LOCAL FOOTBALL: Netherton striker joins Scottish League side

A former Netherton United youngster is set to take the Scottish League by storm.
Ben Cullen after scoring for Elgin City against Keith. Photo: Robert Crombie.Ben Cullen after scoring for Elgin City against Keith. Photo: Robert Crombie.
Ben Cullen after scoring for Elgin City against Keith. Photo: Robert Crombie.

Ben Cullen moved through the junior ranks at the leading city club before becoming a prolific goal-scorer at first-team level in the Peterborough Premier Division side.

Cullen has since joined the RAF and as he’s stationed at Lossiemouth in Scotland he took the opportunity to have a trial at Elgin City FC, a Scottish League Two side.

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Three goals in three friendlies persuaded Elgin to take a punt on the player who has signed a one-year amateur contract at the semi-professional club.

Ben Cullen (bottom row, third from right) in his Netherton Under 18 days.Ben Cullen (bottom row, third from right) in his Netherton Under 18 days.
Ben Cullen (bottom row, third from right) in his Netherton Under 18 days.

Cullen’s manager at Netherton, Jon Harrison, is not surprised at his old player’s success.

“Ben works hard and his pace is a serious asset. He gets himself into great positions and he used to get loads of scoring chances at our level as a result.

“Ben is a bit ruthless which is a good thing in a striker. He will take a shot on even if he could pass!”

Netherton’s own pre-season campaign is well under way.

Ben Cullen (bottom row, third from right) in his Netherton Under 18 days.Ben Cullen (bottom row, third from right) in his Netherton Under 18 days.
Ben Cullen (bottom row, third from right) in his Netherton Under 18 days.
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Harrison’s men have played three friendlies against United Counties teams so far this summer, beating Division One side Whittlesey Athletic and losing to Premier Division teams Yaxley and Deeping Rangers.

Two second-half goals from Dan Barker on top of a first-half Henry Dunn strike gave Deeping a 3-1 win at the Grange on Saturday.

Deno Giglio replied for Netherton against a Deeping side who included central defender Johnny Clay, another player to have left Peterborough Premier Division champions Moulton Harrox.

Billy King and Ian Bradbury have both joined Whittlesey, while top scorer Liam Maltby is now at Pinchbeck United. Moulton’s champion manager Dave Panton has also left Harrox because of work commitments.

Jason Kilbride made his comeback from a broken leg for Deeping at Netherton.