Nelson Signs on the Dotted Line

Hykeham Tigers have today secured the signing of promising teenager Kris Nelson. Nelson signs on a 2 year deal after a very impressive pre-season with the Tigers.

After a battle with Kris Nelson’s agent, and the struggle to secure personal terms, Kris Nelson has finally signed on the dotted line for the Hykeham Outfit. This means he will be eligible to play in this weekend’s opener against De Wint.

Nelson has impressed during pre-season scoring in virtually every game he has played, including a brace In the final pre-season game against AFC Red Lion including a fantastic 25 yard finish over two defenders and the keeper.

Hykeham manager Giovannetti, was ecstatic at the signing

“Kris has really impressed me during pre-season; he’s quick, strong and has a real eye for goal. This could be a big season for Kris, and if he continues the same level of performance s that he has been showing pre-season, then he will be a real asset for the club”

Nelson has scored 6 goals in 5 games during the pre-season and has been highly impressive. Nelson has signed from Ruston Eagles FC and played in this division last season. Nelson scored 19 goals last season in Division Three, and this impressive goal tally is something that manager Darren Giovannetti took into account when deciding whether to sign Nelson or not.

Nelson had the following to say on his move

“I’ve come to the club because I genuinely think with the lads we have in the squad we can win trophies. I’m very excited at the prospect of playing upfront alongside the likes of Daubs, Big Mike (Bohan) and Chris Quinn and hopefully I can score some important goals that could guide us to winning the league”

Wilson To Miss Season Opener

Hykeham Tigers Centre Midfielder Matt Wilson, yesterday was confirmed to definitely miss the opening game of the season versus De Wint FC

A spokesperson for Matt Wilson yesterday revealed that Tigers player Matt Wilson will miss the next 4 weeks of football with a Hairline Fracture in his left foot.

Wilson sustained the injury in Hykeham's solid 4-1 win against Arch Rivals Saxilby Athletic. Wilson was seen by doctors at Lincoln County Hospital on Monday, and originally they thought that the foot was broken and Wilson would have been lucky to play this side of Christmas. However, after seeing a specialist on Wednesday, Wilson was fortunate to find out he had only fractured the Navicular bone in his left foot and this should heal within 2-3 weeks, leaving Wilson a week or so to rehabilitate and then get back into playing.

This a huge blow for the Tiger's as Wilson and Dickinson had started to make what looked a solid partnership in the middle of the Midfield and manager Giovannetti was keen to keep the players together for this weekend's trip to AFC Red Lion

"Its a big blow for us. He (Wilson) is not just an asset on the pitch but off it as well, for all he has done for this team the lads have a huge amount of respect for him, and value his opinion."

Wilson however will not be too far away from the pitch Sunday, as he takes charge of the team while manager Giovannetti is on holiday.

One Win and One Loss in Week Of Friendlies

Hykeham Tigers this week had mixed fortunes after winning 3-0 against Metheringham Reserves last Tuesday, however loosing 2-0 to AFC Welton this Sunday, ending a mixed week for the Tigers.

Thursday Night saw Hykeham Tigers face off in a game against Division Four side Metheringham Reserves. The Tigers fielded some inexperienced trialists for this game including newcomers Toddy, Michael Cruickshank, Chris Bennett, Kris Nelson and Mike Bohan.

The Tigers battled well throughout the game, and after Kris Nelson's brilliant volley set them on their way, Man of the Match Callum Fatchett scored two well taken goals, with a disallowed goal from Paul Sturton sandwiched in between Fatchett's goals. The game was marred by an ugly Melee at the end which Metheringhams fan's and players alike should be disgraced about.

Sunday saw a much changed Tigers team take on Division Two side AFC Welton who were a much better side than the one the faced the previous game. Hykeham struggled in large parts to find the form that served them well in the last few friendlies. Callum Fatchett, Sam Newton and Michael Cruickshank impressed heavily throughout this friendly which saw AFC Welton eventually run out 2-0 winners.

However, When ask to comment AFC Welton striker Jason Barratt had this to say about Hykeham Tigers chances this season

"They've (Hykeham Tigers) got a real chance of success this season, they have a strong squad and if they are lucky with injuries and a bit of luck it could see them go all the way this year"

Hykeham's next game's are Sunday against Bridon Athletic and next Thursday night against AFC West End