Jockeys need a dramatic change
KEVIN Grainger has admitted it would take a dramatic change of fortunes in order for Newmarket Town to avoid relegation from the Ridgeons League Premier Division.
A makeshift Jockeys side suffered their 22nd league defeat of the campaign on Saturday, going down 5-0 against fourth-placed Dereham Town.
With third-bottom Wivenhoe Town picking up a surprise three points against Gorleston, it now leaves the Jockeys 10 points behind the Essex side — who sit third bottom, one place above the Jockeys — and 12 shy of safety.
“There are nine games left and 27 points up for grabs. If we can get 18 or 19 then we would stay up,” said Grainger.
“But it is getting harder and harder and we have to be realistic and there is a growing gap between us and Wivenhoe. Only a dramatic change in fortunes will save us from the drop.”
Missing eight first team players Newmarket fell behind in the 13th minute to Michael Sommerfield’s close range header.
George Darling went close to levelling for the visitors but his effort narrowly evaded the Dereham net.
Nathan Howard close range drive doubled Dereham’s tally 15 minutes from time, before an own goal gifted the Magpies a third.
Howard struck again in the 82nd minute, this time with his head. Sam Willis completed the scoring late on, slotting home from the edge of the box.
Despite tasting defeat, Grainger was pleased with how his depleted team performed.
“On paper it does not look a great result but given the circumstances and the team I put out they played well and all give a good account of themselves,” said the Jockeys’ chief.
Newmarket will be hoping to grab just their fourth league victory of the campaign on their travels to basement club Great Yarmouth Town tomorrow (3pm). The last time the two sides clashed, Newmarket recorded a resounding 6-1 victory.
On Monday, the club staged its first open trials for its new academy which will begin at Newmarket College in September.
“The trials went well and there was definitely one or two who caught the eye,” added Grainger.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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Temperature: 12 C to 21 C
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