Hot-shot is determined to bounce back

Nantwich Town hot-shot Elliot Osborne is urging his team mates to put their FA Cup disappointment behind them and take all three points in the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League's top flight when they host Grantham on Saturday.

Before last weekend's First Qualifying Round reverse, the Dabbers had scored 23 goals already this season but they failed to find the target for the first time at First Division South Spalding United, losing 1-0 to a first half Josh Moreman strike.

Former Port Vale youngster Osborne, 18, signed for the Dabbers in February from First Division South Newcastle Town. On Friday the creative midfielder and the Premier Division club's leading scorer, pictured, said: “We’ve scored a lot of goals so far this season. But in what some might say is the most important game so far this season we have not scored which is disappointing.

“I think it was an off day unfortunately. We won’t let this set in that’s for sure. We will regroup and go again. It’s been hard playing Saturday then Tuesday and then Saturday for some of the players.

“I’m quite tired in the mind rather than in the legs. There is no point in moaning about it as it’s the same for all clubs in the league, and those in leagues above us too. The positive is that it allows you to build momentum and go on a winning run.

“However this week we've had no midweek games, just Tuesday and Thursday training, so its Grantham on Saturday and trying hard for another three points.”

The Dabbers passed up on a number of chances to equalise against the Tulips and Osborne added: “It’s a disappointment to go out so early because I thought we could have a good cup run. Spalding is a tough place to go though. They are doing very well in the league and will no doubt be challenging near the top of the table come April time. They have a really good team.”

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Where next?

Cup kings top the bill on new show After the FA Cup dominated proceedings this week, Friday's EVO-STIK NPL Show Extra looks back on the action and ahead to a full programme of fixtures this weekend as clubs return to the bread and butter of the league.

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