Nettles bounce back at Bas

Nettleham bounced back from their opening day defeat on the Cowpaddle with a 6-1 thrashing of Bassingham at Bas Park.

Inspirational winger Boydie Aisthorpe stole the show with a match-winning hat-trick, with Joe Drabble, Nathan Pearse and Loz King completing the rout.

However Andy Sawyer’s inexplicable miss in the dying stages took the gloss off what was an otherwise professional display from the north Lincoln villagers.

Player-manager James Carter was forced to delay the naming of his starting XI until 10.44am after a number of his players ignored the 10am meet time and staggered into the ground on the stroke of kick-off.

Indeed, Bas were left baffled when the Nettles kicked off the match with only nine men but had four named substitutes patrolling the touchline.

When play finally got under way in front of a sparse crowd at Bas Park, Nettleham immediately found their rhythm with new-look front two Calum Pearse and Joe Drabble linking up just as they had done on the dancefloor the previous night.

Another man showing no ill-effects from a day on the ale was Jonny Drabble, who was at the hub of most of Nettleham’s best play in the early stages.

Despite their dominance, the visitors almost conceded when a set-piece caused panic and a Bassingham player headed against the crossbar from close range.

That served as a wake-up call to the Nettles, who broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time when Aisthorpe raced down the left and fired into the far corner of the net.

Half time: Bassingham 0 Nettleham 1

With Carter and Kev Ealham beginning to boss the midfield, it came as no surprise when Nettleham doubled their lead early in the second half.

Aisthorpe was put clear down the left and he once again kept his composure with a cool finish into the far corner – this time with his unfavoured right foot.

With the home fans in the House Stand contemplating an early exit, Bas gave them a reason to stay when they grabbed a lifeline minutes later.

An ongoing tussle between Nathan Pearse and a man they call ‘Eccles’ resulted in a free-kick being awarded to Bas way in a dangerous position.

The free-kick was taken quickly and a Bassingham player stole a march on Jaz Dhindsa before diverting his header past Stu in the sticks.

But any hopes of a comeback were quickly dispelled, Joe Drabble making it two goals in as many games when he swept home Calum’s cross minutes later.

And any doubts about where the points were heading were cast aside when Boydie completed his hat-trick with an excellent finish following a fine throughball from Carter.

With victory assured as this point Nettleham threw bodies forward with gay abandon. And it was a collectors item from Nathan Pearse which put the Nettles in complete control shortly after.

Boydie: Hollywood display

With Bassingham at sixes and sevens, Pearse seized on one of many horror moments from centre half ‘Mike’ aka Juan Sebastian Veron, to slot home from close range.

The celebration which followed showed just how much the goal meant to Pearse and the travelling Nettleham contingent.

It was showboating time at this point and Nettleham made it 6-1 when King fired home on debut following more calamitous defending from Mike and co.

Bassingham were pleading for mercy at this stage and they were handed a reprieve when Sawyer aka Soggy contrived to place the ball over an open goal from four yards.

Mick Adams' bonus points

Boydie Aisthorpe ***

Jonny Drabble **

Connor Fitzpatrick *

Nettles handed Sealord test

Nettleham have been drawn against Grimsby league Division One outfit Sealord FC in the second round of the Lincolnshire County Cup.

James Carter's side booked their place in round two with an impressive 2-1 victory over Crowland Town last weekend.

The tie will take place at Mulsanne Park on Sunday October 3 and the match will be all-ticket.

PEARSE - 1 DOWN 19 TO GO

Nettlehams number 10 sets personal target

Cal Pearse, spoke to the Nettleham News the day after his winner in the County Cup.
"It's a great start, for the lads and personally. I spoke to the gaffer in pre season and asked for the chance to prove myself. I was out on loan last season and the gaffer then (Mick Adams) never really gave me a chance. We didnt get on put thats history, im loving life with the new gaffer and im eager to take my chance"

Cal netted the winner for Nettleham in there first competitive game of the season and he spoke to the press about the teams and his own personal goals for the season

"I think we have shown in recent years, that we have the players to be in the prem, its just if we can perform. That is our aim to win the league and progress in all the cups. Personally i have set myself a target on and off the field, im looking to score 20 + goals this season, and off the field to keep chasing status and hopefully that will reflect in a relasionship status update in the next few weeks"

When asked about his off the field antics Cal replies
"Im settled now, i feel like im a new man i get on well with the lads and i have started to settle down with someone. I think that is the reason behind my success at the minute 'im just loving life'. Hopefully i will tie the knot in the next few weeks but until then i dont wish to comment any further.

PEARSE PUTS NETTLES THROUGH

Nettlehams number 10 gives Carter the 'perfect start' in cup win


 Nettleham turned up to Mulsanne Park, for there first competitive game of the season in the County Cup against Crowland Town. James Carter had admitted in the week that he didnt know an awful lot about the opposition, but newly appointed cheif scout Richard Drabble (RAD) had been doing his research. "It wont be an easy game, they are well organised and did well in this competition last year"


The Nettleham faithful were keen to see what effect, newly appointed gaffer James Carter had made on the side during the summer. A capacity crowd was expected, but to Charlie Shaw's disgust it wasnt a great turnout. " I dont no why the ground was only half full, i presume it was down to the injury of new £1 signing Ollie Hallingan"

The Nettleham lads were confident ahead of there clash with Crowland Town, Nath Pearse commented before the game, "The lads are in good spirits chilling to Allors on Danse in the dressing room, the gaffer has given us our roles and we no what is required"


Nettleham had new signings Loz King, Ollie Halligan (international duty) & Connor Fitzpatrick all unavailable for various reasons. Familiar faces Kev Ealam and Joe Drabble were also unavailable through injury and doubts regarding Joe's discipline after a recent twitter rant about ex manager Mick Adams.


Nettleham lined up with, Stu Burton retaining the number 1 jersey despite competition from Kasper Schemical. Tom Moore came through a late fitness test to start right back, alongside Jaz Dhindsa (captain in Kev's absence) Jonny Drabble (sober this week) and new signing Lewis Adinall completed the back 4.


Midfield saw Gaffer and Justin French in the centre, with Ass man Aisthorpe and Truelove on the flanks.


Up top for the Nettles was Sean Fitzpatrick and Calum Pearse (looking to answer the critics from Dogma)


on the bench: Jonny Jenkins (slight ankle injury) Nath Pearse , Josh Lumbard and Lester Radley.


Nettleham started brightly, with Tom Moore and Boydie Aisthorpe causing problems on the wings. Nettleham were camped in Crowlands half but could not convert there chances and they were made to pay on 30 minutes when a deflected strike of James Carter flew into the bottom corner to give Crowland a surprise lead. It was there first real attack of the game, and it really silenced the home crowd.



Half time Nettleham 0-1 Crowland Town



After a few harsh words from veteran hit man Cal Pearse, Nettleham were ready for the second half. As the fans were keen to see what influence the new gaffer would of made at half time.



Nettleham again started well, but started to waste chance after chance. It looked like it wasnt going to be for Nettleham with Cal Pearse, Sean Fitz and Jonny Drabble all wasting chances. Until a moment of class from Boydie Aisthorpe, who cut inside from the right flank to curl home an equalizer after 60minutes.



It was on the cards that Nettleham would get another, as they carried on at the same tempo and kept creating chances. The megaphone was in full flow on the sideline as Ollie Halligan and team started to urge the Nettles forward. The second goal came from a long Tom Moore ball down the wing, new striker Cal Pearse beat the center back for pace to everyone's amazement, cut inside and coolly slotted home with his left foot. His celebrations were short lived as he put his shirt over his head, which led to his first of many im sure bookings. He joined M True in the book, who was booked earlier on for a 2 footed lunge.



Nettleham continued to create chance, but the scoreline finished 2-1. To give the new gaffer a perfect start to the season.



Player Ratings



Stu Burton - 8, Made a couple of good saves, wasnt a busy morning for the stopper, couldnt do anything about the goal.

Tom Moore- 8- Player of the season last year, and he will be a contender again this year, full of running and a constant threat throughout, assisted the winner

Lewis Adinall 6 - Came of at half time with an injury, didnt put a foot wrong in the half, looks a good signing from the gaff

Jaz Dhindsa (c) 9- Jaz's best game for Nettleham, seems to have settled in and relishing the captains role

Jonny Drabble - 7- Not a lot to do, the defence were not really tested spent most the time in midfield, should have scored

James Carter - 9 - A solid display from the gaff, wouldnt stop running, dominated the midfield

Justin French - 8 - Kept the ball well and kept creating chances for the front men

Matt Truelove -8- Looks like we have found True a new position looked settled at right wing and helped track back well, and always provides the pre match tunes

Boydie Aisthorpe -8- Bagged his first of many for the season im sure, good goal at a vital time

Cal Pearse - 9- Back to full fitness, made several chances for himself, looks a different player after his loan spell at Waitrose, bagged the winner

Sean Fitz - 7- Its rare when Fitzpatrick dosent get on the scoresheet, good performance always creating chances formed a great partnership with Cal, shame he wont be about all season



Subs

Nath Pearse -7- Didnt have a lot to do when he came on, always good on the ball and never gave it away

Lester Radley - wasnt on for long enough to make an impact, 2/10 for his linesman duties



Ollie Halligan - Jonny Jenkins -10 - Great banter



Mick Adams Bonus Points



Cal Pearse ***

Jaz Dhindsa**

James Carter*

FIRST TEAM KEPT IN RESERVE

FIRST TEAM KEPT IN RESERVE

A very eventful game between the Nettles and the lesser reserves side kicked off at 7pm on Wednesday night, or at least that's what everyone thought. The Nettles were surprised before kick off as they saw star after star lining up for the opposition. The irony remained that the reserves best player was Connor Fitzpatrick, who later aligned his heart to the Nettles Sunday side. Connor sat in the Sunday sides changing room before kick off but made a supreme sacrifice to play for the opposition due to a lack of numbers. The gaffer (James Carter) received a large amount of abuse for allowing this to take place.

The reserves lined up with regular consistent and impressive keeper Craig Chamberlain. The defence featured S.Wilkinson, A.Louth, C.Fitzpatrick and L.Addinall who are unlikely to contribute for the reserves again all season. Reserves midfield consisted of A.Butler, C.Wilkinson, B.Griffin, and J.Cragg with unknown entities up front.

The Nettles started with S.Burton continuing his recent good form in goal. Josh Lumbard at right back found it difficult early on but improved in the latter stages. Left S.Cottingham was much improved from his performance against Welton and certainly looked one of the better players on the pitch. The centre back partnership of J.Dhindsa and J.Drabble looked impressive all game. The Nettles midfield had a familiar ring to it featuring S.Aisthorpe, K.Ealem, J.French and J.Carter. C.Pearse impressed off the front man, S.Fitzpatrick.

The game started at a decent tempo with both sides passing the ball reasonably well. Within 15 minutes a crossed ball from the right side found B. Griffin leaping the highest to head home a soft goal.

Straight form kick off Aisthorpe was played through by French lobbed the on coming Chamberlain who clattered him for his troubles. The shot scraped the post and the referee (Guy) denied any reasonable advantage, awarding the free kick 22 yards away from goal. Aisthorpe hit it hard but straight at Chamberlain who parried it away with a clearance leading to a corner for the Nettles.

Against the run of play the Nettles defence was breached again. A long ball over the top enticed both Dhindsa and Drabble towards the ball, allowing B.Griffin to run through Lumbard and slot past Burton for his 2nd goal of the game with only 20 minutes played.

Despite the score line it was obvious that the Nettles felt they were in the game and playing the better football. 10 minutes later The Nettles went on a 3-goal fury. Pearse picked up the ball off the front man and played Aisthorpe down the left hand side. Aisthorpe ran round Louth and into the path of the ball. A first time cross by Aisthorpe found Fitzpatrick 25 yards out from the goal. Fitzpatrick took the shot on first time, and with the outside of his right boot lobbed the stationary Chamberlain in the reserves goal. The goal was easily the best of the day according to C.Shaw, who stated that the new lines on the pitch were helping matters immensely. He then repeated this statement several times to various people around the stadium.

Only 7 minutes later a ball from the right was miss timed by Wilkinson and Louth perhaps with the help of some pushing by Aisthorpe, allowing the ball to fall at the feet of Fitzpatrick 10 yards out. Fitzpatrick controlled and slotted the ball with the laces of his right boot on the half volley into the left side of Chamberlains goal. Ex Nettles Gaffer (Mick Adams) was heard to quote "well done lads, he doesn't miss from there, do you know what I mean?"

4 Minutes later Aisthorpe was played in down the left. He knocked the ball one yard and waited for the inexperienced Louth to contact him in a manner to win a penalty for the Nettles. Chamberlain proclaimed he saw that coming and Louth walked off embarrassed. Aisthorpe chucked the ball at Fitzpatrick and said "Hat trick". Fitzpatrick hit the ball with the inside of his right boot to the keepers left. Chamberlain was beaten but the ball collided with the post at the rebound found its way to the wing. The Nettles passed around the ball before the opportunity to cross eventually arose. The cross drifted behind Aisthorpe who repositioned and lifted the header over Chamberlains head to make it 3-2 to the Nettles with 5 minutes of the first half remaining.

With the last action of the first half the reserves scored from a corner. The cross was a good one putting pressure on someone to clear. Which nobody did allowing the reserves sub to struggle to touch the ball in from less than one yard. The sub then proclaimed "yes with my first touch." Mitch Ashworth from the sidelines stated, "He seems like a prat". All this reporter will say is that Mitch is rarely wrong.

Guy blew the whistle for half time.

Gaffer and his ass-man decided to make changes at half time as the Nettles had already showed that they are a better footballing team than the reserves. Superstar players Pearse, Fitzpatrick, Aisthorpe and Ealem came off and other players were played in different positions to try them out.

The second half was forgettable. Jonny Drabble fell over the ball to gift a goal to the reserves. Craig Wilkinson scored a good goal from 25 yards skidding along the ground. The other goal was not recallable to this reporter who found more enjoyment out of C.Shaw walking to turn the floodlights on wearing his florescent adolescent yellow jacket. Banter on the sidelines suffered as Nathan Pearse entered the fray at right back, bringing off Lumbard whilst the scores were still level.

Roberto Carlos was brought on at left back and got comprehensively done twice in his 5-minute spell, despite offering a great attacking threat. Carlos was then compared to a Caravan by the 'guy who scored with his first touch (and only touch) of the game'. Carlos laughed it off and proclaimed he was the fastest player on the pitch after fouling the unnamed striker.

Pearse showed some more signs of a great touch dropping off the new frontman (Truelove). Truelove made an impression himself with his usual fast paced closing down and fitness.

The last 30 minutes of the game played out slowly as both teams were going through the motions. T.Moore proclaimed "we should sign Craig" but his hopes were dashed when White replied "He works Sundays".

Halligan - I'll get physical, physical

Nettleham enforcer Ollie Halligan is eagerly anticipating the physical challenge that comes with playing in Sills & Betteridge Division One.
The experienced midfielder has joined the Nettles from Dogma beer garden for a fee in the region of £3.

And Halligan is confident he has what it takes to be a success in Lincoln's second tier.
The no-nonsense midfielder said: "Yes, I do like the duels. I feel it is one of my qualities and here at Nettleham there are many duels and it is good to be able to respond physically.

"I relish the physical battles and more often than not come out on top.

"Now I am going to discover a new league. I have played against pub teams like Welton and Nettleham reserves so I know what to expect.

"I know it will take some time to adapt to new team-mates and the new game but I hope that it will happen quickly."

He continued: "It is a very difficult league but when you play for Nettleham, you play for titles and cups.
"It is very difficult to be the champions but that is why you need that ambition. Nettleham are a very respected team who qualify every year for the County Cup so why not one day be at the top?"

Halligan: Loves an ale

Halligan has reportedly signed a three-year deal at Mulsanne Park, and the 21-year-old is hopeful his experience will prove invaluable this season.

He said: "I hope I will be able to play for another four or five years.

"It is true that there are many young players here and to arrive at 21 is unusual.

"But I left Dogma quite late, at 18, to join Kind. I played for two years in Revs and now I am playing here.

"It is an unusual career path but I regret nothing. The most important thing is that it is happening today and I will be playing for Nettleham."

Drabble - Matt's too good to be True

Nettleham defender Jonny Drabble has heaped praise on team-mate Matt Truelove for responding to his critics with a solid start to pre-season.

Tuelove joined the Nettles in June 2008 under Sean Pearse's reign, but often failed to justify his £8 price tag.

A string of below-par displays had brought about an enormous amount of criticism, and with it pressure for the Dunkirk Road resident who scored a measly six goals last season.

This time round, though, he has hit the ground running under boss James Carter, causing plenty of probelms in Nettleham's pre-season encounters.

Add to that solid drinking displays off the field and the 21-year-old now looks to be going from strength to strength, which Drabble admits is great to see.

"I can't praise True enough, how he has kept his head through all the criticism, from former management and critics all over the country," said Drabble.

Truelove: Impressing on and off the field

"I have been praising him because I know what he is capable of. And this is what we see day in, day out in training.

"I played against him before he came over here and I have said from day one that he's a fantastic signing.
"It's been just about finding the right person to get the right Matt Truelove out there - and this manager and this backroom staff is doing it."

Truelove shrugged off comments made by former assistant boss Mick in the week after he labelled critics "a bit dense" for suggesting he were to blame for a disappointing run at Nettleham, while adding he couldn't wait to get back into management so that he could go to Mulsanne Park.
"We are a changed team. We play differently, we have different aspects to our game," Drabble told the <i>Nettleham News.</i>

"We have been boosted with self-belief from the management and as players, put a bit more pressure on ourselves to perform.

"I'm pleased to see how we have improved - and any criticism against the players, no matter who it is from, if it is related to Nettleham, it should be going in one ear and coming out the other."

Moore Injury Worries

Moore Injury Worries




Prolific right back Tom Moore is a doubt to play tonight in the 18:30 KO against Nettleham Reserves. Moore suffered an ankle injury in a sexual related incident on Saturday night, which kept him out of the match against Welton last Sunday. It is believed that Moore was attempting to penetrate an unnamed person with his foot when the ankle injury occurred, between the hours of 3am and 4am Sunday morning. When asked to comment before the match on Sunday, fill in right back Josh Lumbard said, “His ankle is like a balloon. This is my chance to impress.” Lumbard went on to score a cracker, sadly against his own keeper.

Moore is known as the Gareth Bale of Sunday league football. He scored a lot of points from defence last season and may be given a chance further up field this season according to Nettles gaffer James Carter.



“I’m thinking of giving Mooresy a go further up field. Perhaps the right wing, but only if we have sufficient cover in the right back position.”



It seems as though Wednesday may be a day for the lesser-known players at the club to make a name for themselves. With Moore injured the right back position is wide open. Jonny Jenkins may fancy his chances in this position after struggling to find his ideal position amongst the Nettles star line up. Moore’s injury has added to Carters disappointments of late preceding Steve White being ruled out for several months after a leg brake.

‘Ass-Man Expects Victory Over Saturday Reserves’

Stewart Aisthorpe, affectionately titled ass-man by gaffer James Carter, expects the Sunday Nettleham side to reign victorious at Mulsane Park on Wednesday night. The popular Nettleham Sunday outfit continue pre-season preparation by taking on the youthful reserve side that Aisthorpe believes will be too inexperienced.

“The reserves are always a good team. They have a completely different team every season. It is an entirely different prospect to the first team, where you know who is going to be playing every season with the exception of a few a players.



I was lucky enough to watch a reserve game this season. They played a tough Ollerton reserve outfit. Despite being outplayed they only went down 3-0. I do not fear this too much. We have a fantastic attack and their best defenders play for us. It could be a mixed day for these boys namely Tom and Connor who will have to pledge their allegiance to one side of the club. I expect them to play for us and do a great job.



The reserves looked very young this year. Dare I say it, inexperienced? They have a good gaffer in Steve Straw and a hilarious assistant in Sharpey. I think they will try to come out and play football against us. Unfortunately for them, that is the worst philosophy they can undertake. They have to stop us playing and I honestly think there are only a few Sunday sides if any that can do that.



I think we will win. It may be a close game, but I think we will be the better football side. The gaffer and I have had a chat and we will be using the game to try new positions, concrete a formula for the league, and view those players on show from our team and the opposition.”

Welton scrape derby honours at Social Park

Nettleham continued their preparations for the new Sills & Betteridge Sunday League season with a narrow 3-1 defeat to Premier League favourites Welton Sports & Social Club at Social Park.

In a lively curtain-raiser for the new campaign the Nettles matched their high-profile opponents stride for-stride before fitness told in the latter stages.

Second half efforts from Josh Lumbard (og) and Sam Almond settled matters for Welton after Joe Drabble had cancelled out Jason Tinkler's opener.

But all things considered, the Nettleham players and supporters can take heart from the performance against an all-star cast who will be competing fiercely in all competitions this term.

Newly-appointed player-manager James Carter was greeted into the changing room by DJ True's selection of pre-game tunes and it didn't take long for the visitors to find their rhythm on the field.

Despite being starved of possession, Nettleham, sporting their red away colours, looked solid in defence and threatening in attack.

But they were the architects of their own downfall midway through the first half as a poor set-piece was cleared and Welton broke quickly with Tinkler coolly slotting past Stu into the far corner.

But the response from Carter's troops was emphatic, Jonny Jenkins expertly releasing Drabble who calmly lifted the ball over Luke Clifford in the Welton goal to level the scores.

That's how the score remained at half-time, with Nettleham ringing the changes in order to give all players some much-needed match practice.

Drabble: Silenced former employers

"The Enforcer" Ollie Halligan entered the fray and immediately let his opposition know he was about, chopping down anyone who came anywhere near him whether the ball was in sight or not.

Welton edged ahead in comical circumstances on the hour mark when Lumbard emphatically sliced a cross into the top corner of his goal past a bemused Stu.

And, after Jonny Drabble had missed a guilt-edge opportunity to level matters moments later, Nettleham were made to pay when Almond volleyed home in the latter stages.

Website launched!!

Nettleham FC are pleased to announce the arrival of their brand new website! Watch this space for reports, previews and Nettles gossip...