UP NEXT, after last weeks’ results went in the favour of the reserves, along with their victory against PMG, the lads travel again and face a dangerous side in Stapleford Town Reserves.

Kimberley head into the fixture having extended fantastic form, winning seven and drawing two of their last nine matches, scoring forty one goals over the same period.

Stapleford Reserves approach the fixture in mixed form, having won four from the last nine in all competitions. A highlight of the year so far has to be an away cup match at FC Pelican where, after finishing 1-1, FIFTY SIX penalties were taken. Stapleford were edged out in sudden death as they missed the last penalty, going down 28-27.

The Reserves travelled to face Pass Move Grin FC in a vital match. An early goal from Bijan Pakrouz gave Kimberley a narrow lead until substitute Kian Hughes doubled the lead in the 96th minute for a 2-0 win. With other results going in their favour, the miners are now three points clear at the top with two games in hand on East Leake in second and eight points ahead of third. The boys now have eight cup finals to go.

Stapleford’s last match was at home against Bilborough TRD. Jake Kane and Tony Law scored for the visitors and Harvey Lack bagged Stapledford’s only goal in a 2-1 defeat.

LAST TIME AROUND

The two sides last met in September at The Stag Ground. Lewis Deavin opened the scoring in the first half and two late goals from Bijan Pakrouz wrapped up the win for the miners.

Last season, the two sides met in a 4-4 draw at the Stag in January. A Matt Dickinson brace was accompanied by goals from Brad Mee and Dan Walker for Kimberley. Brad Scard, Kieran Diver, Ryan Tinsley and an own goal kept the score level.

Earlier in the season, Stapleford took the points with a 5-1 thrashing of the miners. A Brad Scard hat trick and goals from Macauley Tinsley and Lewis Benjamin rounded off the win, with Robert Da La Silva Makamu scoring for Kimberley

A LITTLE ABOUT THE OPPOSITION

Over the summer we looked at our reserve team structure and realised we needed to offer more opportunities for the plethora of young players now available at the club and how we could accommodate them within the pathway. We looked at the options available and decided to bypass the NSL Dev league and play some of them in our reserves and others in the new U21 squad with some playing in multiple teams.

The reserves have had a successful couple of seasons with top 3 finishes in the league and back to back NSL Intermediate Cups they are in a good position, The plan for the squad is to prepare for possible inclusion in the first team, understanding the role you play in the structure and be ready for the call if it comes. Ideally playing with the same style and philosophy as the first team should prepare them for the challenge.

With the shift in direction came a change of the management, Ryan Alls departed and Ash Chaplin, Ethan Winfield and Owen Brown will take charge of the squad for the 24/25 season. Working closely with Tris and the first team coaches as they look to deliver on the objectives set for them.

Ryan has taken charge of Central Midlands Alliance team Graham Street Prims, we thank him for his 4 years at Stapleford and wish him well for the future.

FINALLY

Both sides will be looking for the win this weekend, and we are sure to have a very competitive match.