Jeppo back in the land of The Dabbers

Last updated : 25 July 2002 By Peter Heywood

However, his young charges were in no mood to be generous, and put in a ruthlessly effective performance to demolish the Dabbers 6-2.

It’s almost a generation since Ronnie plied his trade at Jackson Avenue, and it looks like little has changed since. Nantwich are to relocate to a new, purpose-built ground at the end of this season, and it’s clear that this historic ground, their home since 1884, has been allowed to deteriorate. There is a small stand immediately behind the dugouts, some covering down one side and a mowing meadow behind one goal. However, the club boasts a thriving social club, and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere prevails.

Attendances average around 150 for games in the North West Counties League (the eighth level of the Pyramid), and with a similar number turning up last night it was difficult to imagine the record attendance in 1921 of over 5,000 hardy souls crammed into this tiny ground!

Ex-Claret Nigel Gleghorn is now in charge, assisted by former Tranmere cult hero Eddie Bishop. The aim is clearly promotion to the Unibond league, but they will have to improve considerably on their modest 15th (out of 23) position last season. Interestingly, Foghorn chipped in with 8 goals during that spell. Hopes are high for this season however, as Wednesday’s Nantwich Chronicle revealed, and several trialists were to be fielded in the hope of "uncovering a gem."

There was a moving occasion before kick off as the players and officials took their places around the centre circle for a minute’s silence. A lot of comment has been made about the seeming recent proliferation of these tributes, mainly in the light of various public/privileged figures with no footballing connections whatsoever being honoured (Barnsley away last season springs immediately to mind). But last night’s could scarcely be more fitting. Ted Neale, a former Nantwich and Winsford player, had died during the summer at the age of 51 after a long battle with cancer.

The excellent programme said it all: "Regarded as the best centre-half of his generation in local circles, Ted was a rock on the field – but a gentle giant off it. Ted captained the Dabbers to arguably our greatest triumph in the whole of our history – winning the Cheshire League title in 1981. But not only was he a great player and a loyal servant, as anyone who knew Ted would vouch for, he was a true gentleman."

Perhaps when the likes of Benito Carbone are deciding whether to accept £3m or £4m for their "services", they might one day stop and consider the thousands of grassroots players who receive nothing but play for the love of the game and their club. I somehow doubt it though.

Anyway, back to the game. The squad was effectively the same for the youth friendly at Fulwood on Saturday, with Robert Grimes replacing the rested Anthony Shandran. As expected, the more senior players started, so Burnley lined up in 4-4-2:

James Salisbury; Andrew Leeson, Earl Davis, Liam Eves, Paul Scott; Mark Rasmussen, Joel Pilkington, Andrew Waine, Matthew O’Neill; Damien Hindle, Robert Grimes. Subs: Sean Blakey, Steven Richardson, Danny Pitham, Gary Carter, Richard Chaplow.

The game started brightly, with both sides eager to push forward. It immediately became obvious however that the pitch was not in the best of conditions. If Fulwood’s had been fit for bowls, Nantwich’s was more suited to boules!

Burnley took the lead in the 13th minute in fine style. Grimes broke away and played the ball wide to Rasmussen on the right. His pinpoint cross to the far post was met by O’Neill whose downward header was touched over the line by Grimes as he completed his forward run. After missing most of last season through serious injury, this was a richly-deserved goal.

From this moment on there was never any doubt as to the eventual winners. Burnley dominated in every department. The defence was strong and well-marshalled by captain Earl, and ably assisted when necessary by the midfield. The ball was always played out of defence, and some delightful, fluent moves were put together. Up front, Hindle and Grimes continually created problems with their quick turns and movement off the ball.

Within five minutes it was 2-0. Nantwich failed to clear a corner, and when Davis flicked on an O’Neill cross Pilkington was able to run in at the far post and shoot firmly home.

Nantwich tried to rally but to no avail. Hindle twice and Rasmussen once went close before the Clarets were awarded a penalty in stoppage time when Hindle went round the goalie and was promptly felled. Rasmussen scored easily from the spot for 3-0.

There was still just enough time for the game’s highlight. Earl, sensing a defence splitting 40-yarder was on the cards, opted to kick the ground rather than the ball, toe-poking it 40 inches instead. The Colossus barely dared to glance towards the dugout, fearing a b********g of monumental proportions. But the sight of Messers Pashley and Jepson collapsed in a heap of uncontrollable mirth on the touchline was enough to produce the broadest (and most relieved) beam seen in a long while.

Halftime produced a remarkable change in Nantwich. Firstly they changed strip, now opting for blue and white stripes instead of the black and white number worn previously. But they also changed their entire team, bringing on what seemed to be the more experienced, older players, Foghorn included, who took up the usual ex-pro’s position of centre-half.

For a short while it looked as though the Dabbers were going to make a game of it, but the illusion was short-lived as Hindle unleashed a 25-yard cracker in the 51st minute for 4-0.

Following an accidental clash of heads Liam Eves had to receive lengthy treatment to a nasty gash which later needed six stitches. Young scholar Danny Pitham replaced him and carried on from where he had left off at Fulwood, playing solidly and calmly.

Number 5 arrived after 57 minutes when Pilkington shot home for his second following an excellent mazy run from O’Neill. Again Nantwich kept pressing and were eventually rewarded three minutes later following an uncharacteristic mistake from Andrew Leeson who allowed himself to be caught in possession. Salisbury saved the first attempt well, but Wesley Wilkinson following up scored easily.

Richardson then replaced Grimes with O’Neill moving up front. A tremendous 30-yard blaster from Waine was ruled out by a spoilsport referee for some previous minor infringement, before Knocker O’Neill made it 6-1 in the 72nd minute, beautifully curling a shot round defenders and keeper after good work from Rasmussen.

Three minutes later came the most amazing incident of an action-packed game. Gleghorn, who had previously been spoken to by the ref for comments made, had another go at the linesman. This was too much, and he was promptly sent off. The ref spared the red card (and Foghorn) however, thus avoiding a suspension, and also allowed Nantwich to bring on a substitute for the shamefaced manager. Once the spectators had worked out all that had happened it was generally agreed that the ref had acted sensibly.

Carter and Blakey came on for the last ten minutes before Nantwich got a deserved second five minutes from time. Salisbury failed to cut out a cross, only succeeding in pushing the ball onto the forehead of the onrushing Simon Hackney who headed in firmly for 6-2.

At the end the young Clarets were deservedly roundly praised by the clearly-delighted Supremo. This was an excellent team performance in which each individual shone. Let’s hope this bodes well for the future.

It’s Accrington Stanley away next Monday (7:30), so make sure you get along for a view of some of the highly-promising youngsters we have at the club.