BLACKSTONES coach Mick Simpson has defended his team against accusations they are a dirty side.

ICA Juventus boss Gino Nespoli complained at what he saw as rough-house tactics from Stones during his team's 3-2 win against them recently in an Under 15 Division One meeting in the Peterborough & District Youth League.

Now Simpson has spoken out to defend his players and the Stones official has also taken a swipe at Nespoli's claim that the team field several players from out of the area.

Simpson said: "I was disappointed to read Gino's comments. It is always a good idea to ensure one's facts are accurate before speaking out.

"For the record, Blackstones do not consist of boys from outside the local area. Only one player lives north of the Peterborough area and he was born in Market Deeping.

"Also any issue regarding our fair play would have been better addressed with a Blackstones official after the game instead of the clearly less than genuine handshake and smile which were forthcoming.

"As coach to Blackstones it is my motivation to ensure every player aspires to realise his potential, compete fairly and win or lose with good grace."

And as if to prove they are very much a footballing side, Blackstones went out and beat Deeping 8-0 in Division One this weekend.

A hat-trick for Jamal Williamson, two for Joey Yeboah and one each for Alex McNally, Alex Timmins and Connor Murphy did the trick.



RIPPINGALE made a winning transition from the Junior Alliance to the Youth League on Sunday thanks to a late goal for Ashley Firth against Deaconians.

After a tight Division Two tussle with Deaconians, Firth's goal 10 minutes from time proved to be the decisive act in what had been an enthralling contest.

But boss Roger Allen admitted he would have settled for a point. He said: "It was a very tight game with and to be perfectly honest either team could have won it.

"So I felt a bit sorry for their manager as it was harsh on them to have got nothing having played such a good game. The difference was that we just took that one chance.

"But it was a good way for us to start our season by getting the win and will have given the boys a lot of confidence that they can do okay in this league."



PARKSIDE Under 15s are on the lookout for new players. Contact is Shaun on 07854 610848.