PREVIEW: New Star boss predicts a bright future at Chestnut Avenue

Peterborough Northern Star boss Steve Wilson is convinced his young side can become a top United Counties Premier Division side.
James Hill Seekings celebrates a goal for Peterborough Northern Star.James Hill Seekings celebrates a goal for Peterborough Northern Star.
James Hill Seekings celebrates a goal for Peterborough Northern Star.

Wilson has been in charge of two matches - a draw and a win - since replacing Rob Ward at the helm. He was Ward’s assistant at the start of the season, but work commitments forced him to step down.

Wilson, a former Bourne manager, was tempted back to Chestnut Avenue a couple of weeks ago and he doesn’t regret it for a moment.

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Two goals from James Hill-Seekings and another from Zak Munton secured a fine 3-1 home success over Kirby Muxloe last weekend when Star scored twice in the final five minutes.

Matthew Barber in action for Peterborough Northern Star (stripes).Matthew Barber in action for Peterborough Northern Star (stripes).
Matthew Barber in action for Peterborough Northern Star (stripes).

It was a first win in eight competitive matches for Star who are 14th in the Premier Division ahead of a trip to lowly St Andrews tomorrow (December 16).

“I believe in these lads,” Wilson enthused. “We are very young and with that comes a bit of naivety, but if we can keep this squad together we could have a very strong Premier Division side in a couple of years.

“We have very good players and they have good character which is a useful combination.

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“I’m pleased to be back in management. Work did get hectic for a while, but the club are helping me combine the manager’s job with my business commitments.

Matthew Barber in action for Peterborough Northern Star (stripes).Matthew Barber in action for Peterborough Northern Star (stripes).
Matthew Barber in action for Peterborough Northern Star (stripes).

“We drew my first game after leading 3-1, but we played well last weekend against a good Kirby side. St Andrews have also changed manager recently so we’re expecting a tough match.”

Fourth-placed Deeping Rangers stayed in touch with the leaders last weekend when battling to a 2-2 draw at top dogs Newport Pagnell. They should beat bottom club Oadby at the Haydon Whitham Stadium tomorrow.

Second-placed Holbeach are at Kirby Muxloe on Saturday when fellow challengers Wisbech visit Cogenhoe.

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Peterborough Sports can take pleasant thoughts into their Evo Stik Division One South fixture at Kidsgrove Athletic tomorrow.

Sports beat these opponents 3-0 on the opening day of the season at PSL, one of just five wins the city side have managed (21 matches) in their first venture into step four football.

Kidsgrove are one of just three teams below Sports in the table, but are just a point adrift with four matches in hand.

Sports’ home game with Frickley Athletic last weekend was postponed - it was the first, first-team game called off at PSL for four years - leaving Jimmy Dean’s men six points clear of the one relegation place.

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In-form Stamford AFC put their unbeaten home record in Division One South on the line against Market Drayton tomorrow. The Daniels are just two points off the play-off places and have boosted their firepower ahead of the festive programme by signing striker Bradley Wells from Gainsborough.

Wells scored 30 goals for Spalding United at this level last season. Spalding are in desperate need of a win tomorrow when they host Stocksbridge Park Steels. The Tulips have lost their last seven league matches.

FIXTURES

Saturday, December 16

EVO-STIK LEAGUE

Division One South: Kidsgrove Athletic v Peterborough Sports, Spalding Utd v Stocksbridge Park Steels, Stamford v Market Drayton Town.

UNITED COUNTIES LEAGUE

Premier Division: Cogenhoe United v Wisbech Town, Deeping Rangers v Oadby Town, Kirby Muxloe v Holbeach United, St Andrews v Peterborough Northern Star, Yaxley v Sleaford Town.

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Division One: Blackstones v Stewarts & Lloyds, Bugbrooke St Michaels v Pinchbeck United, Burton Park Wanderers v Bourne Town, Olney Town v Huntingdon Town.

EASTERN COUNTIES LEAGUE

Division One: March Town United v Whitton United, Wisbech St Mary v Holland.