BonnyCorbett!

Corbett took over the reins at a difficult time after the resignation of long-standing manager Dave Bradshaw and the loss of some key players. But he has impressed in the role and must surely be guaranteed at least another season in charge at Church Lane.

Robust and improved Sandhurst, who are no longer the whipping-boys of the league, had beaten Linby earlier in the campaign.

But Linby fully deserved their revenge and could have been four up at half-time after dominating the opening 45 minutes.

A volley from recalled midfielder Nick Davies was blocked on the line after a cross to the back post from Ant Wallis.

Man-of-the-match Dale Catlow also had a shot stopped on the line, this time by Richard Barker, after he had latched on to a ball from Ian Paterson and rounded ‘keeper Steve Smith.

Catlow then released striker Matt Balm for a one-on-one that brought a top-class save from Smith. And when Davies crossed from the right, the ball struck a post and ricocheted across the face of goal.

Relieved Sandhurst did bite back and forced goalkeeper Carl Spibey into two excellent saves either side of the interval to deny Jordan Hood and former Rainworth Miners Welfare man Cliff Clarke in one-on-ones.

But Linby finally made the breakthrough in the 75th minute when good work by Wallis and Catlow set up Darren Dickens, who unleashed a fine finish into the bottom corner.

Two minutes later the points were sealed as Catlow sent a raking crossfield ball to Wallis, who beat his man and fired in a wicked cross that went through the ‘keeper at his near post.

n LINBY LINE-UP (4-4-2) – Spibey/ Dickens Elson Parkin G. Hoare/ Davies N. Catlow Paterson I. Wallis/ Balm Nixon. Subs: Raynor D. (for Davies 60), Murray (for Nixon 60), Harrison L. (for Murray 72), Ward.

n THE POOR season of LINBY RESERVES collected another unwanted result with a 3-1 defeat away to fellow strugglers Attenborough Reserves in the NSL’s First Division.

Linby started brightly enough with debutant Danny Gamble and fellow striker Richard Arberry forcing fine saves out of goalkeeper James Flinders, who was once with Nuneaton Borough, of the Blue Square North.

But Attenborough were bolstered by five first-teamers, who had featured in a draw against Senior Division leaders Caribbean Cavaliers the previous week, and took the lead on 32 when one of them, Justin Whatmore (last season’s league player of the year) set up Craig Towerzey.

Good work by James Birtles set up Dave Clark for number two on 44 and then Jamie Gaine converted a penalty after being brought down by goalkeeper Craig Lear.

Linby’s consolation came on the hour when Adam Tolley scored at the back post after good work by man-of-the-match Arberry. And in the closing stages, both Gamble and Arberry were foiled by the woodwork.

n LINBY RESERVES LINE-UP (4-4-2) – Lear/ Austin S. Hale Howell Parkin L./ Niblett J. Niblett C. Hannigan Tolley/ Gamble Arberry. Subs: Jolly (for Niblett C. 45), Denham (for Niblett J. 60), Austin L., Scott, Gibson.