NETHERTON are a team with serious Division One title credentials.

Having finished third last season, Gary Hyndman's side have strengthened over the summer with a view to pushing for the league crown and their bid couldn't have got off to a better start.

A 5-0 opening day win against Glinton - thanks in large part to a hat-trick for former Posh Academy star MT Nkobi - saw Netherton start as they intend to go on.

Steve Ward and Craig Duguid were the other scorers as Netherton sent out a clear message to their title rivals.

Hyndman said: "We have brought in players who have definitely improved us. We came third last season and I am sure we can mount a creditible bid for the title this time.

"Herbie Panting has come in from the Rushden & Diamonds Academy while MT is back from Posh. Add Erick Makate to that mix and I have to say we have a very strong side.

"Obviously everyone will still be chasing Yaxley but we will be having a real go this year and I believe we can do it."

Another team of aspiring champions is Rippingale B in Division Two.

Mark Schiavi's side have picked up where they left off after promotion, hammering P & T Panthers 10-1 at the weekend.

Four goals for Josh Christie, a hat-trick for Tom Bremner, two for Daniele Schiavi and one for Thomas Binns wrapped up the result.


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A NASTY head injury to keeper Max Flintoft overshadowed what should have been a good day for Deeping who beat Netherton A 4-2 to open their Division One campaign.

Flintoft spent Sunday night in hospital after being knocked unconscious during a collision with a Netherton player after 30 minutes.

With the home side leading 2-0 at the time thanks to goals from former PSV hitman Max Webb and Josh Bell, striker Aidan Finn donned the gloves.

And despite Netherton building up a head of steam after the injury, a penalty from Dean Thomas made it 3-0 and while the visitors did briefly get back into things, a second penalty fired home by Lewis Godfrey made the game safe.

Manager Rob Jerram said: "We were very comfortable until the injury to Max which, coupled with the delay, caused us to lose a bit of focus.

"Thankfully Max is going to be okay. We were all very concerned because he was in a bad way.

"We are winning matches even if we don't play that well - and that's something you have to do if you want to win the league."