News

Our job in the Reserves isn’t about winning cups or leagues, although obviously that would be nice. More importantly, it’s about trying to develop and provide potential players to the 1st team. Since I last wrote for the programme, both Earl Alexander and Carl Timms have broken into the 1st team fold and both have done very well when called upon. I’m sure the experience of being involved and playing in the 1st team will benefit them and help develop them to the extent that they are both hungry to become permanent members of the squad.

I’m hopeful that Earl and Carl’s progression will send the message out to the rest of the Reserve team squad that the opportunities are their if the are playing well and working hard enough. John and Alan are always keen to see who is doing well and whenever possible they try to get those that are doing well involved in training sessions so that they can look at players for themselves.

Matt Moran’s last couple of games have seen him hit the good form of last season and stake a claim for 1st team action. Matt has been a bit frustrated of late but he has got his head down and worked hard and if he can keep his form consistent over the forthcoming games he will more that deserve his opportunity.

Jon Jenkinson and Mickey Sandar returned to action after suspension in the 6-2 win over Rugby recently. Both came off the bench to stake claims in the starting line-up after Ryan Yearsley and Mykey Pryce had put us 2-1 up. Jenko got his 1st goals of the season, scoring twice in the last 20 minutes of the game. Paul Grosse and James Parkinson are starting to develop a decent understanding as a central defensive pairing. Gaz Langford and Dave Roberts are keeping them both on their toes as they wait for their chance in the side.

We are without a fixture this weekend but are in action in the Derbyshire cup on Wednesday evening, away at Mickleover Sports Reserves K.O 7.30pm. Unfortunately, due to overseas work commitments, I will not be at the game and my assistant Simon Van-de-Broucke will deputise. We are next action at the Moat Ground next Saturday (12th) when we entertain Hinckley Utd Reserves in what is always a tough encounter against one of our local rivals.

Other fixtures see us play at Shepshed on the 19th and Rushall here at the Moat on the 26th. We have been drawn away to Quorn in the 2nd Round of the Challenge Trophy. (Date TBA)

Gary Norton