew it was going to be a game where we were not going to have much of the ball, as they have proven against so many other sides how good they are with it, particularly at their place. We had to show them respect for the unbeaten start to the season they have had, and the strong outfit they are.

"We had to take the chances that fell to us to get a result, which we did. I am happy I was able to contribute to that with my goal to help the team get the crucial point we deserved. With regards to staying at Sudbury in the summer, it was always my priority having enjoyed last season as much as I did. It was a hugely progressive year for me at the club I've been at since I was 12 years old, so I felt confident at staying and pushing on even more.

"The key figure behind wanting to stay was to continue playing under gaffer Danny Laws, who has unfortunately steeped down from the position, but his effect on us and me was for everyone to see during our good run under his management at the end of last season. I worked with Danny in the academy, and wanted to be loyal to him for his role in my progression personally, and for what he did for the whole squad, to bring up the morale after Marc left.

"In terms of my season so far, there have been some very well earned highs, but also a lot of lows given the position we currently sit in. Starting the season with a 2-0 win against Redditch was a huge boost to start us off, however as a team we have not quite managed to get the consistency that is required in this very competitive league. We have had a lot of lows that have hurt recently, like the 6-0 defeat to Worcester on our patch, which was simply unacceptable, and since we have tried everything in our powers to right the wrong of the defeat.

"On a personal level, I just look and hope to stay as fit as possible, and do everything I can for the team whether through goals, assists, or just working hard and sticking to a plan. I have played a lot of positions this season, including centre half, central midfield, up front and out wide which has helped me feel like a more versatile player. In the next six months as a team, we are looking to kick on and string a couple of consistent performances and results, starting with the massive FA Trophy game at our place this weekend against Hereford.

"We know that every season in this league is always tough, as it has been and proved to be for us in the last two campaigns. However, as we also know, every single game up to the last matters, so it is important to keep the belief and keep pushing as if every game is our last. I want the Suds fans to stick with us through this tough period, keep fighting with us, and show up in the stands as they have done so brillianlty already. We hope to give you lot a good FA Trophy run in the coming weeks, as we know how important these runs are and can be to the club and building confidence for the league campaign"