Thursday, 16th October 2008

News Archive

- Andy Parker – Burton Mail

9th October 1992
Mike Taplin grabbed the most glorious goal yet of his fledgling Gresley career this week then quipped: “They’ll be calling me super sub next!”

Taplin’s intervention in a Barclays Southern League Cup tie at Eton Park that had goalless draw written all over it marked the second time in a week he had done the business for his new club after rising from the substitutes bench.

The previous Saturday his goal against Barri sealed an impressive 3-1 victory yet it was not enough to earn him a place in manager Steve Dolby’s starting line-up against Burton.

That’s a situation the 27 year-old solicitor for Burton brewer Bass aims after – by becoming more greedy.

He explains: “There’s a lot of pressure for places at Gresley and I think that’s affected my performances. What I’ve not been doing is playing my own game and having a go at defenders. I’ve been looking to distribute the ball instead and I think I’ve got to get a bit more selfish.”

Nonetheless, Taplin has made his mark since joining Rovers after a prolific spell with Mickleover RBL in the Central Midlands League. He is currently second highest scorer behind Paul Acklam with five in nine games.

The goals have helped Rovers hoist their title intentions to the top of the new Moat Ground flagpole with a blistering start of six consecutive wins, scoring 21 goals in the process. Taplin sees no reason why the run shouldn’t continue.

“We’ve still got to play one or two top teams but we’re going to be a difficult side for anyone to beat.

“We’re always going to score goals and if we can keep them out at the other end there’s no reason why we shouldn’t continue to do well.”

Meanwhile, Taplin is hoping the boost of Tuesday’s goal against another of his former clubs – “I scored quite a few goals in the reserves at Burton but never got a first team chance, mainly because there were so many different managers while I was there” – will help him establish a regular place as his new club set out to eclipse their near neighbours in a fortnight’s time.

Ninety minutes remain of the clubs’ first round tie and the score is unlikely to remain at 1-0 – not if Mike Taplin can help it, anyway.

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