Our first last Wednesday against Coalville Town saw us go down 3 nil but the goals conceded were from individual errors, our overall performance against a side three steps higher very pleasing and as I said to the lads it was about playing our new system, getting back to the physicality of games and match fitness.

There was not a huge gulf in class and both sides were competitive throughout and a worthwhile workout being achieved by Coalville and ourselves.

Against Heanor Town we stepped up and grew into the system and we were worthy winners, our goals all top draw for different reasons - Heanor's first had us sucked in and got ourselves caught from a back post header and an easy tap in, their second a needless corner given away with an own goal resulting from it.

However a superb trademark Ben Wapplington strike following good link up play between Tom Crisp and Niall Thompson, Niall then latching onto a excellent through ball and then dribble around the keeper and finally a super strike from outside the box from Niall again seeing us cosily home.

Both sides squandered a chance or two but I was pleased with the way we dominated the latter stages.

We have retained all by one player from last season and added Michael Banister from Clifton, Myles Gorey from Southwell City, Nathan Francis from Real United and a possible gem in Kasally Danso who last played in the Kent league.

We felt we only needed three or four players adding to last seasons squad and we have been selective in that

Tom Crisp who was with us in a limited capacity last season due to his coaching at Derby County can now commit fully and is a very good left back.

Junior Harding, who was out for nine months last season is back getting fitter which is like having a new signing, Mike Randall has joined as joined to give James competition for the goalkeeper's jersey.

Against Coalville we gave game time to two of our youngsters in Josh Rafferty and 16 year Shaquille Golding both of whom will I am sure develop further under Stevo and Matt Farmer's guidance with the reserves and with Lee Sharpe and Adam Moran in the U19's.

Collectively we have some very promising young players that will hopefully come through.

Early days pre-season wise but the hard work the lads have put in since June 20th is already bearing fruit and we believe we will get stronger as we progress through to our first league game on August 8th.

With regards to the league there are some new teams joining or moving from the North and the South will again be very competitive with a host of clubs more than capable of competing at the top end of the table - Clay Cross we saw in the flood lit cup final will be a strong side as will their opponents that night Belper United, add Bulwell, Pinxton, Swanwick in the mix and don't be fooled by Sherwood Colliery's lowly finish in the North as they now have new management and players from Bilsthorpe, then take any one form Linby, Rolls Royce and Matlock Town Reserves and you can see it will be an extremely competitive league with now easy games.

Tuesday see's at home against Gedling MW (7.45pm Kick-Off) and another competitive game should be had in our build up.

The support again as been fantastic and all the lads are appreciative of it.

I will finish this first managers blog in thanking the chairman Bob Scotney, the committee - Dawn, Emma, Neil, Nicky, Tom, Pete and Brian Holmes for their hard work and support in the close season that as allowed Phil and myself to plan the campaign ahead and that of Stevo who has spent hours at the ground getting the pitch into good shape following Colin's illness - who judging by his vocal support today, will be itching to get back with us soon!!

Andy G.