The 2002/03 season was to be Albion’s toughest under manager Shaun Pates, the expectancy on his squad was higher than ever after a fourth successive promotion and in pre season Netherfield were already showing signs that they could be title contenders in there first year in the Premier since 1992.

That was all to change though when three key players left for seemingly bigger and better things. Defensive pairing Gary Wright and Danny Smith both left for the Central Midlands and they were later joined by playmaker Steven Brodsky who joined Division rivals Shooters. Pates had to act quickly in signing before the start of the season and brought in former player Dennis Hickey and Richard Gallagher (pictured left) both from Santos.

The opening few games went well with Albion winning three out of four in the league and reaching the County Cup second round after an extra time thriller against Dayncourt Res. Netherfield’s squad was boosted by the signings of Goalkeeper David James and former stars Richard Brodsky and Lewis Johnson but in the league the squad struggled for consistency taking only eight points out of there next six games.

It was in the County Cup however that Netherfield really shone. A comprehensive 3-0 win against Mavericks set up a third round tie against Alliance Division 3 leaders Southbank Res. Netherfield took apart their opponents after falling behind to win memorably 6-1. That set up a tough Quarter Final away match against Kirkby in Ashfield side Kingsway Cardinal, and in front of a big crowd Netherfield again came from behind this time to win 2-1. The clubs success in the cup attracted three new players but with Goalkeeper Stef Carey out injured, Netherfield were forced to use five different keepers in a six game period.

Key: F-Friendly Match, L-Notts Amateur League Premier Division Match, LC-Senior League Cup, CC- Notts FA Junior Section Cup. n-neutral venue, h-home, a-away.

Notts Amateur League Premier Division Table

Jermaine Bailly 1(1)-0, Rob Baxter 4(2)-0, Richard Brodsky 16(1)-5, Mark Buckley 14(3)-1, Stef Carey 8-0, Tom Creswick 20(1)-0, Richard Gallagher 18(1)-0, Dennis Hickey 22-3, David James 9(2)-0, Lewis Johnson 14(4)-3, Andy Merrin 17(1)-10, Shaun Pates 2-0, Danny Peacock 11(2)-1, Andy Richardson 20(3)-1, Phillip Rippon 1-0, Neil Robinson 1(2)-1, Ben Rowson 18(1)-0, Phil Schofield 4(8)-1, Matt Stone 12(5)-1, Gary Williamson 23-14, Lee Wood 4(4)-2, Gary Wright 1(1)-0.