Youth policy is paying off at Pinchbeck United Football Club

Teenage goalkeeper Alex Barker kept a clean sheet on his full Thurlow Nunn League debut as Pinchbeck United made it back-to-back wins in Division One North on Saturday.

The 16-year-old's shut-out helped the Knights to a 1-0 away win at Needham Market Reserves as they backed up last week's home success over Whitton United with a second consecutive win.

A goal from Luke Cullen settled the contest with Barker making a vital late save as Pinchbeck's faith in young players continued to pay dividends.

Boss Lewis Thorogood said: "It was a good performance and it was pleasing to see that, by the end of the game, we had two 16-year-olds and four 17-year-olds on the pitch.

"Alex is respectfully still playing Under 16s football and it's a big difference between that and step six non-league football.

"He can only be applauded for his bravery, tenacity and mind-set. Once he got his first touch of the ball, you could see him relax a bit.

"His handling was good, his distribution and kicking was on point and I want to give these young lads a chance because their attitude and commitment is good."

Pinchbeck had made a sluggish start on the vast 3G surface but grew into the contest with both sides going close to breaking the deadlock.

Ben Howlett hit the underside of the crossbar for the Knights with Needham doing exactly the same at the other end.

Cullen then fired home the opening goal from 18 yards as he placed his finish into the bottom corner of the home net.

Pinchbeck should have added to their tally before the break with Josh Panton going close while Flynn Slater was thwarted by a brave save from the home goalkeeper.

The second goal failed to materialise though and Needham started to grow in confidence after the break.

Barker made a brilliant save in a one-on-one while Pinchbeck came close on a couple of occasions but were unable to add to their tally.

Thorogood added: "We ultimately got the job done and it was another three points.

"It has been a good start to 2025 in terms of league results and the biggest thing that pleases me is the age of the players that we've got at the club.

"They are showing that they've got the ability to cope at this level and were street-wise enough on Saturday to manage the game and ensure we got over the line to get the result.

"Our ethos is to give young footballers an opportunity to play senior men's football and that will be the lifeblood of this club.

"It will be the blue-print of how we want to go forward.

"It won't always be perfect because they are young footballers but, for as much as they get experience on days like Saturday, it helps with their education and development."

The victory leaves Pinchbeck in ninth spot in the league table ahead of a couple of crucial clashes.

They travel to seventh-placed FC Peterborough tomorrow night (Wednesday) before a home match on Saturday with Harwich and Parkeston who are currently in third spot.

Thorogood said: "It will be much more of a physical battle on Wednesday night.

"We have to take our momentum and confidence into the game."

Pinchbeck have also signed youngster Jack Ratley from Lincolnshire League side Wyberton and he came on as a substitute for his debut at the weekend.