The 17-year-old striker added to the squad in September 2007 as cover for strikers Leo Fortune-West and Scott Rendell, due to injuries to Lee Boylan and Dan Chillingworth.

Piers first showed his potential last pre-season, with a hat-trick in the youth team's 4-0 win against Sparta Prague. He also showed strength of character to overcome a difficult start in the Ridgeons League by ending the season with a goals tally in double figures.

Many of those strikes were spectacular efforts from outside the area, which became his trademark, none more so than his winner against Crewe in the 3rd Round Proper of the FA Youth Cup from fully 35 yards.