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*