Newmarket Town get off the mark with home victory

While he was far from concerned, player-manager Michael Shinn was nevertheless pleased to see his Newmarket Town side get off the mark on Saturday.

After drawing their Thurlow Nunn League Premier Division opener with Mildenhall Town, the Jockeys lost their first outings in both the FA Cup and FA Vase.

However, they bounced back at the weekend thanks to early second-half goals from Joe Maybanks and Ross Paterson, which sealed a 2-1 victory over Hadleigh United at the Tristel Stadium.

“I’d not really thought about it (having not won a game),” said Shinn, who saw his side go into the break 1-0 down on Saturday.

“We’ve now got four points from two games and I always look to average at least two points per game.

“Apart from a bit of a disaster at Sheringham (in the Vase, 2-0 defeat), we’ve been ok so far.

“We pretty much controlled the game on Saturday. They’ve scored from our mistake but fair play to the lads, they responded well and showed some good personality.”

The victory also marked the debut of playmaker Dave Cowley, who has joined the club from Walthamstow.

The former Stowmarket Town player is widely considered to be among the best in the league on his day.

“I’ve known Dave for about 10 years and it is great he got in contact and expressed a desire to play for us,” added Shinn.

“When a player like that wants to come it becomes a bit of a no-brainer. He showed some nice bits on Saturday and will only get better once he gets used to us. There is no doubt he is one of the best at this level.”

Newmarket, who are due in action tonight at Walsham-le-Willows (7.45pm), travel to Norwich United on Saturday (3pm).