CLOSE SEASON NEWS 2001

Shepshed 0  Leicester City 2

Two first half goals sent Shepshed to their third pre season defeat against a youthful Leicester side, in an open and entertaining encounter.
The game itself was probably the best of the three so far.  The young Leicester team had all the tricks and a lot of pace, but the more experienced Shepshed side kept them at bay, comfortably, while showing flashes of intent up front.  After 30 minutes Leicester took the lead, and increased their advantage with a superb goal on the stroke of half time.  The second half was a little more scrappy as both sides made several changes the game lost it's shape a little.  Towards the end it was the superior youth and fitness of the City lads which was showing stronger, but Shepshed held on for a creditable result.
Shepshed began this game with what appears to be taking shape a  fairly settled line up.  Lawrence returned in defence, and formed a decent partnership with Owen James.   Mark Harbottle sat this one out, but was in the stand so should return on Thursday.   With Folwell and McDermott still to return the defence and midfield look to be pretty strong.  The main concerns would appear to be in goal, where Selby and Thomas still play 45 each, so no decision has been made, and up front, where although Tanner and Gerlard look busy, they have so far scored just one late consolation goal between them in three games.  McGlinchey was always going to be the biggest loss the the team and so it is proving.  But if Tanner can get 10-15 goals, this term then we just need his partner to chip in with a similar amount. 
Attendance:291

FIXTURES
A game has been arranged at home on Saturday against Kirby Muxloe Kick Off 3.00pm.  The reserves still travel to Anstey Nomads

ROUSLAN THE RUSSIAN
Despite reports in the press, repeated in the Award Winning Programme, international clearance is still awaited for him, so he will be unlikely to feature in the near future.  Shades of Ibby again.

LOUGHBOROUGH FC GAME
Don't forget that this game kicks off at 7.00pm.  They don't have floodlights.  Wrap up warm as there is no shelter and the wind fairly whistles in.  There will be a programme, £1.00 including raffle.

Shepshed 2 Stamford 3

Shepshed once more fell by the odd goal, and worryingly conceded in the last minutes again.
After only 5 minutes Lee Quincey latched onto a crossed ball to volley Shepshed into the lead with a superb strike, unfortunately this uses up  a third of his goals for the whole season, slow down Lee!  After Betteridge hit the post from twenty five yards with a curling shot Ndekewe equalised, with a knock in after Thomas did well to parry an initial deflected shot, to send the teams in level at the break.
Five minutes into the second half Stamford took the lead.  Sleby missed a cross which was headed back toward goal and went in off Hark Harbottle.  Stamford then had the upper hand and twice the woodwork and once a goal line clearance were needed to keep Shepshed in it.  Despite this when Shepshed had possession they looked promising at times, with Garald and Tanner both looking bust up front.  A goal a piece in the last 5 minutes finished the scoring, with Richard Tanner getting Shepsheds.
Attendance:81

Team
1. Dean Thomas
2. Adam Banks (Nuneton Griff)
3. Andy Commander
4. Owen James (Loughborough University)
5. Adam Stevens (Barwell)
6. Lee Quincey
7. Neil Salesman (Rocester)
8. Mark Harbottle (Grantham Town) ex Hinckley, friend of Jez Carr
9. Richard Tanner
10. Richard Garald (Highfield Rangers - injured most of last season)
11. Nick Allman (Corby Town)
Subs
Richard Selby, Andy Dunn (Boldmere St Michaels) ex Shepshed
Matt Simpson (Rocester), Jaimie Newbold,

RESERVES ROUND UP
After a good start to their pre sesason with a 5-1 win at Bardon Hill on Tueasday, the  Reserves came back to earth with a bump today, as they went down 7-0 at Leicester YMCA - nuff said!

LEICESTER GAME
The game against the City on Tueaday kicks off at 7.30pm.  Admission is £5.00 and £3.00.  Their will be a programme, and City are sending a senior side.

WESTERBY CUP
In the Westerby Cup we have been drawn at Holwell Sports, with the winners to face Hinckley United!!!!!!!!

Oadby Town 2 Shepshed 1

Shepsheds first game of the pre season ended in a defeat by Oadby tonight.
More important than the result was the team, if reports from certain quarters were to be believed we would have struggled to put out 11 players, as it was there were 18, and they all got a game.
The match itself was fairly scrappy, as Oadby had a fair few new faces so neither team really played great football. Oadbys first goal came after 20 minutes with a terrific shot from 20 yards, and virtually the only decent effort on goal in the first half. At half time Dave made 6 substitutions, and ten minutes from time Andy Dunn looked to have salvaged a draw with an almost carbon copy of Oadbys opener. But it was not to be, and as so often last season that naughty final minute brought a goal from the opposition and defeat.
Attendance:140

Team
1. Richard Selby
2. Adam Banks (Nuneton Griff)
3. Sam Erith (Loughborough University)
4. Mark Harbottle (Grantham Town) ex Hinckley, friend of Jez Carr
5. Carl Lawrence (Highfield Rangers) Scored a hat trick on his debut for us a couple of years back, now a centre half
6. Adam Stevens (Barwell)
7. Andy Parrott (L'borough University)
8. Lee Quincey
9. Richard Tanner
10. Nick Allman (Corby Town)
11. Michael Lyons (L'boro University)
Subs
Andy Dunn (Boldmere St Michaels) ex Shepshed
Owen James (Loughborough University)
Jaimie Newbold, Andy Commander, Dean Thomas, Lee Farrell, Lee Miveld

In a change to those originally planned the Julie Backhouse game versus Barwell has been postponed, and we will now play Leicester City on that night.  They have promised to send a senior squad.

The kick off time for the Loughborough FC (company formed Dec 2000, wasn't this while Mr Suri was still 100% Shpeshed? - check out the companies house website) game was wrong it is 7.00pm - NOT 7.30 forgot they don't have floodlights!

COMINGS AND GOINGS
Lee Saunders has left to join Solihull Borough.  Lee was a  great player for us since joining from Ilkeston on loan with Damien Beatitie.  whilst not wishing to disclose the nature of his arrangements with Solihull, Lee said many times at the end of last season, several times when he was sober, that he would only leave us "if someone came in offering silly money".  Draw your own conclusions.

LOUGHBOROUGH UNIVERSITY
There is an announcement on the forum from Mr Voce about a tie up between the University and the club.  Details will be made available later on the forum, but suffice it to say that this is a big move for both the club, and the University and will have major benefits both on and off the field for Shepshed.

SPONSORSHIP
With the demise of Mortgage Net, our former sponsor, the club are on the look out for new sponsorship.  The Main club sponsor, whilst not sorted is in advanced stages of negotiation, but we are looking for sponsors for the AWARD WINNING PROGRAMME, and for the kids for a quid scheme, which we hope to resurrect next season.  If you feel that you may be in a position to help please email me or contact any committee member, in strict confidence.

OAK FM
Oak FM have seen the light and will be brining back the Saturday afternoon sports show with Lee James in time for the new season.  More details to follow when available.

COMINGS AND GOINGS 1 (Players)
Despite many rumours, the only confirmed departures from the Dovecote are Lee McGlinchey and Michael McLarnon to Hucknall Town of the Northern Premier League, Chris Gray to Gresley Rovers and Reserve keeper Paul Shepherd who has returned to play in Bedford.
Whilst Dave and Frank are talking to several players the only confirmed arrival this summer is Chris Tongue from Highfield Rangers.  Chris is a useful and strong Centre Back who played for us under Mark O'Kane.  He has also played at this level for Leicester United
The contracted players Michael Cox, Danny McDermott and Dean Thomas are still considering new contract offers made by the club.
There were 16 players at the initial training session last week.  Anyone who is interested in a trial with the club can contact me via email

COMINGS AND GOINGS 2 (Clubs)
Into the Division
Chippenahm Town (Western League)
Swindon Supermarine (Hellenic League)
Stourport Swifts (Midland Alliance)
Halesowen  Town (Relegated form Premier Division)
Clevedon Town (Relegated form Premier Division)
OUT
Paget Rangers
Bromsgrove Rovers (Both to Midland Alliance)
Hinckley United
Tiverton Town (Promoted to Premier Division)
Rugby United (Transferred to Eastern Division)

ADMISSION 2001/02
First Team Admission and Programme prices have been kept at last seasons level for the new season.  However Reserve team prices will go up to £1.50 and £1.00, up 30p on last year.

CLUB SPONSOR
Last seasons club sponsor Mortgage Net have ceased trading.  The club are currently seeking a new sponsor for the coming campaign.