It’s been a tricky start to the season for new young players earning their spurs in the club’s First team. John Payne reports on some highs and lows on the pitch.
It’s early days, but the size of the task faced by Histon FC in the Northern Premier League has become a lot clearer after some mixed results in the first month of the season. Injuries to key players and a shortage of experienced campaigners has also hindered manager Lance Key’s plans, and he’s still actively seeking players of the right calibre to add some depth to his young squad. The Stutes currently sit in 16th position in the league table.
After defeats in the opening two matches of the season, the club got their season up and running with a solid 2-1 victory at Wisbech Town. That was followed by a draw at home to Sutton Coldfield Town but a 3-0 defeat at Spalding United on Bank Holiday Monday dented any hopes of a run of results.
The need to strengthen the squad was no better demonstrated than on Tuesday evening when a squad deprived of three key players had to travel to Warwickshire to face Bedworth United. With six teenagers in the starting eleven, the game ended in another defeat and left the Stutes with a record of one win, one draw and four defeats to their name
One of the main talking points among Stutes fans has been the number of players used so far this season, with many of the club’s own youngsters being given their opportunity to show the manager what they are capable of. But it is clear that the First team squad is still a work in progress as Lance looks to strengthen in some positions while looking for his best combinations in others.
Many of the fresh faces to have appeared in the red and black shirts this season have graduated from the under 18s side, having developed their skills last season and impressing further in the pre-season friendlies. Seventeen-year-old Alex Stevens-Lee scored the club’s first goal of the season after coming on as a second-half substitute at Belper Town on day one of the season and promptly slotting home an equalising goal. Finley Wilkinson has also found the net on a couple of occasions this season and had shown maturity seldom found in a nineteen-year-old. Lewis Mair, Kai Nicholls have also featured as they look to progress in the game.
The Stutes entertain Coleshill Town on Saturday with a 3.00 pm kickoff and are again at home on Tuesday of next week against old rivals Corby Town with a 7.45 kickoff. Tickets are available from the club website at www.histonfc.co.uk where details of all future matches can also be found.