Ogilvie happy with ‘professional’ Ammers…
Yorkshire Amateur go up against Hunslet Club FC tomorrow night hoping to win their third pre-season game in a row, writes Mitchell Radford.
After a 5-0 demolition against Kirk Deighton, ‘The Ammers’ then faced Cameroon Community who they just managed to beat in a 4-3 thriller. Now they move on to Hunslet Club FC from the West Yorkshire Football League Premier Division where they finished 5th last season.
They played 30 matches and won 15 of them and in total amassed 54 points over the season. Kyle Swithenbank seems to be the player who Amateur will have to keep their eye on, he scored 20 goals in 29 games last term. Hunslet clearly know where the back of the net is, as they scored 80 goals in their 30 matches which is obviously just under three a game.
Of course, Yorkshire Amateur have a hitman of their own and he goes by the name of Ashley Flynn. The forward hit 38 league goals last season and 40 goals in total, adding to the 48 goals in all competitions he scored in the 2017/18 season in Amateur colours. He has committed for the season ahead and will be vital to Amateur’s promotion bid.
The two teams played each other last season, again in a friendly. Yorkshire Amateur came out on top on that occasion winning 3-0. The goals coming from Carl Heard and Harrison Blakely (2). In fact, the two sides met in 2017 too, Amateur proving once again to be too strong for Hunslet. This time it was a 5-1 victory, the goals coming from Fernando Moke, Ashley Flynn (3) & Matthew Dalton.
Craig Ogilvie says he’s been impressed by how ‘professional’ Amateur have been this pre-season so far. “We’ve had a really good pre-season so far and I say that not just because we’ve won both games but it’s provided us with different challenges within those games both from a player perspective and also to us as a management team.
The first game where we played Kirk Deighton, it was great to see all the new signings playing in the Ammers kit for the first time and it was a very professional performance in the end with a 5-0 victory which could have been more on another night. It was particularly pleasing to see both our strikers score, especially so early in pre-season with Savs (Aidan Savory) getting his first goal for the club with a great header.
Our second game was a much more tighter affair but gave us so many outcomes that it was a very useful fixture. We weren’t fantastic in the first half, but we addressed it at half-time and with some tactical changes and substitutions in the second half we won the game. One thing that was evident was the strength in depth we have in the squad. We made five changes but nowhere was weakened across every position on the pitch which gives us a headache when we pick the starting XI but it means everyone must be on top of their game in order to keep their shirt for the following game.
We move onto Wednesday night now against a very well organised Hunslet who have always done well in the West Yorkshire Premier and will again give us a stern test but one which will allow us to work on the outcomes from our previous games which we look forward to.
Reflection and evaluation on training and the games during pre-season is something which we’re doing intensely this season and the management team are talking regularly about everything to make sure we get things right.
We want to lead by example and make sure the lads understand what we are trying to do but more important why we’re doing it. Attitude of the players reflects on the leadership you have, and I think there’s a lot of respect amongst the whole group this season which I’m hoping will grow stronger and that will stand us in good stead for moving forward as a squad and management team.”
Shelley striving to perform against free-scoring Garforth…
Fresh from their 1-8 win against Huntington Rovers, Garforth Town face Shelley Community Football Club tomorrow who play in the North West Counties League Division One, writes Mitchell Radford.
Garforth enjoyed a fantastic win against Huntington on Friday, where there were seven different scorers. Matthew Wilkinson, Jordan Chippendale, Alex Low, Sean Hunter, Daniel Williams, Mark Simpson (2) & Charlie Marshall all got in on the act. A pleasing sight for Garforth manager Rob Hunter knowing he has that amount of firepower in his team.
They now move on to face Shelley Community who finished 12th in the North West Counties League Division One last season. They have kept three key players from their squad which will be a big boost to Ash Berry and his management team, these players are Marc Townsend, Antony Leech & Olly Ghee. Along with these three commitments, Jordan Broadbent has also signed for the upcoming season.
This is their first pre-season game of the new season, so it could take them a little longer to get up to match fitness compared to Garforth, who, as already mentioned have had a game. It will be a good test for Shelley facing a team from a higher division – and a team who seemingly want to challenge in that division from the signings they have made.
Rob Hunter gave us the low down earlier. “We used 18 players against Huntington and every player involved did well, some of the finishing was excellent and it was a great workout for the boys. A couple of trialists did okay and all the new lads other than Daniel Buttle we’re involved at some point. Tuesday’s game is against North West Counties opposition and will be a lot tougher.
There will be a few different players involved and the lads know that the first three games are purely about sharing the game time and getting to know the new faces amongst us. From game 4-7 is when you start to shape your squad and with so many lads holidaying, going to weddings and stag trips etc it means you are having to plan well ahead to try and get everybody at the right fitness level at the start, probably the hardest thing manager’s at this level have to cope with.
In saying that, we trained on Saturday morning following Friday night’s game and all but one player from the whole squad was in attendance, it shows their commitment to pre-season and is very encouraging.”
Knaresborough kick off pre-season against Harrogate Town…
Knaresborough Town face Vanarama National League side Harrogate Town tonight at the CNG Stadium, writes Mitchell Radford.
Knaresborough have just been given a welcome boost by the return of assistant manager Paul Clayton. He is a UEFA A licensed coach, who was with Knaresborough last year but had to leave his position because of work commitments. Now he’s back and I’m sure Knaresborough will be delighted.
It is both teams’ first pre-season friendly, they did play each other last season when Harrogate came out victorious in a 3-0 win. Dominic Knowles and a triallist (2) getting the goals. Harrogate have made seven new additions to the squad since last season, hoping to improve on their 6th place last season when they lost out in the play-offs to free spending Salford City.
Sam Jones, George Smith, Jon Stead, Brendan Kiernan, Will Smith, Scott Brown & Connor Hall have all joined the Yorkshire side. They’re clearly trying to send a statement to the rest of the National League that they are not messing about this season.
Knaresborough on the other hand have been quiet on the signings front (on Twitter anyway) but I’m sure they will be more than ready to face Harrogate and for the upcoming season. They did lead the way in the NCEL Premier Division last season for a little while, and only really tailed off towards the latter part of the season.
We caught up with Paul Clayton earlier on in the week! “Hi, really happy to be back at Knaresborough Town for the coming season as Assistant Manager, after a season away.
We’ve had four training sessions and an in house game on Saturday so the game on Tuesday against Town is our first pre-season game.
We are really happy to be playing Harrogate Town and it’s brilliant of Simon Weaver (Town Manager) to agree to play us in a PSF. They are full time Professional Team and a Top National League side, so it’s a great game for our players. We played them early in Pre Season last year and I think it’s fair to say we had a lot of work to do off the ball, which is excellent for the players to get the miles in their legs early on.
We will take 18/19 players and they all will get minutes on the pitch. We have some great games lined up after the Town game to prepare us for what looks like will be a very competitive league this season, especially looking at some of the signings a lot of teams have made so far. Looking forward to the season ahead.”
Head down to the CNG Stadium and take in a great game of football. The kick-off is 7:30pm!
Rangers’ face each other in a battle of power…
Hall Road Rangers face Humber Premier League side Hessle Rangers tonight in a battle of power over East Yorkshire, writes Mitchell Radford.
Hall Road are coming off the back of a 2-1 defeat to local rivals Barton Town on Saturday, a defeat which shouldn’t be seen as a bad result – despite it only being pre-season as Barton Town are a good side in the league above and they have strengthened very well. It will be Hall Road’s second pre-season game tonight, a chance for Dave Ricardo’s players to get more valuable match fitness and a little bit of team cohesion.
Hessle Rangers play in the Humber Premier League and finished 11th in last years campaign. According to their manager, Matthew Bulless, they have retained a large number of their squad whilst adding four or five younger players. This is Matthew’s first pre-season with the squad so I’m sure he’ll be looking to implement his ideas to the team in this game and beyond.
Matthew gave us a preview of the game earlier in the week. “This is my first pre-season with the lads and it has been tricky with holidays and work commitments, but the sessions we have had have been intense and a great building block for the upcoming games. The lads are excited to get a friendly under there belt.
I know Leon, and I respect what he has done as a manager in the local area.. so I couldn’t think of a better first opponent for us. We have kept large parts of squad in tact but added 4/5 younger players, so I am keen to see how they do after impressing in training so far.”
All change for Handsworth as new era kicks-off against Dronfield…
Both Dronfield Town and Handsworth kick off their pre-season campaign’s on Tuesday evening when they meet on the 3G pitch at Gosforth Fields, writes Ian Robinson.
Whilst the visitors have seen wholesale changes to their squad over the Summer, Town Manager Chris Millington has managed to keep the vast majority of the squad that finished in a highest ever placing of 6th in Division One last season, together.
Millington has also added further quality in the form of Laurie Wilson and Alex Pugh to a strong squad who will have a promotion place firmly in their sights this time around, but as the Town Gaffer told us, Tuesday is all about getting everyone up and running in a competitive fixture.
“It’s our first of two pre-season games this week where we will be looking to give players some valuable minutes and have a look at a few that are training with us. The lads have worked hard over pre-season so far but it will nice to get in to the games so we can work on a few things. We’re relatively happy with the size of the squad at the moment and are looking forward to the season starting.”
Meanwhile, across the City, the dropping of the name Parramore was just one of many things that have changed for the visitors since former Chairman Pete Whitehead decided to leave the club at the end of last season. The interim management team and the bulk of the playing staff also moved on, with just four regular first teamers deciding to stay and help re-build the club.
Alongside returning Manager Russ Eagle is Assistant Luke Forgione who was part of the Stocksbridge coaching team last season, and he took time out to share his thoughts on what he has seen so far.
“We are looking forward to Tuesday as it sees the beginning of a new era for the club. With the name change, the redevelopment of the ground and a host of new faces, I think it’s fair to say we have a lot going off at the moment so Tuesday will allow us to concentrate on the pitch and that’s what we are here to do, let’s be honest.
“The lads that have trained with us over the summer have all been fantastic. There have been plenty of tough sessions, however I haven’t heard one player complain. We have been working hard to instil our playing style alongside our expectations for the team. We are still in the early stages of building a team, so there will be plenty of new faces and familiar ones on show on Tuesday night. We will be looking to see if the boys can apply our game model, it will be difficult as we are only two weeks into pre-season, but no excuses will be accepted.
“Hopefully the first team will be a reflection of what the club is about: One club, progression and successful. One thing is for sure, Russ and I are not here to accept mediocrity and we will be striving to ensure that we do our best to have a great season and Tuesday is the first step towards that. Our aim is to entertain and create a culture of togetherness, make our fans proud and the children of our junior section of the club too, as they are the heartbeat of the club. There is so much good happening off the pitch, that we can’t wait to get onto it. Please get yourself down this season and support us, every little helps and it will be appreciated for sure.”
Armthorpe are going all out against LIV Supplies
Armthorpe Welfare face Humber Premier League side LIV Supplies tomorrow, Supplies are now managed by former Hall Road Rangers manager Bill Gill, writes Mitchell Radford.
It is Armthorpe’s first pre-season game, manager Mike Carmody will be hoping his new look side can do the business in the first outing. Welfare have been busy in the ‘off season’ fan favourites Josh Gibbons and Adam Lee have re-joined the club from Rossington Main & FC Bolsover respectively. With a lot of last season’s squad also signing up, Armthorpe will be looking to improve on last year’s placing of 17th in the NCEL Division One table.
As for LIV Supplies, they finished 8th in the Humber Premier League in the 2018/19 season. Bill Gill is their new manager who enjoyed a good spell at Hall Road Rangers, winning the NCEL Division One title with them, then keeping them safe in the Premier Division a year later. Unfortunately, Hall Road were relegated back into Division One last season and Gill left his position. Either way, he brings a whole host of experience to LIV Supplies and I’m sure they will be hoping for a good season this year.
Mike Carmody gave us a little information this past week. “We are now ready and really looking for to getting going again. We’ve put together a very tough pre-season programme for the lads and they’ve all bought into what we want to do. Fitness is key at this standard so making sure the lads have that base first and foremost is essential in any schedule. Each one of us is now looking ahead with excitement to the up-coming games.
Starting with the visit of Humber Prem side LIV Supplies managed by former Hall Road Rangers manager Bill Gill. I know it will be an exciting test for us because of the way, Bill and his coaching team like to get their teams playing attractive football. As far as where we are squad wise, I’m happy with the players we’ve managed to get in and I’m just as pleased with the ones who’ve committed themselves to the club once again. It’s still very early on and If I’m honest there could still be one or two new faces added but at this stage I think we’ve got a solid foundation of experienced players in that will complement the younger boys we have been working with from the previous season.
The idea now is getting everyone pulling in the same way, playing, training, working hard, socialising together to create that strong bonded group that will run through any obstacle for each other. Something that’s been missing from previous squads. I’m a big believer in loyalty and respect so I will try to show this to all my players, and I will appreciate the same in return.
That said it’s a big season for some of my lads as they’ve had a full season or two playing now at NCEL level and I’m going to be asking a lot more of them individually and collectively. It’s time to mature and really look at the potential they have within themselves. They are the ones who must channel it. They are the ones responsible for their own performances so let’s see how willing they all are to work for each other. Myself and my management team of Alan and Craig trust them completely and know what quality we have within this squad. I’m eager to get going and see who’s up for the challenge.
I’d like to wish you all the very best with your new media stations, it’s a great and I hope it receives the support it’s deserves.” K
Ollerton out to beat Mansfield Hosiery Mills…
Ollerton Town have their first friendly of pre-season on Tuesday night as they welcome Central Midlands South side Mansfield Hosiery Mills to The Fast Frame, writes Liam Kent.
The Town are heading into their fourth season in the Northern Counties East League despite applying for a lateral move to the East Midlands Counties League during the off-season. Ollerton have battled bravely to avoid relegation over the past few years but will now be hoping to push on further up the league and further establish themselves at step six. To boost their chances, the club added former Swallownest and Harworth Colliery manager Lee Needham to the coaching set up during the close season, joining long-serving duo Dave Winter and Steve Bodle. Needham has proved to be a big hit with the players so far this pre-season and has helped advance the training at the club.
The new-look managerial team have also been working hard behind-the-scenes to add new faces to the squad after retaining the large majority of last year’s team. Former AFC Mansfield forward Ben Partridge has signed up to bolster their attacking options whilst popular ‘keeper Levi Owen has joined the club to hopefully prove the quality, long-serving number one that the club has been missing over the past few seasons. Ollerton will be backed to comfortably beat Hosiery Mills given their higher league status but it will still provide the players with much needed game time ahead of an all NCEL Division One friendly clash on Friday night against Dronfield Town.
Penistone take on Sheffield FC…
Penistone Church will host ‘The World’s First’ this coming Tuesday in what is the first pre-season outing for both sides, writes Ben Woodcock.
‘Church’ will be hoping to kick-start another successful season after finishing second in the NCEL Premier Division last term with 82 points, only to be beaten to promotion to the Northern Premier League by a Worksop Town side who went on a record-breaking winning run. Church have been on a constant upwards curve over previous campaigns. After being promoted from the NCEL Division One via the play offs in 2016/17, they came a very respectable seventh in their maiden voyage in the Premier Division. Therefore, manager Ian Richards, who has committed to Church for the forthcoming season, will be hoping to go one better this term and take Penistone Church into the Northern Premier League for the first time in their history.
Alongside manager Ian Richards, Penistone Church announced all backroom staff from last season’s successes will remain in place which will prove vital for continuity at the DSM Memorial Ground. Although fresh faces in the playing squad may be necessary after the departures of Nathan Keightley and Jordan Coduri who joined Tadcaster Albion and Ossett United respectively. Both of whom were key members of last season’s squad.
Sheffield FC on the other hand plied their trade in the Evo-Stik East Division last term, making the Play-Offs but unfortunately lost out to Brighouse Town in the Semi-Final. A huge achievement for Gavin Smith and Russ Eagle in what was their first full season as Manager and Assistant.
Sheffield have been very busy in the transfer market, even while members of the first team squad have been on tour in Russia. Despite losing Andy Gascoigne to Worskop Town and Russ Eagle being announced as the new Handsworth manager, former Chesterfield Youth goalkeeper Dylan Parkin was announced alongside Jordan Chappell who came through the ranks at Sheffield United and Rory Coleman. Earlier on this summer, Smith was able to gain the signature of ex Sheffield Wednesday youth prospect Bradley Beatson from Matlock Town. Whilst Karl Demidh, who notched over 20 goals for Loughborough Dynamo, committed to Club colours. All of which should play some part in their first friendly on Tuesday night.
Make sure you head up to the DSM Memorial Ground (S36 6AT); tickets are £3 and under 13’s go free for the 19:30 kick off.
Familiar surroundings as Brid take on Taddy!
Bridlington Town have their third game of pre-season tomorrow. The first was against Chalk Lane who they dispatched 1-6, but then lost out to Northern Premier League side Worksop Town 1-3 on Saturday. Coming to Queensgate tomorrow, is another Northern Premier League side in Tadcaster Albion. Managed by former Bridlington boss Curtis Woodhouse, writes Mitchell Radford.
‘Brid’ will now be a third into their pre-season with this match against ‘Taddy’, hopefully they have a few key players returning to the squad as a couple missed out against Worksop. Nathan Walker, who was a triallist in that game, scored Brid’s goal and had a good game so we could see him line up tonight too. It will be a good test for the East Yorkshire side, facing a Tadcaster team who just finished outside the play-offs in the league above.
Brett Agnew – “I’m looking forward to Tuesday, I think this will be an even tougher test for us than Saturday, as I speak to Curtis a lot and I know what he will be expecting from his players and the quality that he has brought in. We will have four players back from holiday on Tuesday which will be good to give rests to some lads who have played a lot of minutes.
Obviously, it will be good to match up against Curtis for the first time and for him to come back to Brid, it will be a nice occasion for us all. I have the up most respect for Curt as he has made me a much better player since I’ve worked under him, he has achieved great things in both his sporting careers, so I listen and learn a lot from him for my own managerial career. Hopefully we have a good crowd down to watch two good and newish footballing sides.”
Moving on to Tadcaster, they have a new manager in Curtis Woodhouse after Mike Morton and Simon Collins left the role at the end of the season. It will be familiar surroundings for Curtis who managed Bridlington from 2016 to 2018, where he led the club to a 3rd placed finish in 2016/17 before leaving in 2018 to pursue getting his boxing gym up and running.
He has made a few signings already, with the likes of Jake Day, Nathan Keightley, Will Annan, Donald Chimalilo all joining up with Woodhouse. Tadcaster have played a friendly themselves, beating NCEL Division One side Selby Town 0-1 courtesy of a Jake Day penalty. It should be a good game of football between the two sides, as they’re both expected to have good campaigns in their retrospective divisions.
Curtis shared his views earlier in the week. “It will be good to see some familiar faces and it will be a good test for my lads and a good opportunity to get some more minutes into the legs. We have a couple back from holidays so we will take a squad of about 20 over, so it gives me a good chance to look at plenty of different options. Our first run out against Selby Town was really good and I expect a similar test against Bridlington Town.”
Campion and Ossett set to battle it out…
Campion AFC play Northern Premier League side Ossett United tonight which is Campion’s second and Ossett’s first pre-season friendly, writes Mitchell Radford.
Campion will want to hit the ground running coming into the new season after finishing 2nd in the NCEL Division One table last season on 82 points. Unfortunately, they were pipped on the final day by Grimsby Borough who beat Campion 4-2 to finish on 84 points and take home the title. It has been a steady progression for the Bradford based side who finished 9th and 8th in the two previous seasons they have had in the NCEL…
Lee Ashforth was appointed joint first team manager on the 10th May joining James Bicknell. Ashforth brings a wealth of experience having managed: Harrogate Railway Athletic, Ossett Town & Clitheroe FC in the Northern Premier League.
Ossett on the other hand plied their trade in the Evo-Stik East Division last season where they finished 5th and in the Play-Offs but lost out to Brighouse Town in the Final. A great achievement as it was only their first ever season as ‘Ossett United’ after Ossett United and Ossett Town merged together.
Ossett have lost a few players since the end of the season. Garforth Town of the NCEL Premier Division have swooped for two of Ossett’s players, Adam Priestley and Adam Porritt have joined ‘The Miners’. Priestley scored 27 goals in 60 appearances in the two seasons he had with the club. Tom Corner has also left to join NCEL Division One side North Ferriby FC. They have made a signing themselves though, Luke Porritt is a 23-year-old left midfielder who lists Guiseley, Ossett Albion & Frickley Athletic as his former clubs.
Make sure you head on over to Scotchman Road (BD9 5AT) with the price only £4 adults and £2 concessions for what I’m sure will be a great game of football.
New look Garforth face Huntington Rovers!
New look Garforth Town will be starting their pre-season campaign tonight when they face York Football League Premier Division side Huntington Rovers, writes Mitchell Radford.
Garforth have made some top signings so far and have held on to most of their squad, a definite improvement on last year’s placing of 14th in the NCEL Premier Division is in the offing. Adam Priestley and Adam Porritt have joined from Ossett United, as well as former Handsworth FC and Bridlington Town midfielder Danny Buttle adds to Rob Hunter’s squad. Dan Coupland, also a midfielder joins up with ‘The Miners’ he lists Harrogate Railway Athletic as a former club. As well as those four new signings, Garforth have also retained four key players. Garforth’s all-time top scorer Mark Simpson, club captain James Beaston, star goalkeeper Toby Wells & defender Alex Low are all returning this season.
I caught up with Garforth manager Rob Hunter to discuss the game and pre-season and this is what he had to say. “We have a few new faces at the football club, and everyone is working hard to make sure we are ready and organised. It’s very early so it’s also difficult to say where we are just now but the pleasing thing is the smiles on faces at training. Either we aren’t working hard enough, or they are enjoying what we are doing, haha! Time will tell”
Huntington Rovers finished 6th last season, a slight drop from the previous two seasons where they have finished in the top three. Garforth and Huntington have had two previous meetings, which both were friendlies. In July 2016 Huntington took the spoils in a 0-1 win, however in 2017 Garforth got their revenge when they won 3-0 with goals coming from Oliver Maude, Sean Hunter & Adam Turner.
It will be a tough test for Huntington who have never finished above 3rd in the York Football League, but I’m sure they will have a point to prove against Garforth and to make sure they are ready for the season ahead. If you want to attend the game, it is being played at the Haxby Road Sports Pavillion (YO31 8TA)
Rossington hoping to be the ‘Main’ attraction!
Tomorrow Rossington Main come up against Maltby Main which will be the opening of Rossington’s pre-season schedule. The two South Yorkshire clubs haven’t met each other since 2003 and it will be a great test to Ben Hunters new Rossington regime, writes Russell Sheppard.
Rossington Main manager Ben Hunter has his sights set on testing the young Blues’ in our 1st pre season game against Maltby Main in Thorne. “I am really happy with how the squad is coming together. We have had great numbers in pre-season and the buy in from the lads in how we want to play has been brilliant. We are quietly assembling a squad which will be very competitive.
Maltby are putting a really strong squad together so Saturday’s game will provide a chance for us to play our younger players (and the ones that need a bit of fitness!) and see where they are as we look to make a few decisions on players going into the season. I’m really looking forward to the game on Saturday. Then we have a great game against Doncaster Rovers to look forward to on Tuesday where we will be mixing in our more experienced players”. Kick off at 1pm at Thorne Academy, DN8 5JS.
Maltby have made some fantastic signings including the likes of ex Football League striker Waide Fairhurst and veteran Northern Premier League campaigner Richard Patterson. Along with those two, Oscar Radford who played at Matlock Town for a number of years, Ant Wilson from Gainsborough Trinity and Rob Worrall from Knaresborough Town have all joined the revolution at Muglet Lane.
Maltby finished 6th in the NCEL Premier Division last season, so I’m sure with these additions they will be wanting a top three finish – and a promotion spot into the Northern Premier League. A tough game awaits Rossington, but with a hungry, young manager I’m sure they will be capable of matching Maltby.
Bridlington raring to go against The Tigers!
Bridlington Town go up against Worksop Town tomorrow in their second pre-season friendly, writes Mitchell Radford.
‘Brid’ started their pre-season campaign last Tuesday against Chalk Lane. The Seasiders’ blew Chalk Lane away with a 1-6 victory, the goals coming from new signing Josh Greening (2), Chris Jenkinson, Joe McFadyen, player/manager Brett Agnew & Kieran Jordan.
This must have please Brid manager Agnew, who will be looking to build upon the 3rd placed finished he achieved last season after taking over with Anthony Bowsley in early September. The intent is clear from Bridlington, who have made some top signings already. Already mentioned Josh Greening, Joe Danby, Fraser Papprill, Stuart Oliver, Andy Norfolk, Benn Lewis, Jack Bulless, Joe McFadyen, Lewis Taylor & Matt Broadley have committed to the East Yorkshire side.
Brett is looking forward to the game tomorrow, and gave us the ‘pre-season low down’ here. “Pre season is steady away at the moment we are quite low on numbers as a lot of lads are on holiday and different things. It’s frustrating as it’s my first pre season as a manager and I’m seeing how managers pull their hair out over it. We have signed some real quality all over the pitch, with each having different qualities which marry up well for the squad, so we are happy with the business we have done so far.
We are looking to bring another 2 or 3 before the season starts. I’m looking forward to the Worksop game tommorow as it will be a real test of were we are at. They finished the season in extraordinary form which saw them blow us all out the water and win the league. They’ve strengthened since then so it will be good for both. It’s good to see their fans wanting to have a nice day out at Bridlington and that Craig and the club went out their way to organise the friendly, so thank you for that.”
Last season Worksop won the NCEL Premier Division title and the NCEL League Cup after a tremendous run of 25 games unbeaten (in all competitions) and winning 22 of those games in a row. It’s quite fitting that the last team to beat Worksop – was in fact Bridlington. A 3-1 victory back in December seemed to spark the Worksop team into life it seemed, Bridlington were the only team last season to do the double over Worksop with a 2-3 win back in September.
Since the end of the season Worksop have brought in a few players of their own. Leon Mettam, Danny Stimpson, Ben Rhodes, Niall Smith, Andy Gascoigne & Jed Phillips are the new singings for Craig Denton’s side. This promises to be a fantastic game – even for pre-season standards! Get yourself down to Queensgate (YO16 7LN) where it is a 2PM Kick-off.
Sewell is happy so far!
Hall Road Rangers manager, Leon Sewell is happy with how his side have gone about pre-season so far, writes Mitchell Radford.
They face local rivals Barton Town tomorrow in what should be a good test for ‘Rangers’ after getting relegated last season from the NCEL Premier Division under Bill Gill’s regime. Sewell will be hoping he can get the club back to winning ways this season, he gave his thoughts on pre-season so far. “Pre-season has been spot on so far with a lot of the players attending and doing what’s asked of them, also they’re getting on really well together.
Like no other club we’ve had some hard sessions and some team building sessions and there’s not been one moan or groan but an awful lot of encouragement and drive which is positive. Tomorrow afternoon we make the short trip over to Barton Town, a game I’m grateful of Dave Ricardo inviting us over for. It’ll be a good test to not only to see the fitness levels, but also the quality of the players we will be working with. We also want to see who will step up and be a leader and who needs a kick up the backside or an arm around the shoulder. Either way I’m sure it’ll be a good test for both teams.”
Sibson excited following ‘quality’ recruitment!
Yorkshire Amateur play their second pre-season friendly tomorrow against Cameroon Community. There first game ended in a 5-0 win against Kirk Deighton, the goals came from Alhassane Keita (2), Ashley Flynn, Aiden Savory & a triallist, writes Mitchell Radford.
After being 1st for most of the season, ‘The Ammers’ finished 5th in the NCEL Premier Division. Neil Sibson, Yorkshire Amateur’s joint manager is excited for the season ahead after their quality recruitment. He gave us his thoughts earlier. “We played our first game on Thursday evening and ran out 5-0 winners where the were goals scored by Alhassane Keita who got two goals, then Ash Flynn, Aidan Savory and a trialist completed the scoring. We are very pleased with our off-season recruitment and I am excited because we have signed a lot of quality and experience to add to an already good group of players.
Aidan Savoury joins us from Tadcaster Albion, Alhassane Keita joins us from Albion Sports, Niall Heaton has joined us from Guiseley, Stephen Smith from Harrogate Railway Athletic, Ross Daly from Hyde United and Ed Wilzinski from Liversidge make up our new recruits. Craig Ogilvie also joins the management team from Harrogate Railway Athletic. Hopefully the players have learned from last seasons campaign as we the management team certainly have and we will be hoping that the new additions can certainly make an impact this year.
It will be very tough again with most teams strengthening this time around as there’s lots to play for. We are going along very nicely in pre season with still lots of ideas to put across to the guys and everyone seems to have a spring in there step in anticipation of the new season to begin. We also have signed Adam Field who was Brighouse Town captain last year so he’s bringing a wealth of experience to the side.
We entertain Cameroon Community tomorrow at East End Park FC (LS9 9EP) Kick-Off 12PM.”
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Hi everyone There’s certainly a great deal to learn about this topic. I really like all the points you’ve made. grazie
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