Ex-Chelsea Striker Signs for AFC Hayes

By Admin ccl

Article c/o West London News

Former Chelsea striker Mark Nicholls has joined AFC Hayes' quest to win back their place in the Southern League. Nicholls played more than 50 first team games for the Blues in the 1990s, but like former Brook House man Neil Shipperley, had to move away from Stamford Bridge to further his career.

But whereas Shipperley went on to carve out a successful career in the Premier League and Football League, Hllingdon-born Nicholls drifted into non-league football. The 38 year old has played locally for Hayes, Northwood and Uxbridge, and also linked up with Shipperley when he has managed at both Walton Casuals and North Greenford United. He has now added AFC Hayes, relegated to the Combined Counties League following a bottom-place finish in Southern One Central, to his roster of clubs.

Hayes have had a difficult start to life in the Combined Counties, losing 1-0 to both Ashford Town (Middx) and Hanworth Villa in the opening week, but got back on track with a 3-2 FA Cup win over Flackwell Heath.

Despite being reduced to 10 men following Jerome Eccleston's red card, goals from Callum McCarroll, Cyrus Vanterpool and Jordan Berry saw Hayes through the extra preliminary round tie.

Manager Paul Palmer said: “When you go down to 10 men you either sit back or go for it, and we went for it. The lads worked very hard, and it was like we had the full 11, or even 12, on the pitch. It was a good win, we just need to do it in the league now. But it's early days yet, and we have played some very good teams. We've had a lot of changes, but the best response we have had is from players coming through the door. Mark is the latest to join us, and with his experience he can help the young boys through.”
The cup win appeared to give Hayes the boost they needed, as they followed it with a 2-1 win over Knaphill for their first Combined Counties win, thanks to goals from Jake Knight and Jake Cass.

They now visit Bedfont twice in three days, playing at Bedfont & Feltham in the next round of the FA Cup on Saturday, and assuming there is no replay, at Bedfont Sports in the league on Monday.

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