30.9.06 Boots Athletic 5-1 Keyworth United (NSL Senior Division) Dick Durrant.

Boots were without injured skipper Gav Rees- replacing him with debutant Stuart Coke in the only change from the side that beat Wollaton last time out. United had skipper Lee Collison on the bench after injury, with former Chemist Lee Harper continuing at sweeper. The first 40 minutes were well contested, although in truth, little came out of the middle of the park with four six foot plus midfielders, Tuckwell, Wallace, Coke and Playle meaning that gladiatorial competition, rather than total football won the day. Marlow was booked for going through Povey late and high with Boots playing the slim majority of the football and Keyworth breaking fast through Aldred, who looks a decent prospect, and the raw pace and sheer work rate of Shaw. Two goals were shared in the last five minutes ahead of the break. First, Kev Rees' carefully cushioned through ball saw Jack Smith third favorite to get to the ball, but the 18 year old showed pace and bravery to get thereahead of Greens keeper Ball and head home when he was expecting to get clattered. Credit to Jack, whose stock rises weekly. He has the heart of a lion and surely has a rosy future in the game on this basis. He was booked for the second successive week and, whilst it is impossible to condone a player for swearing, it was borne out of frustration at a free kick for a double foul on him that wasn't given- leading the youngster to exclaim 'f*****g hell Mick' to Mr Leslie. Later in the game, a Keyworth player was similarly vociferous with 'are you f******g blind?' to the ref but no card in this case, consistency being the key issue here. The Ruddington based official was ever so slightly below his best, but still gave a reasonable display in what probably wasn't the easiest game to ref. Just when we thought we would be ahead at half way, a right wing cross which Povey might have claimed found its way to Hatherley and the veteran midfielder was guilty of overplaying when Row Z was the percentage option, leaving Jimmy Playle to drill home. HT 1 - 1

The goal lifted Dave Fisk's side visibly and, roared on by vociferous sideline support they dominated the first half of the second half. The Platt Lane outfit were relying on wellying the ball miles from back to front and, with Siemens 1sts at home we were on the shorter second pitch, meaning this tactic was a valid one. Povey injured his ankle and required lengthy treatment from physio Claire Biddell and it looked like he'd have to come off but, crucially in the scheme of the game, he stayed on. Micky Shaw broke free after another long punt and smacked a volley right out of the laces only for The Hoff to produce an astonishing save to keep the effort out (his two saves last week were good, but this was special), earning him a handshake from the stunned Keyworth forward, who we awarded MOM for his tireless running. Perhaps the most crucial moment of the goal came on the hour. Former Bilborough forward Marlow sprung the offside trap, chested the ball down but fired wide from 8 yards with only Povey to beat and the game was still there to win for Boots. Two substitutions were to influence the game big time. United withdrew Harper and threw Collison on at the back, whilst the tiring Coke, who was also carrying a knock was replaced with Tom Rafferty. The Greens change appeared to be change for the sake of change in a vital position as they looked pretty solid up to this point, but 'Raff' brought added energy to Boots and his contribution in the win should not be underestimated. The vital third goal in the game came with 20 left as Smith did well to hold the ball up, laying it back for left back Richard Liburd to somehow pop up in the inside right slot to slam home right footed. Povey then made two more quality saves to preserve the lead before the Antwon Bonnick show began. In truth, the big striker had been below par for 70 minutes but, as we said at half time, it was felt that his power and pace would pay dividends in the closing stages and we were certainly accurate with this prediction. Picking up a loose ball 30 yards out Bonnick slammed home a superb third Boots goal before getting his second as his fierce shot squirmed under Ball. Liburd, who, like last week, seemed to pace it to have some juice left in the tank when those around flagged, drove Boots on and, picking up another precise Rees pass, made ground the right, swapped passes, drew Ball  to square for Bonnick to grab his hat trick in the last minute. FT 5 - 1

Harsh on Keyworth this scoreline, but, like Wollaton last week, their failings in the final third plus Povey's excellence, cost them dear. We had had little good luck up to last week but had some today. If United had scored the third goal then who knows what might have happened, but they didn't and we got five and a deserved win. The side is taking shape, the squad is strong and, with Stuart McNeil to come next week plus maybe another new signing, if we can string another couple of wins together maybe we can further climb the table?

Teams: Boots: Povey, Withers, Rees, Antcliff (capt), Hatherley, Liburd, Coke (Rafferty 66), Wallace, Smith, Bonnick, Parkin. Not used: Dewar, Hall

5.9.06 Boots Athletic Res 2-0 Linby CW Res (NSL Division One) Dick Durrant.

Linby CW Reserves- league leaders on goal difference on the back of two 4 - 1 wins over Police and Attenborough were the visitors to Trent Vale Road in Boots Reserves first league game at our new 'home' ground and were edged out narrowly as two late goals gave Whistler's lads a hard fought 2 - 0 win in a well contested, high quality game which, in reality, could have gone either way. Our lot had been unlucky to only get a point as a dodgy pen gave GSB Reserves a draw on the opening day and we were again on the receiving of a debatable 'penalty' decision tonight as Paddy Groves broke clear and was blocked by Linby keeper York as he sidestepped him. Referee Darren Smith put his whistle to his mouth and, with everyone expecting him to blow, waved play on - much to our disgust and the visitors relief!

1st team midfielder Rafferty (sub not used in our defeat at Linby at the weekend) was included to get match fitness, with Steve Hatherley playing alongside him. Arsali replaced Winch - who was carrying a knock, up front to partner Groves, with both sides looking lively as the pace of Start and Scott, plus the experience of Bradshaw gave Linby a balanced look. Their skipper Denham was superb in midfield and in centre halves Riley & Ord, Welfare have two real competitors and, based on this performance, both sides will be up there. After the break things hotted up, Start forced Edwards into a superb save as Linby enjoyed the territorial & possession advantages but Boots dogged defence soaked it up, despite losing the influential Williams with a groin strain. You sensed a solitary goal would do it, although 0 - 0 seemed likely, particularly with Welfare sub Horton lifting a great chance over the bar, but the pacy youngster Winch was risked despite his knock and he beat his man to thread a great pass through to Lee Bradley, who had previously missed two decent chances and the wide man showed great pace to thunder home despite the close attention of Ord who was doing his best to haul him down

With time running out, perhaps the penalty thing evened itself out as a Groves cross hit a hand, Mr Smith pointed to the spot and Sam Winch hammered home for 2 - 0. This scoreline was perhaps tough on Linby who had played their part in a game that could have easily gone either way. The first goal was always going to be important and, thankfully we got it!

Team: Edwards, Lees, M Campbell (capt), Williams (Johal 65), Lodge, Rafferty, Bradley, Hatherley, Arsali (Winch 71), Groves, Still (Saunders 85). Not used: Whysall, C Campbell MOM Boots- Lee Bradley, Linby- Chris Denham

2.9.06 Linby CW 3-1 Boots Athletic (NSL Senior Division) Dick Durrant.

Gav Rees came back into the side after his holiday, with Tom Rafferty and James Newborough dropping to the bench as we looked to strengthen the midfield. Despite letting an early goal in, Boots battled back to level through Ali Parkin and were apparently going well for 35 minutes. Indeed Stanley and Callaway missed chances to get us in front before sloppy defending allowed Linby to edge 2 - 1 ahead at the break. After the interval, Rees hit the post, although reports tell me we faded after the hour and Linby ran out winners 3 - 1 thanks to a late goal. Regular scorer Andy Start got one and new signing from now defunct Santos Dale Catlow got the other goals as Linby stay top

Joint boss Wayne Miles told me in text messages 'it all worked fine for 35 minutes' but 'we're simply not good enough at the minute'- so we need to work hard and regroup for the visit of Clifton to Trent Vale Road on Saturday. Seven day approaches have been made for two NSL players so we'll see whether or not we strengthen the squad. Our new signings haven't really settled in yet, but they all have undoubted potential and ability so maybe time will sort it out. Now night games are out of the way we'll be able to be more settled so a truer picture will be there in a month (during which we've got the small matter of Clifton, Awsworth, Wollaton & Keyworth!)

The team was: Povey, Dewar, Saunders, Wallace, Antcliff, Hatherley, Callaway, Rees, Parkin, Bonnick, Stanley. Subs used: Smith, Newborough, Spence. Not used: Hall, Rafferty

30.8.05 Boots Athletic 1-2 Siemens (NSL Senior Division) Dick Durrant.

Boots played their first home game of the season against landlords Siemens. Neither side had had a great start to the season, however, in an entertaining game, it was Siemens who fared better running out 2 - 1 winners, although in truth, a draw was about right. Based on this game, neither side will threaten the top six but both will have their moments and take points from the leading sides. Consistency needs to be added in both camps although both have talented squads. Miles and Perks experimented with Stanley at sweeper to try to stem a tide of soft goals, whilst Siemens went with three up and the bold move paid early dividends as, from a goal kick, neither Boots central defender took responsibility to head it and it bounced through to Brown who picked up the ball and advanced forward. Stanley slipped at a crucial moment but the Siemens forward still had much to do and he did it well to curl a fierce shot past the exposed Povey. Oldham, whose movement and willingness was too much for Antcliff and Spence all night had two chances to extend the lead whilst at the other end, Bonnick shot over and Repton (doing a fine job as a stand in keeper) saved from Saunders. The first 35 minutes was 75% Siemens to be honest, although Boots enjoyed a good spell as the half drew to a close with Siemens ahead. It was a different story after the break with Callaway and Rafferty who had been ineffective and given the ball away too much before half time, taking control and Boots dominated with Siemens looking tired and hanging on. The equaliser was coming and it arrived at Bonnick volleyed home and it appeared there was only one winner if Boots kept it tight. Many chances went begging before familiar defensive failings gave Siemens as from a free kick on their left, Steve Oldham outworked his marker to glance home. The goal gave Siemens extra energy and from looking beaten, they were able to compete better. Boots had three or four free kicks and many scrambles around the Siemens goal with Povey having little to do as the game drew to a frantic close with the 'visitors' closing it out for a hard earned win 2 - 1. Once more conceding too many goals has cost. Six in three games is too many, especially with the manner of the 'soft' goal we concede. Whilst it's easy to point the finger at the defence however, they're not the only ones getting it wrong. Midfield were ineffective, particularly before the break with too many misplaced passes and lack of agression whilst going forward we were too flash (despite the hard work of Ali Parkin). Plus points were a fine debut from 17 year old winger James Newborough, Stanley did a decent job at sweeper and second half we played some nice stuff, however with Linby, Wollaton, Awsworth, Clifton and Keyworth on the horizon we need to settle into some kind of form quickly. Dewar, Rees and Smith are back for Saturday so fingers crossed- but well played to Siemens on their win

The team was: Richard Povey, Rob Spence (Ben Wallace 81), Rich Saunders, Lee Stanley, Richard Antcliff, Tom Rafferty (Marcus Hall 70), James Newborough (Sam Winch 77), Steve Hatherley, Ali Parkin, Antwon Bonnick, James Callaway. Subs not used: Paul Williams, Duncan Bennett

28.8.06 Gedling Southbank Res 1-1 Boots Athletic Res (NSL Division One) Dick Durrant.

GSB Res, who had gained maximum points from an opening day win over Cavs, had a dodgy late penalty to thank for a point at Heywood this morning as they were second best to Boots, particularly before half time, however our lads only really have themselves to blame as they should have been more than one goal to the good by the 80th minute when the spot kick came. Playing into the strong wind, Boots had the better of the first half against GSB, whose main threat came from McMillan pushed up wide on their right. Boots had a strongish looking line up, with Arsali and Baxter still recovering from injury, plus Raziq and Johal (who spent the day in the naughty chair after being dropped from the starting line up for turning up at 10.11 with new boss Whysall making the standards required clear from the off). Groves and 'Fireman Sam' Winch linked very well for Boots but mostly the end product was not there, although most of the possession went to those in blue and white. The lead came just before half time as GSB could only scramble a free kick into the path of Lee Still to blast home. After the break, Boots stopped playing and allowed their hosts into the game, although they still had their moments and beat the offside regularly just failing to get much decent ball into the box. Credit is due to GSB's 1st XI boss Vinnie Checkley who was running the line and was impeccably fair throughout- being overruled on a couple of occassions by Mr Allen when he was 100% in the right- maybe the man in black was just practising his faux pas' for his crucial one later! Anyhow, Boots should have been more than a goal to the good before skipper Mike Campbell was adjudged to have fouled the a GSB forward as he hooked the ball clear and Mr Allen pointed to the spot much to the amazement of all on the pitch - including the GSB lads who couldn't believe it was a pen! Indeed we discussed it in the pub afterwards and still came to the same conclusion- they say these things average themselves out over the season so maybe we'll get one soon! Simon Rhodes - just on as sub, blasted the spot kick clinically past Edwards and we were all square. There was still time for Boots to almost win (and lose) the game with O'Brien's scrambling save denying Hatherley and Lees hooking a GSB cross off the line as a decent game ended 1 - 1. In truth, we were guilty of stopping playing after the break and were somewhat wasteful and over intricate going forward, but at least we played some football and have started the season without getting beaten! Willy got through his comeback game injury free and new signings Lees, Still, Johal and Winch all settled in well. Well done to Whistler whose organisational abilities shone through and good luck to the 2nd XI lads for the season.

MOM was awarded to Sam Winch and the team was: Dale Edwards, Andy Lees, Mike Campbell (capt), Paul Williams, Dave Lodge, Duncan Bennett, Lee Bradley, Steve Hatherley, Paddy Groves (Ibby Arsali 76), Sam Winch, Lee Still (Suni Johal 65). Subs not used: Richard Baxter, Nadeem Raziq

26.8.06 Basford United 2-0 Boots Athletic (NSL Senior Division) Dick Durrant.

NSL newcomers Basford United, one of Notts' leading non league sides over the years, showed that last season, when they walked the NAA and won the Notts Intermediate Cup, was no flash in the pan, as they added a 2 - 0  over Boots to a 5 - 1 tonking of Siemens on their NSL debut on Tuesday to remain unbeaten so far. Boots had Parkin in for holidaying Gav Rees, with Smith dropping into midfield to protect Saunders' injured foot. Dewar came in at the back and Wallace pushed into the middle to partner Rafferty. Offside was the theme of the opening stages, with United's Walker and Fisher, plus Bonnick and Hall of Boots continually on the wrong side of the last defender. The first real chance came to Rafferty who lobbed over, after which Grayling made a great save to deny Wallace. Boots had had the best of the opening half hour, but the final portion of the half belonged to the home side as they forced a series of corners, with Povey having to be alert to tip over from Localzo with the resulting flag kick scrambled clear. Smith who had done ok in an alien position, was withdrawn with Saunders thrown in and the opening exchanges of the second half were even. Wallace and Parkin both forced Grayling to save, with Basford always threatening at the other end before, following a quick Basford break, Antcliff's clearance cannoned off Callaway into the path of Chris Fisher who still had plenty to do but produced a fine finish. The period between 60 and 80 minutes was all United as they broke away three times and failed to convert. Familiar defensive failings don't seem to have been sorted- we're still too flat and push up too much without pressuring the ball- hence one clean sheet since Feb- defending really shouldn't be as difficult as we make it look lads! Boots searched for an equaliser but created little of note- despite the efforts of Hall (who, for me, was our best player) and Bonnick, but the home side could have gone further ahead. Most Boots attacks were repelled by NSL rep player Dunkley, signed from Linby and Mark Dimech- a player of whom I have long been a fan. If there is a better defender at this level I have yet to see him and he deservedly won MOM from us. Can the NSL rep bosses Benner and Bradshaw please take note? The second goal came with the last kick. Callaway gave the ball away and Basford progressed forward. Povey was hopelessly exposed and brought down Kevin Walker. It was a clear pen and the striker, who begins a suspension on Monday (what a shame it hadn't begun earlier as he was a constant treat today) slotted home- only for referee Mr Southern to order a retake as a Boots player had said something to put him off! Quite why this means we have to retake is beyond me- but the young striker converted second time around to give his side a deserved win. The officials weren't great all day (although in no way did they influence the result)- many offsides were borderline for both sides and some other decisions were plain laughable. Let's hope it was an off day for them like it was for us but if we breed officials who are more keen on whether it's a foul throw rather than stamping down on foul and abusive language we have no chance! On this performance- Basford will be top six and look a good acquisition for the NSL. We may be top six if we improve 25%, but in my view, we need to get the back line sorted quickly. The current defenders (with the exception of Rob Spence) have had many chances to keep clean sheets and continually fail- so perhaps time for a bigger change is nigh! At least Marcus Hall won a tenner on the card in the Horse and Jockey afterwards and we enjoyed a good hour or two in there and headed home having put the world to rights! Roll on Siemens on Wednesday. The good thing about early season is that chances to put it right come around quickly. I saw them play this morning in their 1 - 1 draw with Rudd and they looked steady. We have a chance to turn our landlords, managed by Boots legend Simon Payne, over, so lets hope the dynamic duo can hatch a master plan! I was disappointed with the number of our 2nd & 3rd teamers down there supporting. Whistler, Willy, Chipper, Sleazy Leesy and Dale were there (as they usually are) but few others could be bothered to support and this is a poor effort all round fellas- please take note!

Team: Povey, Dewar, Spence (Stanley 73), Wallace, Antcliff (capt), Rafferty (Hatherley 66), Smith (Saunders 46), Parkin, Hall, Bonnick, Callaway. Not used: Newborough

22.8.06 Sandhurst 2-3 Boots Athletic (NSL Senior Division) Dick Durrant.

New look Boots made the longest trip in the NSL on the opening day of the campaign and returned from Walesby with three points courtesy of a 3 - 2 win over last season's bottom side Sandhurst thanks to a late winner. Whilst the scoreline is a close one, Boots were about 12 - 4 ahead on meaningful chances, however a lack of attention to detail at both ends, plus a serious amount of wasted possession could have cost us dear on another day. It was my first trip to Sandhurst and I have to say I was impressed with the set up. The welcome was warm, with a decent pitch and dressing rooms rounded off by excellent hospitality afterwards. Thanks to Bob and all associated with our hosts for this and good luck to them for the season. New Chemists management duo Perks and Miles handed competitive debuts to defender Rob Spence, midfielder Tom Rafferty and strike pairing Antwon Bonnick & Marcus Hall, with Sam Winch coming off the bench to make it five debutants and goals from three of them were to prove crucial. Boots were first to create- Callaway getting round the back and failing to pick out his man, before a carbon copy at the other end saw Henrys doing the same. We were having 75% of the play, but the industrious home front pair were always a threat and, when the ball was given away in mid park on the half hour (a common feature of our play) a quick diagonal ball found former Kettering and Mansfield striker Nick Henrys to finish superbly from 20 yards into the top corner. Our equaliser came from the head of Antwon Bonnick as the youngster nodded (some would say shouldered) home a Gav Rees cross and we were ahead at the break as Rafferty fed Marcus Hall into the inside right channel and the new sigining from Nottinghamshire- who worked really hard all night fired home past Atkins. A third 'goal' was ruled out by Mr Hague just before half time for a push- although no- one else saw the infringement! The conscencus from both sides in the bar was that it was chalked out because of an earlier offside- but you never know!

HT 1 - 2

The fourth goal of the game was likely to be pivotal as Sandhurst were somewhat taken aback at conceding twice prior to the break. Mr Hague awarded Boots a clear penalty on the hour which Bonnick struck with power towards the bottom corner but Atkins in the home goal guessed right and pulled off a superb save low to his right which seemed to build his side's confidence. Rather than the fourth goal going to Boots, it went to Sandhurst as a long clearance saw Tinsley round Povey and shoot against the post- the rebound falling to Henrys to sidefoot home on just about the only visit his side had made into the Boots half after the break. Credit to Sandhurst though, they pressed for a winner and forced a couple of corners, although Boots were pressing hard but just couldn't find the final ball. It looked like Sandhurst may hang on for a point but this was not to be as Rees headed down for Tom Rafferty to mishit his left footed volley into the floor and it looped over Atkins and in for the winner. The closing minutes saw miss after miss as Boots looked to extend their lead- Hall missing twice when really well placed and Saunders firing over

FT 2 - 3

All in all, it was impossible to dispute Boots' right to all three points based on balance of play, although we were slack defensively at times, ocassionally over played in the middle (although we got it right sometimes)- however going forward we look much better then last season with far more cutting edge. The question is- can the dynamic duo plug the defensive gaps? Saturday's trip to Basford is sure to be tough (they hammered Siemens 5 - 1 tonight). Parkin, Dewar and Stanley are available after missing tonight so we shall see. But at least we've got three points in the bag!

Men of the match: Sandhurst- Wayne Atkins, Boots- Antwon Bonnick