|
Nottsborough 4 - 2 Old Westminster Citizens (AFA Intermediate Cup Preliminary Rd)
15 Sep 07
The manicured lawns of Tolworth were looking as good as ever as Nottsborough took on Old Westminster Citizens in an AFA Cup Preliminary game. With a few people missing through injury (Webbe and Lea) and a few more away (Marsden, Datta, Owen, and Cranny) Captain Morris had to call on Dan Tyers to bolster central midfield with Chris Kerr added to the bench as cover. The unfortunate Tyers suffered a recurrence of his calf injury in warm up meaning Mr Kerr was called into the fray and Nottsborough were left without an usable sub.
The first half saw Nottsborough slowly settle into a decent rhythm - finding space and passing well with Chris Kerr unsurprisingly to the fore along with the hard working Phadnis. OWC were struggling to match Nottsborough's work rate as well meaning that a goal appeared inevitable. That the goals took a while to come was a reflection on the number of changes forced on Morris. On 15 minutes a well worked move down the left saw Roberts fire his 1st effort of the day over the bar after good work by Morris. Minutes after that Roberts found the net. Kerr and Green linked with Bo to send Warner scampering down the right - Warner drew the keeper expertly before squaring to Leon who casually rolled it into an empty net. Cashback.
This seemed to fire Nottsborough up as we realised that more goals could come if passes were placed behind the full-backs for the willing Warner and Roberts to chase and hold up well. On thirty minutes the 2nd goal came. Watkins and Morris combined with Leon to work a crossing opportunity for Morris who looked up and saw Warner charging for the back post. One Tiger Woods pitching wedge with extra back spin later saw the ball reach Warner who headed expertly across the keeper and into the left hand corner. Bingo.
At this point OWC rallied noticeably and sought to get a pair of quick forwards into the game more. The back 4 dealt well with these incursions and kept Nixon's work load down to a couple of catches from crosses.
Nottsborough responded well and scored a 3rd before half time. A good passing move between Green, Bo, Leon and Warner resulted in Morris connecting with a well placed cross and finding the bottom corner.
The half time water must have been drugged as the 2nd half was completely different in shape and structure. OWC began to dominate and had pulled 2 goals back in fifteen minutes. The 1st was a debatable penalty as Bo allegedly pulled the shirt of the attacker. Nixon was left with no chance as the penalty found the bottom corner. The second came after the ball was conceded cheaply and a cross from the left to the far post not dealt with at all. Nixon again was given no chance by the finish.
OWC smelt an equaliser as Notts appeared to be on the ropes but Pierce, Bo, Duncan and Grove became more competitive in the contact area and the threat subsided as the heat took its toll. As the game began to lose shape Nottsborough struck for a 4th time.
Nixon fed Grove who wound up the right foot for a long, searching channel pass for Nick Green. Green drew the full back well and advanced towards the byline. Good awareness saw Green slide an excellent ball into the path of the rapidly advancing Morris to find the bottom left hand corner with an excellent finish.
The remaining ten minutes passed without a great deal of incident other than a calf strain for left back Watkins. 4-2 means the next round of the AFA Cup but it is fair to say this seasons 2s are a work in progress rather than the finished article.
Team: Nixon; Bo, Pierce, Grove, Watkins; Green, Phadnis, C.Kerr, Morris; Warner, Roberts.
Subs: Webbe, Tyers
Winchmore Hill 0 - 2 Nottsborough 22 Sep 07
One of the longest away trips of the season to Winchmore Hill is usually rewarded with an excellent game at an excellent club and this was no different. Notts were forced into a number of changes owing the Stag Do of Mr Phadnis but the 14 who were in attendance delivered a decent performance which was a significant advance on the previous weekend. Out were Phadnis, Morris, Nixon, & Bo. In came Cranny, Ted, and three recovering from injury players in Rolfe, Swindle and Atkins.
The game started at a decent pace but Notts were the quicker into their stride. Warner and Matt Kerr dominated midfield in the opening exchanges and set a decent tempo with quick incisive passes and a high work rate. Like an obedient dog the rest of us followed and Winchmore Hill were forced onto the back foot leaving Tom White a spectator. The first chance arrived after 5 minutes after a number of neat exchanges involving a hungry Atkins - Roberts was yet to find his range. Chris Kerr began to come to the fore and prompted a move that saw a Swindles cross fall to a quickly advancing Matt Kerr - his shot was gratefully smothered by a good Winchmore Hill keeper. Notts were up and running.
Like last week it was Leon Roberts who got Notts off the mark with a neat finish on 15 minutes. Matt Kerr, Warner, Atkins, Swindles & Chris Kerr combined to leave full back for the day Grove in space; his careful pass found Roberts inside the area who controlled and slid it under the advancing keeper into the net. An excellent team goal and a well deserved lead.
This prompted a spirited fight back by Winchmore Hill. Rolfe, Pierce, Watkins and Grove were alert to the danger however, and White was able to remain in his armchair enjoying a good book and a pot of tea. Once the mini storm was weathered Notts went after the all important 2nd goal. The wide midfield players - Swindle and Chris Kerr - were making inroads into a well organised back line and getting crosses into the box. None of them quite found their intended targets accurately but the tempo was impressive. On twenty five minutes a break away move resulted in a clear cut chance for Atkins after a great run by Chris Kerr - Atkins slid the ball wide unfortunately but his head did not drop. Attack followed attack with some good channel passes from Grove finding an alert and willing Atkins who in turn was using possession excellently every time. That the score remained 1-0 until half time was perhaps a little harsh on Nottsborough who were well on top.
The 2nd half saw Winchmore Hill come out fighting in the best possible way. Their full backs were adventurous and the wide midfielders were playing higher against the Notts back-line. Captain for the day Grove had promised all 14 a decent run and made some changes. Green was on for Watkins; Cranny for Roberts and Datta for Warner. This slightly disrupted our rhythm and gave the home team a glimmer of hope - the re shuffled back line stood firm again leaving White to field crosses and long range shots. The real question was could Notts get a 2nd and seal the game and the points?
The answer came in spectacular style. A series of well structured attacks led to the home defence getting stretched and leaving some space on the edge of the box for Ted. His first touch was good but his second touch was deadly. From a full 20-25 yards he struck a bullet of a shot past adespairing dive into the top corner. Not a goal that will be bettered easily this season. Notts had their deserved 2nd.
To their credit the home team did not consider giving in despite the hot weather and score line. They kept throwing everything at the Notts backline in an attempt to get back into the game. This lead to the game becoming stretched which suited Notts more although they did not create too many clear cut chances. The only chance fell to Chris Kerr who thought a good old fashioned thump towards the bottom corner was too vulgar and continued to dance his way around players in the box until finally forced into a weak cross. Younger brother Matt was not the sole of diplomacy with a comment of "just f**king shoot". Good point, well presented Matty!
The only real action left was a heavily dipping free kick form Nick Green which rattled the bar, followed by an excellent drive by the same player smacking against the left hand post. Both efforts deserved better as did Notts.
Two nil on the day, after so many changes, was a good result and the league effort is up and running with a well deserved three points. Even more impressive was the improved quality of play compared to last week. Maybe next week we will get even better.
Team: White, Grove, Pierce, Rolfe, Watkins, Swindle, M.Kerr, Warner, C.Kerr, Roberts, Atkins,
Subs: Green, Ted, Cranny
HSBC 2 – 3 Nottsborough (AET) AFA Kent / Surrey Cup 29 Sep
Roberts hat-trick caps fine team effort
Being the 2nd team captain is not an easy job. Technically there are 2 keepers in the 2s squad but neither were available today. Stand ins came and went like buses on Saturday morning, leaving Morris to face HSBC in the AFA Cup without a recognised custodian. Full credit to Jo, Danny, and Joel for stepping into the breach and performing excellently.
Onto the game. HSBC play at the finest ground in the SAL and the carpet laid before us was again superb. Resplendent in brand new kit - cheers Jonty and Chambo - the 2s were reminded that failure to win today would mean a number of blank weekends throughout the season. That fact was evident from the bright start made against a lively HSBC team.
Marsden, in for Warner, was excellent along with Ted - who was promoted to the starting 11 after last week's pyrotechnic goal - in central midfield and set a good tempo in the opening exchanges, with some searching passes seeking out the ever eager Cranny and the more subtle Roberts. This good start was rewarded with an early goal by Leon. A good through ball down the channel was well controlled allowing a clear run on goal. At this point it seemed as if it may go a little wrong as the ball got caught under Leon's feet. However, showing admirably calm Leon stepped inside a weak challenge and lifted the ball over the goalkeeper and into the net. 1-0 & Notts were on their way.
Or were they? HSBC came back strongly with their wide players linking with two well matched forwards to force a number of pressured moments for the Notts defenders. The pressure told and a corner was converted by the big Australian forward as some poor defending was punished. Notts eased their way back into the game and were profiting from placing passes between the full backs and centre halves for Cranny to run onto. Cranny looked liable to score during this period but was unlucky with a couple of efforts, whilst debutante Joel was beginning to see more of the ball in wide areas along with the talented Green.
Notts were beginning to shade an equal game but were relying on a few interventions from Pierce, Bo and Grove to protect Jo in goal. A 2nd goal was needed and Leon was again the man in the right place at the right time. A move down the left allowed Green to cut in onto his more favoured right foot and unleash a howitzer of a drive which the HSBC keeper was unable to hold - Roberts swooped like a skinny, Northern bird of prey to knock in the rebound. 2-1. It stayed 2-1 for virtually no time as Jo was left exposed by his defenders. The pacy number 15 seized on some over complicated play in the Notts midfield and rapidly advanced past Pierce, just evaded a sliding challenge from Grove and slipped it to his strike
partner who clipped it beyond Jo for an excellent goal. The only real action remaining saw Green whip a free kick just wide of the post and Grove make a decent intervention from a rapidly advancing number 9 on the Notts left to keep the scores level at 2-2 at half time.
The 2nd half saw Danny take over in goal after a flip of a Visa card by injured Lea. Phadnis took his place in centre mid. The second half was as open as the first but the goals would not come for either side. Danny made a number of good stops in the Notts goal especially when one on one with the Aussie forward. For their part Notts were playing some good football in parts but lost the bite and direction Danny had provided, with some of the passing a little too tight. However, Green was coming into
the game more and more - finding space and using it well. His best moment saw him skip round the left back, advance into the area and square for the advancing Cranny. However, Steve was unable to provide the decisive touch and the keeper was able to palm the ball to safety for HSBC. Again Pierce, Bo, Grove and Morris were working hard to protect the rookie keeper with all 4 making good interceptions, headers, and tackles over the course of the half.
Morris sent a positive message out by replacing Ted with 2nd debutante Ben Hughes - another from the Nottingham Uni production line - moving Joel into central midfield. These 2 worked a chance for the former who went for power ahead of placement and smacked the ball over the bar. 2-2 meant extra time.
Another change of keeper saw Joel go in nets and Danny return to strengthen central midfield for the 30 extra minutes. Prior to this period Notts talked about playing passes into the channel area and making the HSBC defence work a little harder than they were made to in the 2nd half. However, HSBC employed exactly the same tactic and nearly put Notts behind. A clipped ball caught Morris out of position and allowed the right winger a run on goal. With Grove desperately trying to make up lost ground a shot was hit that looked destined for the bottom corner. At this point Joel forgot about his hair and plunged to his right and somehow managed to tip the ball round the post. A close escape and a marvellous save. Notts reminded themselves of the effectiveness of the channel ball and forced a corner which led to the winner. An curling delivery saw Pierce challenge the keeper who spilled the ball - the lurking Leon spun and hit a sharp left footed volley thought the retreating keepers legs. 3-2.
The question was clearly could Notts finally hold onto a lead? The answer was an emphatic yes. With Marsden winning more tackles in midfield and Green, Hughes, and Cranny running the channels Notts made the rest of the game relatively undramatic - allowing Joel the luxury of a little lye down. The back 4 were in control throughout the remainder of the game and gave the team the basis to fashion 2 to 3 good chances which would have killed the game off. Those chances did not go in but Notts have their name in the hat for the next round.
All in all a good victory for Morris' men who showed good fitness and determination to progress despite the lack of a recognised keeper.
Starting team: Jo; Bo, Pierce, Grove, Morris; Green, Ted, Danny, Joel; Leon, Cranny; Sub: Hughes
2nd half Danny; Bo, Pierce, Grove, Morris; Green, Ted, Jo, Joel; Leon, Cranny;
Extra Time Joel; Bo, Pierce, Grove, Morris; Green, Jo Danny, Hughes; Leon, Cranny;
Goals - Roberts x 3
Man of Match(es) Jo, Danny, and Joel for obvious reasons.
Home v Old Tenisonians FC 1sts - AFA Intermediate Cup 1st Round 06 Oct
3.00pm Kick Off Kingston University
Referee Gareth Dineen
Old Tenisonians play in Blue & White Shirts
Nottsborough 2’s headed into their forth-competitive game of the season on the back of three good wins. Another perfect Kingston pitch greeted them and ideal conditions to face Old Tenisonians in the 1st round of the AFA Cup.
A lethargic warm up and fact the opposition arrived late and with only 10 players contributed to slow paced start to the game. Nottsborough played the possession game in the early exchanges with Ted gaining early control in midfield. The game was 20 minutes old when Nottsborough finally began to be more insightful in their play, with a quick move culminating with Danny Marsdon running through one on one led to the opening goal of the game. A 15 minute spell began with a combination of some poor errors, a number of off sides and more average passing before Nottsborough added their second thanks to good play down the right hand side and a good finish from Nick Gree.
A grilling from the team from Mark Grove at half-time brought a slight improvement from the side. Two second half goals from the excellent Nick green and Leon Roberts was mixed in with some good play, glaring misses and some lazy work. Strong performances from the second half subs Joel, Jim and Gaz was a strong contributor to this improved display.
Two injuries to Karl Warner and Ted lead to Nottsborough playing with 9 men for the final few minutes and is a worry as the squad look to make it 10 wins in a row next week, needing an improved display from one and all.
MOM Nick Green
Squad: Steve Beckett, Mitch, Grove, pierce, Morris, Greene, Warner, Marsdon, Cranny, Leon, Ted, Jim, Joel, Gaz
Green at the Double for 2s (Mark Grove report)
Won 4-0
Man of the Match - Green for 2 goals and for sticking to basics
Nottsborough 2s enjoyed the sunshine and the perfect pitches a little too much this weekend against a limited but determined Tennisonians Second XI. The pace of the game suited ten men Tennisonians as Notts rarely extended themselves out of 2nd gear.
The first half began with a series of passing moves from the 2s involving Ted and Danny in midfield and Green wide left. These did not
achieve anything tangible other than for Notts to discover that Tennisonians had statistically perfected the off-side trap. It was a question of 'when' not 'if' for the goals and the 1st arrived after the 1st quick passing movement from Notts - between Warner, Cranny and Roberts - resulted in a clipped low cross from the right which was converted by left midfielder Green. 1-0. Surely this was the cue for Notts to step up the tempo and put Tennisonians to the sword. Not quite the case. Notts slippled effortlessly back into 2nd and cruised for 15 minutes. The 2nd goal arrived somewhat inevitably when the pace was increased - Roberts tidying up another cross from the right. The 3rd arrived in similar fashion from Danny Marsden. A well deserved goal for a good team player.
Half time saw Morris rightly criticize us for a lack of pace and precision in our passing. The 2nd half started a little brighter with Notts looking to exploit the pace of sub Joel (on for the hard working Cranny) down the right along with the meadow afforded to Morris and Green down the left. It was to no real avail as the 2s could not get out of cruise and into overdrive.
Morris rightly rung some changes to give the subs a real game. Goldsmith came on for Marsden - with Green moving to central midfield; and Little Jim on for Pierce with Mitch moving to partner Grove at the back.
These changes made a little difference as Notts soon grabbed a 3rd after some neat passing left Joel with a crossing chance from the right; Green made the most of some awkward defending to score a deserved 2nd and our 4th. 4-0.
The downside after this was a knee injury to Ted as he went through one - on - one with the admirable keeper. We hope to see Ted back soon.
All in all this was the diametric opposite to last week's heroics at HSBC but we can learn from this. The lesson is essentially Notts have to play their own game, at their own pace rather than allow the opposition to effect them so much.
Team Beckett; Mitch, Pierce, Grove, Morris; Cranny, Datta, Marsden, Green;
Warner, Roberts.
Subs
Goldsmith
Joel
Little Jim
Old Actionians 1 – 2 Nottsborough 13th Oct
Notts Win Away at Actonians
Score: 2-1
Goals: Warner; Morris
Crowd: Datta & Lea
Nottsborough 2s arrived for the early kick off at Old Actonians in good spirits on the back of 9 straight wins. Only the 2nd SAL game of the year for Morris' men was going to prove a tricky fixture against a determined team on a good pitch.
Notts were not helped by the Friday withdrawal of centre-half Pierce who was playing host to Laurence Llewellyn-Bowen and doing some internal feng-shui nonsense. On the plus side Tom was back between the sticks and the lively and highly rated Ben Hughes was back in the squad.
Notts started as well as possible, keeping possession and forcing the Actonians defence into some panic ridden early action. The ball retention was good and the tackling sharp allowing Notts to settle the earlier of the 23 teams. The back 4 looked sharp despite two changes and were switching the play well and providing a solid foundation. The question was could they capitalize on their supremacy?
Put simply - yes. Good pressure on the left back forced a mistake and allowed Joel to skip into the box and find the rapidly advancing Warner who in turn drilled the ball into the bottom corner. 1-0 was a fair reflection. At this point Notts began to allow Actonians into the game a little aided by some odd decisions from the referee. The ball retention suffered more 1st time balls were attempted resulting in a loss of territory and some pressure for the back 4. Fortunately the "not so thin red line" stood firm aided by Marsden in midfield. White was finishing off his 1st pot of tea at this time whilst collecting the occassional cross. Actonians managed to perfect the off-side trap and repeatedly caught Warner and the willing Cranny causing Notts to become a little frustrated. On 25 minutes Morris beat the trap and advanced from his own half but took an ambitious 20 yarder on rather than advance into the area and make the keeper work. A few more chances were fashioned but an agile Actonians keeper kept them in it - 1-0 at half time.
Notts seemed a little slower out of the blocks and conceded territorial superiority for the 1st time in the game. Despite this White was done with his pot of tea and had moved on to an improving Tony Parsons novel - collecting a couple of free kicks well. Slowly Notts eased out of cruise control and began to win and use the ball better with Marsden doing well alongside Greene, and the well disciplined defence winning everything. This allowed a concerted period of pressure which saw opportunities spurned at an alarming rate until an excellent run by Morris resulted in a well placed right foot shot beating the keeper. A well deserved 2-0.
More chances were fashioned with the best seeing Cranny play an excellent ball behind a tiring full back for the adventurous Joel who drilled a cross just beyond Warner, Morris and Greene. Ben Hughes came on at this point and proved a real handful for the defence along with the excellent Warner - Hughes missing 2 or 3 chances after decent approach work. Would Notts pay for the missed chances? Yes is the all too predictable answer. Poor play in midfield saw Mitch left in no-mans
land allowing a decent ball to be slid in behind him, followed by a thumped finish. 2-1 and Actonians clearly fancied they could get a point.
Unfortunately for them Notts became a little more careful with the ball and competitive in the tackle to shut the game down defensively and create a couple more chances.
Notts 2s are definitely moving in the right direction slowly as 10 wins testifies. More work at training can erradicate some of the problems and lead to a real run on the SAL as well as the Cups.
Team White Mitch, Peachey, Grove, Webbe; Joel, Greene, Marsden, Morris;
Warner, Cranny;
Sub
Hughes
Man of the Match
The back 4 all did well but Greene's probing in midfield just shades it
this week.
Notts 4 - Old Esthamians 0 20 Oct 07
Notts Score Four
Goals: Joel; Roberts; Morris; Luke
Notts 2s were forced into a myriad of changes for the home encounter with Esthamians as the 1s were in need of Peachey, Pierce and Bo. Added to this forwards were in short supply as Cranny and Ben Hughes were away. Accordingly, Captain Morris went with a very continental 4-2-3-1 formation to try and put players in their best positions.
The game kicked off and Notts were again the quicker into their stride - playing with good pace and control. For their part Esthamians were working very hard to impose their 4-3-3 formation on the game. The opening exchanges were defined by Notts' greater ability to get behind the full backs and provide crosses for the attackers to feed on. On 7 minutes Webb and Grove managed to find debutante Luke in the inside left channel and his astute pass sent Morris tearing towards the touchline for a well placed cross into the box. Leon had a effort blocked but the ball fell
kindly to Mr Boy Band hair Joel who flicked it casually into the net. A deserved 1-0.
The goal seemed to have a disruptive effect on Notts who yet again fell into the trap of thinking they were better than they were and lost their rhythm completely. Esthamians upped their work rate and began to get some joy out by feeding their 2 wide players and asking them to run at full backs Webb and Mitch. Tom in goal was not really extended though as Noon's pace and Grove's positional sense - along with determined play by the full backs's - quelled the danger. Roberts held the ball up well in his lone striking role for the first half and played a few good balls into Joel but the first half ended with Notts frustrated with themselves for losing intensity.
A clear message was sent at half time to get back to basics and work harder and pass quicker. This had the desired effect as Notts began to move through the gears and played some good football. Green began to see more of the ball and impose himself on the game - setting Morris, Leon and Joel away on numerous occasions only for some determined defending to see Notts thwarted. Karl and Luke wrestled control of midfield as well and allowed the back 4 to enjoy a relatively stress free start to the 2nd half. The all important second goal came after a good passing move forced a corner on the left. Green's whipped delivery was met by the head of the prolific Leon for a superb angled header at the near post. 2-0 and just reward for Leon who was doing an excellent job up front alone.
The third goal came soon after and may well have been the pick of the day. Mitch played a good ball from the back to Joel. Our big haired Aussie beat his man and transferred the ball to the influential Green, who in turn played a delightful ball back for Joel to advance to the by-line and cross low and hard towards the far post where skipper Morris arrived to apply the final touch. An excellent team goal with the the 3 support players for Leon all heavily involved. At this time Karl damaged a hamstring and was replaced by Rob Boyne - himself just over a knee injury. Rob settled into the same deep role as Karl alongside Luke.
This did not disrupt Notts' momentum and they added a fourth, which was also a good team goal. A well placed free kick from Grove down the left channel was played inside by Morris to Leon, who beat his man with ease before playing a perceptive pass behind the centre half for the rapidly advancing Luke. Not content with his 'Makelele' reputation, Luke turned on the afterburners and placed the ball beneath the advancing keeper. Again a deserved reward for Luke's hard work.
At 4-0 Esthamians unsettled Notts with a couple of big tackles going in. Notts reacted in the worst way and stopped playing almost completely. Joel was lucky not to be dismissed with a flailing arm aimed at a full back who had a good handful of shirt. The lesson is clearly when you are winning you need to carry on doing exactly what it is you are doing rather than become involved. Rob's knee did not last the course unfortunately meaning that Notts actually did finish the game with 10 men. Esthamians
kept on coming at were unable to create a real chance before the referee called time.
4-0 is clearly a good result but again the 2s have work to do if they are to really challenge for honours this season. However, to collect 3 pointsafter all the changes in personnel and formation is testament to a goodteam spirit.
Team: White; Mitch, Noon, Grove, Webb; Karl, Luke; Joel, Green, Morris; Leon
Sub - Boyne
Goals - Joel, Leon, Morris, and Luke
Man of the Match: Leon - scored one and did a great job up front alone
Nottsborough 1 -1 West Wickham 27 Oct 07
Score: 1-1
Goal: Morris (pen)
Notts welcomed last seasons champions to Tolworth for a game that may prove important in deciding the destination of the title this season. West Wickham were sporting a few familiar faces from last season's 1st team so it was to prove to be a tough test. Team news was that Woody returned up front, Nimmo made his 2nd team debut at right back, and that Danny had small break from saving lives and was back in midfield. He followed the game with a 12 hour night shift though.
Onto the game. Notts started at a furious pace and quickly got to grips with Wickham's 3/5/2 formation. The visitors though - like all WW teams - were not giving anything away on the cheap. The early exchanges saw a couple of good passing movements from Notts down the right result in crosses that just eluded their targets in Woody and Leon. Wickham were
placing passes behind the Notts back 4 as well, with Nimmo, Webbe, Pierce and Grove needing to be alert and firm in the challenge. The first real chance was fashioned out of very little by Notts, and did have the keeper beaten only for the bar to come to his rescue. A Grove header was picked up Danny in midfield and transferred to Joel wide on the right. A quick pass inside to Green was followed by a neat pass to Leon. Roberts turned his man 25 yards out and floated a beautiful chip over a stranded keeper but unfortunately onto the bar and safely back to the keeper. Notts were encouraged by this and had an excellent 10 minute period with Morris receiving more ball wide on the left. Released by the probing Green Morris fired an excellent cross to the far post which Notts just failed to convert. Woody really came to the fore in this period and his hard work was nearly rewarded when he nicked the ball off a defender, advanced towards goal and struck a decent left footed effort just wide of the post.
Wickham were not out of the running and finished the half strongly. Their blond haired centre forward dropped a little deeper and tried to release their young flyer behind the "not quite Maurice Greene" like Pierce and Grove. Both centre backs made crucial interventions to prevent any clear cut chances, as did combative full backs Nimmo and Webbe. Tom was dealing excellently with corners and deep crosses to ensure the Notts goal remained safe. Half time - 0-0.
A positive half-time discussion resulted in Notts agreeing to carry on in the same vein in the 2nd half. Again Notts were the quicker to settle and began to look to create chances from wide positions. Joel and Morris both hit a couple of early crosses into the WW box only to see both central defenders win good headers. One of these defensive headers resulted in a
Notts throw taken by Nimmo. After a neat passage of play by Joel a cross towards Green in the box resulted in a foul by the WW number 4 and a penalty. Morris buried the ball for a just deserved lead. 1-0.
WW were more offensive after the goal and gradually asserted territorial superiority over Notts in the next 10 minutes. A couple of good passing movements resulted in crosses that were dealt with by a combination of the back 4 and White. Notts were being restricted to break always effectively but were still looking dangerous. Skipper Morris replaced the hard
working Woody with Phadnis, pushing Joel up front. His pace caused a few problems but WW were in the ascendancy at this stage and snuffed out the danger.
Set pieces were becoming the order of the day for WW with every free kick providing an opportunity to load the box with big defenders and create pressure. Grove, Pierce, Marsdon and Nimmo did well to win numerous headers and prevent any real chances. WW's midfield were beginning to cause real problems for Notts now and a cute pass towards the young
forward looked as if would result in a chance. However, Grove poked the ball away for a corner with Nimmo also covering well. From the corner a header into the box was scrambled clear by Pierce, Webbe and Morris. The pressure was mounting. Leon finally succumbed to his niggling hamstring at this point, replaced up front by Si Owen. Green was combining with Marsden to try and get Notts' rhythm going again and did succeed for short
spells but WW were determined to remain on the front foot.
With 5 minutes remaining WW forced a series of throw ins down the Notts left hand side that resulted in a neat channel ball for their long haired forward. Grove just mistimed his challenge and allowed a free kick on theleft hand side of the box - ten yards from the touchline. The left wing back had all the kings horses, men and carriages to aim at but instead went for goal and curled an effort beyond White into the top right hand corner. An excellent goal in fairness.
The remaining 5 minutes saw both teams fight for a winner without out it ever looking likely.
All in all this was an excellent advert for 2nd team football. The teams were very competitive but sporting, the referee was excellent, the pitch was fantastic, but as always the scampi and chips were average. This is the best Notts performance since HSBC and is the standard to be followed for the rest of the season.
Team: White; Nimmo, Pierce, Grove, Webbe; Joel, Marsden, Greene, Morris; Woody, Leon
Subs - Phadnis & Owen
Man of the Match
This is a really hard decision as all 13 played well and contributed
positively. However, as the defense were examined properly for the 1st
time and passed the award goes to debutante Nimmo for slotting
effortlessly into the problem position of right back. Webb and Pierce ran
him very close though with excellent games.
Nottsborough 3 - 2 HSBC 17 Nov 07
NOTTSBOROUGH FIGHT BACK
Score: 3-2
Goals: Roberts, Webbe, Warner
Nottsborough welcomed HSBC to Kingston University this weekend for a top of the table clash that lived up to its billing in terms of excitement and tension, if not in quality.
As ever the pitch was looking perfect and Nottsborough were keen to put the immense disappointment of last weekend’s non-performance behind them and get 3 points. A lot of effort had gone into ensuring this was the case with an extra fitness session on Tuesday meaning that the players were fit and ready. In terms of the team Morris rung the changes with Bo, Danny, and Leon returning to the starting line up and adding strength to the cause from the bench was Ben Hughes, Nimmo and Jo.
Onto the game. Notts started a little nervously and allowed HSBC into the game. A couple of simple passes were going astray conceding possession and territory to an adventurous away team, who were exploiting their pacy winger’s willingness to carry the ball excellently. As usual Webbe was diligent in his work and he limited the winger to a couple of crosses of no real consequence in the opening exchanges. On the other side of the pitch Joel started well and was pressurizing the full back well and looking to get behind and play balls into the box for the rich man’s Crouch that is Karl Warner and the predatory Leon. Roberts and Warner were not receiving great service up front in the early stages and had to resort to coming deep to find possession. HSBC were consequently in the ascendancy in this period and the made Notts pay by striking after 20 minutes. A very lose pass from midfield towards Webb was intercepted by a forward, who clipped an excellent ball into an area of uncertainty for Tom, Owen and Bo meaning the other forward was able to advance and place a neat volley past White and into the bottom corner.
The Notts response was heart-felt but lacking in quality. Morris and Joel escaped to the byline a couple of times but the crosses were not accurate enough. Green was getting more of the ball but his usual excellent passing was not coming to the fore. Danny was beginning to win the physical battle in midfield but could not claim total dominance. This lack of quality oddly played a part in the equalizer. Warner won a duel and played the ball wide to the willing Joel, who was felled earning a free kick. Morris’ usual excellent delivery failed and free kick was scuffed into the box. Warner reacted quickly and challenged the defender forcing a lose ball that the predatory Roberts forced into the net. A barely deserved equalizer. This state of affairs lasted a mere 5 minutes as the defence was again breached to easily. HSBC won a free kick on the left hand side of the box which was well delivered towards the penalty spot, where the number 9 had eased away from his marker to flick the ball past White into the bottom left hand corner. HSBC were on the up again and Owen, Grove, Bo and Webb all had to be on their mettle to clear danger before the end of the half.
The half time team talk focused on the lack of basics being performed well as well a couple of more tactical issues from Mr Williams. Morris bravely took the fight to HSBC with 2 substitutions. The jet heeled Hughes was on for goalscorer Leon – feeling his way back after a hamstring complaint; and Nimmo was on at centre half for Si Owen.
Notts started the 2nd half with far more fire and looked convinced that the game was there for the taking. Danny and Green quickly began to master centre midfield and Karl’s hold up play offered a real platform to build from. The back 4 were also far more competitive with some big tackles from Grove and Nimmo giving the forwards an early notice of intent.
Pace is a quality not too much in evidence for Notts 2s, but in Ben Hughes we have found a real flyer. Released down the inside left channel after Danny won a bruising challenge Ben set off towards the opposition’s net with defenders looking nervous. Having left the right back trailing he came inside the centre half and tried to get a shot away – which was just blocked. The HSBC defence looked a little worried though and instantly abandoned their off-side trap and played deeper allowing Notts to gain the ascendancy. Joel and Morris were now getting more possession – served well by Warner, Danny and Green, and managed to force a series of crosses and corners allowing pressure to build on HSBC for the 1st time in the game. A couple of good passing moves were now coming for Notts although clear cut chances were not as yet coming.
An excellent ball from Green released Warner down the inside left channel after 10 minutes who in turn played it wide to Morris. A quick exchange between these 2 allowed Webb a shooting chance from 20 yards. The wee-man turned it onto his right foot and let fly with a bullet of a shot that flew into the far corner past a despairing dive. Notts were back to 2-2 and had some momentum. This momentum was maintained with Hughes, Warner, Green and Morris all getting half chances to put Notts ahead over the course of the next 10 minutes. However, the game was open and the improved back 4 needed to be alert to the danger of the counter attack, which was effectively quelled by the well positioned full backs, with Grove and Nimmo making some decent tackles which forced the 2 forwards deeper away from the real contact areas. HSBC rallied with 20 minutes remaining and created a couple of half chances from some deep crosses – one of which Webb nearly turned into his own net but for a crucial intervention from Tom in goal. White surpassed this with a flying save from a left footed shot from outside the box just minutes later keeping the scores level.
Notts heeded the warning and went on the attack immediately. Grove released Morris down the inside left channel who in turn played it inside for Hughes, who slipped having worked himself some space for a shot. The hard working Joel was replaced by Jo at this point – who added fresh legs to the cause. Notts, through Danny and Green prompted away seeking a weakness in the HSBC back line – with a combination of Bo, Morris and Hughes being released in turn, all of whom were seeking the Trojan horse that is Karl Warner in the box. The service into Karl was not perfect but the big man was taking good positions up constantly and occupying 2 defenders all the time. Notts forced a series of corners but again the delivery was poor meaning the pressure was coming to nothing. However, the best was yet to come.
A decent passing move down the left involving most of the midfield quartet and Ben Hughes resulted in Morris being fed on the left touchline with a the cavalry charging towards the box. Morris looked up and sent a long, curling delivery towards the back post where Warner had been lurking all 2nd half. Suffice to say that once finally served Karl applied an astute finishing touch that nestled satisfyingly in the back of the net for our 3rd goal. Excellent effort looked like being rewarded with an excellent result.
HSBC had one last attempt at gaining an equalizer but the Notts defence closed the door firmly. The come back was complete and the 3 points were added to the total.
Team: White, Bo, Owen, Grove, Webb, Joel, Green, Danny, Morris, Warner, Roberts
Subs: Hughes, Nimmo, Phadnis
Man of the Match: Quite a few contenders this time out. Joel worked hard all game; Bo was his usual efficient self in defence. Webb defended well and scored a screamer. But this time out Karl takes the plaudits for a selfless 90 minute shift up front and the winning goal
Notts Battle RAF AFA Intermediate Cup 07 Nov 07
Score: 0-1
Notts travelled to RAF Uxbridge to play FC Icarus - a team of Officers from the RAF - in the AFA Intermediate Cup. Having exited the Surrey-Kent Cup rather ingloriously Notts were determined to put up a better show in the more prestigious competition. The cause was not helped by losing Pierce, Warner, and Green to social engagements, and Danny and Bo to the 1st team. However, the 14 who were in attendance gave absolutely everything and may make it hard for the absentees to reclaim their places.
The game was played on the stadium pitch - which sounds rather glorious but in truth it was damaged by a Rugby League game on the Thursday. The RAF team started the brighter and were about Notts physically from the off. However, the Notts starting 11 were not to be intimidated in any way and went about trying to establish their pattern of play. Morris, partnering Phadnis in central midfield, was quickly to the fore, making tackles and distributing the ball efficiently. Jo alongside him was working hard and pressuring his opposite number. Despite the hard work Notts were penned in a little and were struggling to release the flying machine (badum tusch) that is Ben Hughes. Leon alongside him was seeing a little of the ball but was not able to release his strike partner.
The - again - redesigned Notts back 4 of Webb, Grove,Nimmo and Mitch were began to come undergo an examination after 10 minutes. Icarus had the upper hand and seemed to have spare men out wide all the time. A series of headers, tackles and interventions later eased the pressure and allowed Notts their 1st positive piece of possession. Joel tracked back excellently to help Mitch and won the ball from the wide midfielder. A quick one-two with Morris saw the Aussie winger set off towards the touchline having exchanged passes with the subtle Leon. The cross was a good one and sought out Chambo or Hughes in the box but was just scrambled (I'm here all week - try the scampi) away. The next passage of play saw Chambo receive a swollen cheek and their midfield enforcer lose a tooth in a collision straight from WWF! To be fair their bloke simply pulled his tooth out and carry on. Chambo looked momentarily dazed but as he has no feeling in that over-sized Brummie pumpkin head of his he carried on as well.
The Notts backline were again under a concerted amount of pressure and were nearly undone a couple of times before the twenty minute mark. A neat ball in to the solitary forward was followed by a neat turn and a shot blocked by Grove. Within minutes a cross from their right found it's way onto a post, with the follow up also hitting an upright under pressure from Grove and Webb. The pressure finally told after 25 minutes and the goal came from a corner. Nothing clever from FC Icarus - but a mistake in defence. A missed header allowed the number 9 a clean header which White could not prevent from going in.
The remainder of the half saw Notts midfield 4 work themselves back onto an even plane (badum tusch) but not quite manage to provide opportunities for the pair up front.
The half time team talk was positive regarding the effort levels - which were good - whilst asking for a little more quality. The message seemed to get through as the effort levels were near heroic again, and the quality increased a touch. Leon started the half by linking play neatly but the final ball the Hughes was not good enough. To his eternal credit Hughes never hid and worked ceaselessly. Morris and Jo were again to the fore in trying to release Chambo and Joel out wide but again the quality of the pass was a little amiss on the awkward pitch. FC Icarus attempted to reestablish their supremacy with an aerial bombardment (try the veal) which the back 4 dealt with well despite a swirling wind. On 15 minutes Notts worked the ball to the edge of the box and Hughes got off a shot which was blocked for a corner. The delivery from Morris was good and Nimmo's effort was blocked. Notts were beginning to get the better of the territory. Leon again showed excellent composure to send Joel scampering away down the far touchline but his cross was cleared away for another corner. Morris delivered well to the back post where Grove's header sailed just above the bar.
FC Icarus' one real effort came almost straight away which White smothering a long range effort and seizing the rebound well. Back onto the offensive then for Notts in the diminishing light. Substitutes, Cranny, Luke and Si Owen added fresh legs and renewed passion. Possession was being secured but no real chances were created. Hughes had another snap shot blocked. Chambo had a decent half chance stopped. A series of long throws and corners in the dying minutes generated alot of pressure but again no clear sights on goal. The referee blew up to the delight of the opposition and the dismay of Notts.
The levels of effort were Herculean in matching a very well conditioned team but Notts lacked a final ball all game which put paid to their 2nd cup campaign of the season. The missing men face an anxious week to see if they can reclaim their places as those who managed to find time in their busy lives to play football at 3 o-clock on a Saturday did themselves and the club proud.
Team: White, Mitch, Nimmo, Grove, Webb, Joel, Jo, Morris, Chambo, Hughes, Leon;
Subs: Owen, Cranny, Luke Kelly
Man of the Match
Load of contenders for effort but Morris takes the crown this weekend for a really honest shift in central midfield.
Nottsborough 0 - 0 EBOG 12 Jan ‘08
After a disjointed game against a 9-man opposition the previous week (which only served to confirm what we already knew - Micky Lyons can simultaneously take on 9 men and that Nimmo and Bonse are half wits) the 2's were looking to this game to get their form back on track. Late withdrawals from Webby (bowels) and Micky (dropped to the 1's) handed starts the resurgent Lea and the ginger beard of Nick Green. Despite these omissions a decent squad of 13 took to the hallowed, sodden, but still impressively playable turf of Tolworth.
East Barnet definitely started the game brighter, their direct and lively play unsettling a Notts team that were struggling to organise their two banks of 4. Despite giving away a few needless set pieces around the box, the opposition struggled to get any decent efforts on the Notts goal and their chances diminished as the half went on. After a ropey first 25 mins (which saw Leon leave the field for Cranny after a persistent hamstring injury flared up) all 11 started to show some character to begin to turn their performance around. The home team gradually began to assert themselves, started winning their battles and even threatened to string 3 passes together. Half time saw Notts leave the field having threatened little on goal but also having shown good character to gradually nullify EBOG.
With the back 4 settled, big Carl dominating the midfield aerial battle and the wide men getting more of the ball, the second half started with Notts looking to finally dominate the game and play some good football. It took about 10 minutes for the EBOG front line to finally run out of steam and for Whitey to become a virtual spectator. The game opened up after this and Notts began to knock to ball around well, but ultimately struggled with any real penetration into the box (we've all been there). It wasn't until the 70 minute mark that a good diagonal run from Morris into the area was picked out, only for him to send a difficult chance a yard over.
With a very pedestrian back 4 starting to slacken, chances for the Notts attack seemed imminent. Despite this and some good approach play the home side just couldn't muster the quality, incisive attack play that was required to beat a very, very good EBOG keeper (apparently a ringer back from University, bloody students).
That was, however, until a good through ball on 80 mins sent Andreas through on goal with only the keeper to beat. Unfortunately the keeper still hadn't gone back to university at this point and was quick to close the angle and smother Atkins' effort. Credit to Notts who worked doggedly until the end but ultimately it wasn't to be. This was never truer than on 90 mins as Cranny broke through on goal. 12 yards out with only the keeper to beat he tried to slip the ball inside for the on-rushing Atkins, only for a plucky East Barnet defender to get the slightest of touches and take it away from him. The resulting melee saw the another EBOG defender reach the loose ball first and, on the edge of his 6 yard box, lose his footing, and smash it straight against another defender who had scrambled back on the line.
Good commitment all round, but ultimately a day of missed chances.
MOM - Their Keeper
Nottsborough 3 -1 Old Actonians (League)
Hughes Ends Notts Goal Drought
Score 3-1
Scorers: Hughes x 2, Robson
Notts 2s are a formidable defensive unit – conceding just once in 3 games – but have been struggling lately for goals. That changed this Saturday and it was Ben Hughes to the fore.
The game started with the traditional 3-4 changes from the week before but despite this Notts settled into a good rhythm, prompted expertly by Lyons and Marsland in central midfield. With these 2 dominating and Roberts and Hughes looking lively up front Old Actonians were put on the back foot in the early stages. Twice break-aways were nearly converted into goals, with both Roberts and Hughes a little unlucky with efforts towards the pink mohicaned custodian.
However, the defence was looking a little less assured than usual and were repeatedly a yard off their man. This lead to the taller of Actonians’ 2 French forwards hitting the post after 15 minutes. Warning heeded Notts broke away and scored for the 1st time in 3 weeks. A neat interchange of passes between Lyons, Webbe, Morris and Marsland led to Hughes being fed an inaccurate ball down the side of the centre half. Despite looking favourite the centre half was surprised by Hughes’ sheer pace and was beaten to the ball, as was the advancing keeper with the ball ending up nestled in the net from an acute angle. An excellent finish from an improving player. Actonians rallied briefly but Nottsborough were the dominant force, with a few chances being carved out for the forwards. Bo made an excellent intervention just before half time after an excellent cross to send Notts in 1-0 up a t half time.
The 2nd half began much as the 1st half ended with Notts looking a little more dangerous but with Actonians playing a full part. Bo started the half excellently and was defending well and linking with the midfield of Lyons and Marsland to set up a few crossing opportunities. None of these amounted to much as Notts sought the killer 2nd goal. Actonians were beginning to commit more and men forward to support the men from France, who - unusually – showed no sign of surrendering in the face of an implacable foe. Tom White was relatively untroubled in goal until the 20th minute. A tackle by Grove on the edge of the box on Pepe les forward was followed by an ambitious dive, including pike with twist. After a little laughter and no little nonsense in the aftermath the Fernando Alonso look-a-like midfielder rolled a free kick under the jumping wall and past an unsighted Tom White.
Actonians took heart from the equalizer and attacked constantly for 5-10 minutes. In this time Grove tackled Pepe Les Forward well in the area, again leading to a little air based gymnastics. When in Rome Pepe, when in Rome. Lea and Bo made vital interceptions in this period and gradually composure returned to the Notts 2s and territorial superiority returned. A few half chances were fashioned but the keeper looked equal to the challenge every time. However, Robson, on for Phadnis, had over ideas. A period of pressure resulted in Hughes getting clear of the large centre half and managed to turn an excellent ball into the area. The keeper was beaten by the flight and Robson emerged from nowhere to touch home a deserved goal for his excellent work rate after a period out injured. A deserved 2-1 lead.
The defence again come under a little pressure but had emerged from the lethargy of the 1st half and were well on top of the foreign legion. A 3rd goal followed just before the end and represented the pick of the crop. Morris, having unwisely used his right foot all game, remembered he was left footed and delivered an excellent ball across the six yard box. Like the good forward he is Hughes sprinted across his defender and touched the ball past the keeper. 3-1 and a well deserved 3 points was in the bag and the chase after Carshalton was back on track. 2 games in hand, 9 points behind and very much game on.
Team: White; Bo, Lea, Grove, Webbe; Phadnis, Lyons, Marsland, Morris; Hughes, Roberts.
Subs: Hawkins, Robson.
Man of the Match – Ben Hughes. 2 goals scored, 1 created and an excellent forward display
HSBC 1 -3 Nottsborough 09 Feb ‘ 08
Notts Bank 3 Points at HSBC
Goals
Hawkins
Hughes x 2
Notts travelled to HSBC in good spirits after a 3-1 win vs Old Actonians that got a stuttering title effort back on track and started confidently despite a resahped midfield. Hawkins made a 1st start on the left, Angry Man Green on the right, with Morris partnering Phadnis in the middle. A bright start was made by Notts who went a goal upin 4 minutes. Morris won a header in midfield which went towards the left back, under pressure from Roberts and Green. He misplaced an attempted pass and Hawkins sped in from the left and converted coolly to put Notts ahead. 1-0.
HSBC stirred to life after this with their midfield 2 putting in some hefty challenges and feeding the willing winger and forwards. Good work by Bo and Lea averted danger a couple of times and allowed White to be left to collect a couple of crosses. Notts for their part were playing some good football into Roberts and Hughes who were looking sharp without really getting chances on goal. Webbe was forced off with a hamstring injury, to be replaced by fashion guru Nimmo at left back.
A corner was conceeded on 20 minutes that led to the equaliser. A simple affair really, a chip into the box was met with a downward header from a big centre half. 1-1. The half time whistle blew with an equal and competitive game in progress.
The 2nd half was better for Notts. The defence stepped the vital half yard closer to their man, the midfield were a little more spiky in the challenge and the quality football flowed a little more freely from Notts. Hughes had the measure of the centre half now and was causing real trouble every time he had the ball but the keeper was yet to be really tested. On 10 minutes Notts produced the best move of the game. Bo and Green kept possession excellently down the right and fed Roberts on the edge of the area, who in slipped an excellent ball into the path of the overlapping Bo. The cross was good but was just cut out before Hughes could strike. Notts were warming to the task now.
With 20 minutes remaining the ball fell to Nimmo who played it inside to Grove. Hughes began to peel off the centre half and was found by an excellent 2 iron from Grove, a great first touch followed to beat the defender for pace making the finish a formality. 2-1 and a deserved lead for Notts. HSBC stirred again but were dependant on set pieces to really threaten Notts' goal. Bo, Nimmo, Lea and Grove won some important challenges and kept Tom relatively quiet in goal. Morris and Phadnis were getting through the miles in the middle of the park and keeping pressure on the opposition well. Roberts was replaced by Luke with 15 to go who also worked tirelessly.
The 3rd goal came from an excellent move down the right. Green, Phadnis and Bo set Hughes free down the inside right channel and his pace took him clear of the defence. Cutting in his shot was flicked past the keeper with Hughes claiming it was on its way in anyway. Who cared really? Well apart from Hughesy? 3-1 away from home was all that mattered and 3 points safely won.
The game saw some decent football by Notts and a prodigious level of commitment. Keep this up and we may just have a shout at collecting some silverware.
Team
White
Bo, Lea, Grove, Webbe (Nimmo);
Green, Phadnis, Morris, Hawkins;
Hughes, Roberts (Luke)
Subs - Luke & Nimmo
MoM
Loads of candidates - Hughes, Bo, & PHadnis all had excellent games but
this week it was Pete Morris. Notts' answer to Robbie Savage!!
Nottsborough 4 Winchmore Hill 0 16 Feb 08
Notts Score Four
Notts welcomed Winchmore Hill for the return game at Kingston University after a really close encounter at the Paulin Ground on the opening day of the season. The Notts team saw a debut for Tom Blackmore in midfield,
Chambo installed on the right of midfield, and the return of Andreas for Leon up top - still struggling with a hamstring injury.
The game started well for Notts, with a couple of decent passing movements and a good degree of effort. For their part Winchmore looked much changed from the 1st game, but their dark haired centre midfielder was proving a real threat, with some good passing and excellent runs. Indeed it was Winchmore Hill who had the 1st effort on goal - but Tom was able to gather with ease. Notts were stung into a little less conversation, a little more action. Hawkins began to be fed earlier and was looking dangerous, however, the Winchmore Hill right back was to prove a tough opponent. First blood was drew when Tom and Chambo worked the ball to Hughes just inside the penalty area. Hughes dragged the ball back with his right foot and shot early with his left foot, sending the ball to the keeper's left via a slight deflection. One nil and Notts looked a little moreconfident.
Morris began to make some tackles and feed Tom's quick feet a little more, whilst Chambo was working very hard on the right, making some typically robust challenges. Indeed it was these three players who fashioned and scored the 2nd goal. Morris and Tom won a little tussle in the centre circle and worked the ball wide to Robert Keith Chamberlain wide right. The Raging Bull took the pass in his stride and struck from a full 25 yards past a surprised keeper. 2-0 and Chambo celebrated by getting some massive air! Andreas Atkins then came to the fore, turning his marker a couple of times in quick succession and setting Hughes free. Hughes was a little unlucky to be denied by the defender and a slightly wayward shot. Winchmore Hill became a touch frustrated and some slightly late challenges came in, with Notts responding to some of these with a few tackles of their own. The referee seemed to be on the verge of losing control but managed to reclaim a little lost ground by finally booking a Winchmore Hill player for a high challenge on the Robbie Savage-esque Morris. Half time was a welcome break for all concerned.
The 2nd half began with Winchmore Hill throwing the kitchen sink at tryingto get back into the game with a goal. The Notts backline of Bo, Lea, Grove and Nimmo, were Germanic in their efficiency in dealing with a few incursions, allowing Tom to stick the kettle on, and enjoy an article in The Times. Tom was beginning to really enjoy himself in central midfield - his quick feet freeing Hawkins down the left, who was unlucky to be
directly up against a very good and quick full back. Hawkins was too clever for him on ten minutes and wriggled his way to the by-line only for his cross to just elude Andreas and Hughes. The pressure was building now and Winchmore Hill were being pinned back increasingly, with their keeper hardly helping by refusing to clear the ball long. The pressure finally told and the 3rd goal came. Joe Holden, on for a tiring Chambo, combined with Andreas to feed Bo on the | 
