NOTTSBOROUGH 7  CARSHALTON  1           LEAGUE                             SATURDAY, MAY 1

Nottsborough 3's turned up with a much changed team for their final game of the season against Carshalton, with stalwarts Apaloo, Carder and McMillan all making the step up to the First XI. Again, Notts relied on Santry's much vaunted academy to bring in the excellent Alec and Reed, with Craven and Dave also making Nottsborough debuts. Crucially, Corcoran Snr had also passed a late fitness test and declared himself available for that all important third substitute's spot.

To liken the game to Barcelona v Arsenal would be a bit much, but it is fair to say that despite being 3rd bottom and just avoiding relegation, Carshalton took the game to Notts playing some fast attractive football, and rightly took the lead when the right-winger raced onto a neat through ball to lob Pearse in the Notts' goal. There was a short inquest into who was at fault, with Mitic pointing at Collins, and Collins pointing at Santry, and Santry looking pretty uncomfortable still working out how he got megged.

Notts came back strongly and the open and attacking style of Carshalton's game played into the hands of the League Champions who moved through the gears. First Dave equalised, turning in Collins' cross-cum-shot for Notts' 100th goal of the season. Next it was Alec, who courtesy of a wicked deflection gave Notts the lead, before George B added a third with a header from a good Emery corner just before half-time.

3-1 was a fair reflection on the game at the break, with both sides pointing to good chances that had gone begging in the first 45 minutes. This was not however the case in the second half, a 45 minutes in which Notts' produced some of their very best football of the season. First Santry added a 4th for Notts with a typical scuff shot that found the corner. Next up Alec made it 5, capping off some fantastic wing play. Number 6 came from Craven, on for Reed and finishing smartly after more good work from George B.

With about 10 minutes to go Notts were awarded a penalty for a harsh hand-ball (at 6-1 I think most people would have forgiven the ref had he turned a blind eye). Having moved outfield from goalkeeper (Corcoran Jnr replacing him for the last 20 minutes) the ball was passed to Pearse. With great swagger and confidence Pearse managed to blast the ball high and wide, meaning Notts had missed 6 straight penalties (by four different player). This was however one of the worst! With time running out however Pearse (one of only two non-scorers for the team this year, which as a goalkeeper is fair enough) nicked the ball off the tiring Carshalton defence, and without looking up powered in a superb left-foot shot to finish off a comprehensive 7-1 victory.

Plenty more chances came and went but 7-1 left everybody happy and ready to celebrate. And so we did - in some cases like it was 1999. Lead by Mitic, and with various girls joining the party as the night progressed (one of whom proposed to Corcoran Snr), the season finished with a few topless players being ejected from a place where it's pretty hard to be ejected from. Most people blamed Chris Kerr.

TEAM: PEARCE, COLLINS, DAVE, OWEN, MITIC, ALEC, SANTRY, EMERY, BECKETT, REED, BOWMAN, CRAVEN, CORCORAN JNR, CORCORAN SNR

GOALS: ALEC (2), DAVE, CRAVEN, SANTRY, BOWMAN, PEARCE

BOOKINGS: NONE

MoM: HE’S COME OH SO CLOSE ON SO MANY OCCASIONS THIS SEASON, AND HAS BEEN A FANTASTIC ASSET TO THIS TEAM. SO THIS WEEK IT GOES TO THE MAIN MAN, PADDY COLIINS. STRONG (AND UNUSUALLY ACCURATE) IN THE CHALLENGE, COMPOSED ON THE BALL, GREAT IN THE DISTRIBUTION. THAT MAN’S AN ASSET TO ANY TEAM.

MoN (MAN OF NIGHT): DEAN MITIC. AWESOME SHIFT.

SPECIAL MENTION: MARTIN CORCORAN. CORCORAN JNR. THE ONLY MAN IN THE WHOLE SQUAD TO HAVE NOT SCORED A GOAL THIS YEAR. THAT’S 0 OUT OF 106. AND, HE TOLD ME HALF WAY THROUGH THE YEAR THAT HE’D PLAYED CENTRE FORWARD UNDER 9’s TO UNDER 18’s!

NOTTSBOROUGH 2   CROUCH END VAMPIRES 1     LEAGUE                SATURDAY, APRIL 24

Notts embarked on the fixture knowing a solitary point would secure a deserved league triumph. Only an extraordinary turn of events, in similar to vein to that of Hull City, would find them finishing second.

Crouch End turned up at 3pm, well half of them did, and the match kicked off not long after. Early exchanges signalled Crouch End’s intentions to play the off side trap – always a risky proposition with no linesmen, as Nottswere to find out to their disadvantage later on.

It was apparent from the off that Crouch End didn’t look like a bottom two side – only they will know how that team has found themselves there – and with a dry pitch and hot conditions the going was quite tough in the early part of the match. Two creative movements in particular created good opportunities; a cross from Crofty was met well by Beckett only to see his header drop into the keepers hands. Leon, who’s match day lumberjack dress had been missed in the previous 6 weeks, also headed over from 10 yards. A pull back from murphy saw jono force the keeper into a great reaction save. Notts looked comfortable for large parts, although scoring opps were hard to come by as the game wore on.

The high lines operated by both sides were going to cause some contention at some stage and Notts were the first to suffer; as two looked to be marginally off side just insideNotts half, the Crouch end striker looked favourite to beat George one on one, only for him to take it wide after good work by the keeper. Just as it looked like Notts had bodies back, he clipped it back across and his strike partner nodded into an empty net.

As usual when we have gone one nil down, tensions rose slightly; ‘Ross you’re a mentalist’ was perhaps a little harsh from Deano – but both were to have larger parts to play later in the game.

Strong words at half time saw Notts again take the upper hand in the second half, gaining several corners but lacking any real scoring opportunities. Captain Simon led by example for the Notts equaliser, picking the ball up deep as he so often does, only this time, he brushed a couple of tough challenges aside – with his hand the vampires claimed – and the ball broke to Leon on the edge of the box. Such was the furore about the ‘hand ball’, Leon probably didn’t get the credit he deserved for a tremendous volleyed effort which left the keeper motionless.

1-1, with the title in the bag but with no draw to call on all season, Notts pushed for the winner and it eventually came. A corner and a lofted cross dropped towards centre half Mitic. With visions of pre match warm ups in their minds, all Notts players jogged back and set themselves up for a goal kick as the ball dropped ever closer to him. Only as we were all getting our shape did we realise the ball had squeezed into the bottom corner, a truly fantasticRobbenesque strike.

As Crouch End pushed, Notts broke towards the end of the game and great work by the weaving Matt Beckett earntNotts a penalty for blatant hand ball. Martin and elder brother Michael were on the pitch by this stage. Inspired by Michael’s early chat when sub of ‘I’ll play Simon, I can’t kick it but I can run’ – Martin took on board Michaels wise words of ‘low and laces’. Up he stepped curling the ball high and wide into the neighbouringallotments, and for the next hour proceeded to ask whether it really was as bad as it looked.

All in all, a win much needed win to secure the title and march on towards a phenomenal points record. The game never looked in doubt, and despite anxiety at times, Nottsdid more than enough to win the game. Tireless running in midfield on an unforgiving surface from Ross and Jono, and some strong decisive heading and tackling from the centre half pairing meant that, as so often this season, therest of the team could take confidence and build going forward safe in the knowledge very little was going to get past us. For the most part we lacked the cutting edge, but not for the first time this season we dug deep and conjured up a result when required.

TEAM: PEARCE / ROCHER / OWEN / MITIC / COLLINS / CROFT / EMERY / SANTRY / MURPHY / ROBERTS / BECKETT + CORCORAN / CORCORAN

SCORERS: ROBERTS / MITIC

BOOKINGS: NONE

MoM: ON A LESS THAN CONVINCING DAY, IT HAS TO GO TO ROCHER, TOM ROCHER FOR YET ANOTHER ASSURED AND DETERMINED DISPLAY AT RIGHT BACK. TOM'S HAD A BRILLIANT FIRST SEASON WITH NOTTS.

KEW ASSOCIATION  0   NOTTSBOROUGH 1          LEAGUE                         APRIL 17, 2010

BOTTLE

So this was it, a day what Tim Flowers might have referred to as one to show we have ‘bottle’. The day that the league title could be sewn up barring some freak results. ‘Kew away’ at any other point in this season would not normally have presented a banana skin based purely on the results each team have on paper. But this was ‘Kew away’ on a bobbly baked-hard pitch, ‘Kew away’ who had the incentive to upset the apple-cart and claim a scalp, ‘Kew away’ where nerves could take hold, ‘Kew away’ which can be an absolute sod to get to during Saturday traffic across London and make a few players late for kick off!

It was hoped that what would emerge from this game is answers to some questions that have been nagging the team all season….. would Nottsborough have the bottle? Would Si and Deano finally work out the offside trap after 28 games? Would Apaloo lay the simple ball square in the box? Would Jono decide to not shoot from anywhere? Would Beckett realise that doing 5 mile runs within a day of a game actually make you heavy legged? Would Steve pass to anyone but Carder?

Alas, only the former would be answered …Yes they would, despite a very spirited performance by Kew

Going into their 28th game of the season the 3’s fielded another generally settled team with only one or two changes based on the late arrival of the centre-midfield pairing, creating a start for the new French lad, Didier. It was a case of déjà-vu heading back to Kew’s ground after only playing there on Tuesday against Weirside, picking up a solid 4-0 result. Talking of that game, the match report below is bordering on a piece of literary prose ….I’m still trying to work out what “disdain” means … I thought he was the Pompey centre-half??

Kew had been termed the ‘land of the giants’ by match reports from other clubs, but our home game failed to show why. For this game Kew reinstated their 6ft 4 and 6ft 2 midfield pairing …. now we can see why!

As a spectacle there wasn’t much in the first half for the purist to watch or for the journalist to write home about. In fact I saw one of the ladies in an overlooking house close her curtains when Mitch tried a long pass. The Pitch was hard that required a second touch (or 4th for Mitch), passing was made difficult and Kew set up in a very organised manner to frustrate Nottsborough, which they duly did very well. Nottsborough, though having the lion’s share of possession, still didn’t get out of second gear which allowed Kew to be in the game (this reporter was still astounded how Apaloo and Beckett came at half-time in 85 degree heat without a sweat on!!). Despite hitting the bar and a few half-chances in and around the box there was nothing clear-cut and the score remained goalless at half-time. Was this going to be the banana skin? Was Kew going to be Chelsea’s Tottenham? What did gaffer Owen have for the team at half time?

Raise the tempo, press them, put the extra pass in and play it like a cup final …no this wasn’t an extract from a ‘football clichés’ book, it was the rhetoric of the half-time team chat and was exactly what was needed. On came Jono for the French lad, Pascal, and a relentless push to get the goal ensued. Nottsborough took a grip of the game and were pushing the ball around well now, numerous half chances started to emerged for the likes of Carder, Apaloo (with a sweat), McMillan (with auburn) and Croft. A little tactical switch to bring Emery on in midfield just provided the catalyst needed to push on. Nottsborough actually played some very good football for 20 mins and really knocked the ball from side-to-side well, it was exactly the thing to do on this hot day to keep pulling the defence around and not resort to long-straight balls. Finally the breakthrough came with a chance opening up for Santry on the edge of the box, who duly dispatched it very well by cleanly striking the ball (a first) low into the bottom corner.

Nottsborough then played out the rest of the game to make sure the result was in the bag. It wouldn’t be the same to not see Deano and Si stepping out and leaving the centre-forward to go through, but between them and George they recovered well.

In the end it was a very pleasing case of ‘job done’ and illustrated what the 3’s have done well all year by adapting to the conditions and stepping up when they needed to. Though not a pleasing spectacle to the fan who may have paid his pound to watch, it was actually quite enjoyable for the Nottsborough lads. Credit to the number 4 at Kew for an excellent job he did in defence that day as Apaloo is a handful at anytime (and he showed what a better player he is than the tackle for the sending off at our place), and to the old boy alongside for his performance on the day, his comments to us afterwards and for then going to play another 90 against Actonians!!!

A big final week lies ahead for the 3’s with games on Sat-Tues-Sat. The extra point to make absolutely sure is needed, but the team want more than that and will be focused to get as many points as they can. Then attention can be turned to decide ‘Game of the Season’ …early contenders include Winchmore away, Owens (3-2) at home, EBOG cup final, Owens away and Civil Service …… and can those nagging questions be answered!!

TEAM: PEARCE // ROCHER // MITIC // OWEN // PAUL (SANTRY 45’) // BECKETT (EMERY 65’) // CROFT // McMILLAN // CORCORAN // APALOO // CARDER

GOALS: SANTRY

BOOKINGS: NONE

MoM: TO BE HONEST THIS WEEK WAS A SUPERB CASE OF ‘DO WHAT IT TAKES’. LOTS OF SOLID PERFORMANCES, BUT NOT ALL THAT MANY THAT STAND OUT. STEVE HAD AN ECCELLENT FIRST HALF AND DID A GREAT JOB OF DRIVING THE TEAM ONWARDS. HOWEVER, FOR A SECOND CONSECUTIVE CLEAN SHEET, AND TO HONOUR SOME BRILLIANT PERFORMANCES SO FAR SINCE JOINING THE CLUB, THIS WEEK IT GOES TO GEORGE.

WEIRSIDE RANGERS 0  NOTTSBOROUGH 4    LEAGUE              TUESDAY, APRIL 13 2010

VICTORY'S FLAWLESS

Riding high on the back of a fantastic cup winning performance on the Saturday, Nottsborough thirds boarded the team bus (with cups, come great modes of transport) with good reason for optimism ahead of their evening clash with Weirside. Paddy, team transport secretary, was the only absentee, failing in spectacular fashion to adhere to his own watertight schedule.

If spirits were boosted from Saturday’s exertions, limbs were weary. Ross had had to resort to late night, living room yoga sessions to ensure he made it through the 90 minutes and judging by the tentative warm-up, others were similarly feeling the strain. Whilst jaded and hamstrung, there was an unmistakable air of quiet determination to come to Ham and bag the 3 points that would see the team return to the league’s summit. Some incentive.

On a rock solid pitch and with fierce sun shine to contend with, the flow that came so easily on the Saturday was, perhaps unsurprisingly, absent. Cards and Steve both probed with pace and precision but the opposition defense was somehow always alert to the danger they posed (hand in hand) and managed to stifle their combined force. Apo spoke for all concerned with his fiery roars of discontent as the team struggled to make the ball do the work. Jono came closest to breaking the deadlock with a rasping drive from 20 yards that the goalkeeper did well to palm away, as the first half drew to fruitless finale.

The half time team talk served to really steel the team’s resolve to grasp the match by the scruff of its neck. And the renewed belief paid almost immediate dividends, as after just two minutes of the second half, Apo received the ball, 20 yards out and with it all to do. With a pirouette that’d have had Darcy Burcell crying encore, Apo surged past a statuesque Weirside defence and rifled home an unstoppable half volley into the far corner of the net. 0-1.

A nervy 15 minutes ensued in truth. With some pace up top and an incredibly nasal Ian Paisley impressionist in centre mid, Weirside were determined not to let Nottsborough have it all their own way. The team rode out a couple of defensive uncertainties though and struck again with just under half an hour remaining. Rocher persevered down the right hand flank and sprayed a ball out to the Beckett, who was ready out wide, waiting in the wings. A first touch that momentarily robbed the spectators, all 2 of them, of their breath was matched by an equally show stopping centre. Jono darted across the 6 yard box to stab home with cheeky near post finish. 0-2.

With that safety net of the all important second goal secured, Nottsborough began to find their rhythm. Simon and Dean were England back pair material as they snuffed out any hint of an unlikely Weirside comeback. With just over 15 minutes remaining, George arrowed a defence splitting ball over the weary Weirside left back and when the goalkeeper charged from his line in an attempt to clear, Cards smelt an ace. Beating the now stranded goalie to the ball, he quickly whipped in a devastating cross for Apo to thrash home. 0-3.

With Steve now resting a suspect calf, Paddy, entered the fray. Before he’d had the chance to so much as tie his laces, glory presented itself in the shape of a penalty kick. Much like the 16.42 service from Waterloo beforehand, Paddy missed. A fey spotkick was warmly received by the opposition’s keeper. Cue Ross’ toys hurtling out the pram.

He was soon rounding them all back up again though, as he set the ball rolling for the team’s fourth. Intelligently picking out Beckett from the left full back position, the winger hurtled goalwards. A couple of incisive passes across the box later and Jono was presented with the chance to settle proceedings. And he did so in uncompromising fashion, rounding a beleaguered centre back before lashing home with disdain.

With the tie all but sewn up, Rocher deigned to present the opposition with a chance to salvage some pride with just 5 minutes to spare. With questions marks having been previously raised as to state of his laundry, George was in no mood to have the clean sheet soiled. As the opposition’s forward bore down on goal, George stood tall. With razor sharp instinct, he flung out an opportunistic left peg, both repelling the attack and keeping the linen Daz Challenge winning white.

A tricky looking evening fixture well navigated by all, with the possible exception of Paddy. With 4 remaining matches and 4 points needed to clinch the title, Nottsborough rode off in their fun bus contemplating the double.

TEAM: PEARCE // ROCHER // OWEN // MITIC // MURPHY // McMILLAN (COLLINS 70') // SANTRY // EMERY // CROFT (BECKETT 45') // APALOO // CARDER.

BOOKINGS: NONE

GOALS: APALOO (2) // SANTRY (2)

MoM: ON A POTENTIALLY TRICKY EVENING FIXTURE, NOTABLE GOALS FROM APALOO AND SANTRY MUST HAVE A MENTION. AS DOES A BRILLIANT SAVE FROM GEORGE. HOWEVER, FOR A OMNIPRESENT PERFORMANCE AT CENTRE HALF, THE NOD HAS TO GO TO DEAN THIS WEEK. 11 GOALS CONCEDED IN 16 LEAGUE GAMES SAYS IT ALL, AND DEANO'S BEEN A HUGE PART IN THAT ALL YEAR.

 

NOTTSBOROUGH 5  EBOG 3   SAL JUNIOR CUP FINAL              SATURDAY, APRIL 10 2010

ALI IN THE JUNGLE

The 10th of April 2010 was a huge day for the Nottsborough 3rd team; a cup final against the only opposition to beat them this season in the league, at a venue which saw the team's only other defeat of the season. It provided the team with a chance to bounce back and turn a good season into a great season.

The game started with a bang. Apaloo turned his man and got on the end of a long ball to toe the ball past the EBOG keeper to give Nottsborough a dream start. Nottsborough took the game to EBOG; defending with consummate ease and looking to attack at every opportunity. It wasn’t long before the score line was doubled. Carder continued his run of form volleying a McMillan cross into the bottom corner. With the score at 2-0, EBOG upped their game and began to show their never-say-die spirit creating a few half chances, but it was Nottsborough who got the next goal. After Apaloo was felled in the corner, McMillan delivered an inch perfect free kick which beat the keeper at his near post. At 3-0 Nottsborough continued to dominate the game with Emery controlling the midfield and Beckett threatening out wide. The back line of Collins, Owen, Martin Corcoran and Rocher snuffed out any hope of an EBOG response and at half time Nottsborough led 3-0. The only downer to an otherwise flawless half was an injury to Martin, which saw him limp off after 35 minutes. Luckily for Notts, Dean is a brilliant replacement to have.

The half time talk was very much a more of the same. Be proud of the first half, but continue to take it to the opposition. Croft came on for Beckett and Nottsborough started well. But it was EBOG started better. A well organised and physical EBOG team pose a real threat from set pieces and this is where their breakthrough came. A long throw in found the EBOG captain with an easy chance and he threw the team a lifeline. Nottsborough were under real pressure as EBOG sensed an opportunity to get back in the game. Owen and the Mitic responded well, but couldn’t do anything about the second goal, which came from a controversial free kick. With the score at 3-2 EBOG began to push on for the equaliser and the game seem to be slipping away from Nottsborugh. With 20 minutes to play, the almost inevitable happened as EBOG’s busy forward found space and levelled the scores. Nottsborough finally began to respond with Santry starting to dominate the midflied, allowing Nottsborough some much needed possession. Santry started to control the tempo for Nottsborough and the rest of the team followed his lead. With 15 to play, following another EBOG set piece, came a moment which gave Nottsborough a real wake-up call. The set piece evaded the Nottborough backline and fell at the feet of the EBOG striker. Pearse reacted first and threw himself at the ball to deny a great opportunity, making a world class save to keep the scores level. Nottsbrough finished the game looking for a last-gasp winner, but it would take extra-time to separate the two teams.

The first half of extra time was a tight affair with Nottsborough started to look more composed. EBOG threatened on the counter attack, but the fresh legs and experience of Mitch Corcoran nullified any real threat. Nottsborough arguably looked more likely to score, but as the referee blew for half-time one eye was on the lottery of the penalty shootout.

Nottsborough started the second half with renewed energy and a real belief that they could take the game, and after 5 minutes the breakthrough came. Croft picked the ball up halfway into the opposition half and after turning passed the oncoming tackle, he calmly bent the ball around the keeper to reinstate Nottsborough’s lead. A great goal from a Notts stalwart. EBOG looked devastated and Nottsborough capitalised to seal the game. After some great work from Carder and McMillan the ball found Apaloo, who set himself before firing the ball past the EBOG goalkeeper for his second and Nottsborough’s fifth.

A 5-3 win in the most dramatic circumstances, but the effort, character and fitness of the team must be commended. An excellent result and the double dreams stay alive.

TEAM: PEARCE // ROCHER // OWEN // CORCORAN JNR (MITIC 35') // COLLINS (CORCORAN SNR 65') // McMILLAN // SANTRY // EMERY // BECKETT (CROFT 45') // APALOO // CARDER

BOOKINGS: NONE

GOALS: APALOO (2) // CARDER // McMILLAN // CROFT

MoM: GREAT PERFORMANCES ALL AROUND THE PARK TODAY. THE TEAM SPIRIT, RESOLVE AND WILL TO WIN WAS IMMENSE; ESPECIALLY WHEN THE CHIPS WERE DOWN. HOWEVER, FOR ENDLESS WORK AND DELIVERY AFTER DELIVERY INTO THE DANGER ZONE, THE CUP FINAL MoM GOES TO STEVE.
 

OLD OWENS 0 NOTTSBOROUGH 3 LEAGUE APRIL 5, 2010

ONWARDS

Nottsborough 3's made the Bank Holiday Monday trip to Old Owens in good spirits and on the back of a resounding victory against Old Westminster Citizens the previous weekend. Skipper S. Owen was able to again field a strong squad, with Hickes and E. Collins making the trip to provide additional strength in depth.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, intended keeper Renton was unable to make the game, so Corcoran Snr stood in for his 3rd appearance of the season between the sticks (to date one goal conceded, a penalty at Winchmore Hill - possibly the best record in the league, let alone the Club?) In addition to Corcoran Snr, the back four lined up with Collins returning to feft-back, S. Owen and Corcoran Jnr in the middle (the unfortunate Mitic missing out with injury) and Rocher, Tom Rocher, at right-back. Beckett, Santry, Hickes and McMillan represented a strong midfield, with Carder and Apaloo up-front.

Nottsborough started well and produced one of their most accomplished performances of the season in the first half, despite playing into a strong wind. With Corcoran Jnr and S. Owen dealing with a succession of long balls (marking the Owens forwards - one of them a 1st XI SAL Rep player - largely out of the game) the team had a strong platform from which to mount a succession of increasingly dangerous attacks. The breakthrough came in about the 25th minute when McMillan brilliantly latched onto an accurate through ball from Rocher to flick the ball over the head of the defender and finish with a crunching left-foot volley from 18 yards. Santry added an excellent second, arriving onto a loose ball and firing in off both posts from 22 yards (making up for a miss from 2 yards moments earlier).

Notts had further chances to extend their lead but were denied by a combination of excellent goal-keeping and poor finishing. Notts' only scare at the other end came when the Owens' centre-forward got free and flicked a header goalward only to see the ball tipped onto the bar by the sprawling Corcoran Snr.

Owens started the second half well and a combination of sound defending, notably from Collins (putting in a series of big tackles), and poor final delivery from Owens ensured Owens did not create the clear-cut chances that perhaps their spell of dominance and fine passing football deserved. Aware that the next goal would be all important Notts looked increasingly dangerous on the break and it was no surprise when a pull back from Carder resulted in a third for Notts, the only surprise being the identity of the goal-scorer - Rocher - who had another excellent game capped by the goal.

At 3-0 the game lost a little intensity in the final 20 minutes but Owens continued to attack. Collins replaced the influential Hickes for Notts and added further security to the back-four as Notts continued to deal well with the threat of Owens through the middle. Further chances went begging as the Owens' keeper thwarted Carder, Apaloo and Beckett with a series of fine saves. In the end Notts were able to comfortably see out the game for what looked on paper a comfortable win, but which perhaps did not reflect the excellent general play of Owens. It is testament to the back-four on the day, plus Mitic over the course of the season, that good teams create so few chances against Notts 3's, with the GA column in the league - 11 - bearing this point out.

TEAM :: CORCORAN // ROCHER // OWEN // CORCORAN // COLLINS // BECKETT // McMILLAN // SANTRY // HICKES (COLLINS 60’) // APALOO // CARDER // MITIC (NOT USED)

SCORERS :: McMILLAN // SANTRY // ROCHER

BOOKINGS :: NONE

MoM :: TECHNICALLY, IT WAS GIVEN TO CORCORAN SNR POST-GAME, BUT THAT WAS PRIMARILY BECAUSE HE HAD GONE IN NET IN UNEXPECTED CIRCUMSTANCES (ED: AND MADE TWO ABSOLUTE WORLDIES). OTHER CANDIDATES INCLUDED ROCHER AND COLLINS WHO WERE BOTH EXCELLENT ON THE DAY. BUT MOM SHOULD BE SHARED THIS WEEK BY CORCORAN JNR AND S. OWEN, WHO DID AN EXCELLENT JOB ON THE OWENS' STRIKE PAIRING. NOTABLE MENTIONS ALSO FOR MCMILLAN AND SANTRY FOR TWO EXCELLENT GOALS.

NOTTSBOROUGH 7 OLD WESTMINSTER CITS 0 LEAGUE MARCH 27, 2010

ARISTON

The team were in high spirits ahead of this big clash, the ‘professional’ warm up really showed this. If Westminster were watching they would have thought they were playing one of the worst sides ever to grace the SAL.

However once the game began it was business as usual for the Nottsborough boys. Explosive as always out of the blocks, looking dangerous every time they attacked. The first goal soon came from an excellent break down the left from Ben Murphy and a pull back which Carder air shotted for it to roll perfectly to Crofty who applied a composed finish. 1-0.

Number two came after several attacks and the opposing team barely breaking into our half. Apaloo held off about twelve players in the box and tucked the ball back to Murphy who kept his head and tucked the ball in very confidently.

The rest of the half continued in very much the same way for Nottsborough having a good 5 clear cut chances to extend the lead. The best of them fell to Apaloo from one yard out who volleyed the ball in a ‘Martinesque’ manner into the keeper’s arms. The Westminster keeper also pulled off what can only be described as a worldy from a ferocious Carder penalty on 35 minutes – the ball was rocketing into the stanchion but somehow the keeper managed to not only get a hand to it he caught it – save of the season perhaps?!! (Ed.: never give players license to write about their own penalties).

2-0 at half time. Notts withdrew 'keeper Pearce as a precaution, following a knock to his shoulder after one two many saves in the warm-up (the Jimmy Elliott factor perhaps?). Indeed, Jimmy came on up-front, Carder dropped to left mid, Murphy dropped to left back, and the elder of the Corcorans admirably stepped up to don the gloves in nets. Not that he needed them.

The next goal was obviously important and this was swift in coming for Nottsborough. Apaloo scored a tidy finish from close range after a good break down the wing, a really good team goal. On the next foray into the oppo's box, and

following a ridiculously audacious and successful turn-and-flick over the shoulder by Emery, Apo waltzed and waded past a couple of defenders before giving the keeper the eyes and tucking the ball home inside the nearpost from 12 yards. But Apo is not a man to rest, that's why he's useless as a sub. Soon after, a typically powerful solo effort from Aps followed - he literally barged his way through three pretty large guys demonstrating his strength and beat the keeper from the edge of the area. The hatrick celebration said it all as he turned to the fans and held his arms out as if to say “that’s what I do!”. Before reminiscing of Uncles John's goal at the Maracana back in 198..whatever year it was.

Arguably goal of the game was from Jimmy Elliot who was playing his first game for about 18 months. From the warm up it was apparent he was a real class act, striking balls with his left foot like nobody had seen before, if Jimmy is involved in the next six games he could genuinely challenge for the 3’s golden boot!! The goal came about from quick thinking from Ross emery who pinged a lovely 30 yard ball to Jimmy in the box who climbed and hung………………… then after 3 seconds of air time converted a powerful header past the keeper from ten yards.

Final goal was a classic Carder mis-controlled run, chasing bad touch after bad touch through defenders to shank into the bottom corner.

It seems like a game dominated by the strikers but in honesty the performance was very strong from the entire team with Mitch, Rocher and Martin looking strong at the back and retaining possession and starting all of our attacks. The midfield of Steve, Ross and Crofty dominated the entire affair and gave the strikers so many opportunities it really should have been double figures.

Overall an extremely competent performance – 13 goals in two games, 7 of which are for our big man up top Apaloo and only one goal conceded (from a classic Mitic error). Nottsborough 3’s back on track!

TEAM: PEARCE (ELLIOTT, 45); ROCHER, MITIC, CORCORAN JNR, CORCORAN SNR; CROFT, EMERY (BECKETT, 80), MCMILLAN, MURPHY; APALOO, CARDER.

GOALS: APALOO (3); MURPHY; CARDER; ELLIOT; CROFT

BOOKINGS: TBC

MoM: BEN MURPHY DESERVEDLY WON MoM WITH SUPERB FIRST HALF ATTACKING AND QUALITY DEFENSIVE PERFORMANCE AT LEFT BACK IN THE SECOND.

ALLEYN OB 1 NOTTSBOROUGH 6 LEAGUE MARCH 20, 2010

PHOENIX

After the bad taste of the AFA Final had been thoroughly washed away by a heady cocktail of watered down beer, stupid dancing and Paddy’s sharking, it was back to business in the league this Saturday.
Whilst a run to two cup finals looks great on the CV, it means that we’ve only played 12 in the league, whereas Winchmore have already got points in the bag and just 3 left to play.
As we get to the business end of the season and a backlog of fixtures, we’ll be ruing all the games in hand.
But what was needed today was to play as a team, to show our colours, to get back to winning ways.
One look at the scoreline tells you we did it with aplomb.

Going back to the old favourite 4-4-2, Carder was pushed up top to support the omnipresent Apo.
The midfield lined up with Beckett on the right, Santry and Emery holding the middle and McMillan out left.
The familiar back four was Rocher, Owen, Mitic and Collins.
Great to see George settling in between the sticks as well; exactly what we needed to get over the loss of the big man Bail’s.

Making up the squad were the best footballing brothers at Nottsborough.
What followed was a blur of the best kind.
On a tight pitch and against a team of the caliber of Alleyn’s, it would take a good performance.
And we played exactly the football we wanted to play; building from the back and running all the way through the team. Solid in the tackle, quick on the break.
At times it really was a joy to see, and the ambition and determination to play good football ran through the whole team.

To be honest, I really can’t remember any of the goals. Having consulted with the oracle Matty Beckett, he informs me the goals panned out as follows…
_The first was a rocket header from Apo, across the keeper, after a lovely delivery from someone good on the wing
_The second was Apo again; shot parried and slotted home, Rooney style
_A goal then came from Alleyn’s after we didn’t close their skipper down at all
_Our third was Apo’s hat trick with the left swinger
_The fourth Santry’s first goal since October
_The fifth was yet another from Apaloo. He probably ran for 30 yards, took on 20 men (actually 5 men, 4 times each) and scored casually. Or something.
_The final goal was typical Carder finish. Probably very good

Whilst my memory fails me for a couple of minor details like goals, there are three things I cannot forget about Saturday…
1) The best football we’ve played all year
2) Dean attempting an overhead kick from 15 yards, quickly followed by being asked to be taken off. He had a bit of a sniffle apparently
3) Martin Sivonjićcc’s impactful substitute appearance http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6U74xwck2E

Onto next week against OWC. More of the same please.

TEAM – PEARCE // ROCHER // OWEN // MITIC // COLLINS // BECKETT // SANTRY // McMILLAN // EMERY // APALOO // ROBERTS // CORCORAN // CORCORAN

GOALS – APALOO (4) // SANTRY // CARDER

BOOKINGS – NONE

MoM – ROSS EMERY WAS ABSOLUTELY EVERYWHERE ON SATURDAY. THERE’S LIFE IN THE OLD DOG YET. BUT TO SCORE 4 AND NOT TAKE IT WOULD BE PRETTY HARSH. GOOD TO SEE APO REALLY COMING INTO FORM, AT EXACTLY THE RIGHT TIME, AND ALSO GOOD TO SEE HIM MOVE TOP OF THE CLUB SCORING CHARTS. BOOM.

NOTTSBOROUGH 1 OLD STATIONERS 2 AFA JUNIOR CUP FINAL MARCH 13, 2010

SMASH AND GRAB

Saturday was very special for a few reasons…

- The first team brunch of the season; very well chosen venue, everyone there on time, good smoked salmon and scrambled eggs
- The arrival of the very latest pub chic Nottsborough Season 09//10 track jackets; giving some fine travel and warm-up style
- The first appearance of a team playlist in the changing room pre-game (no thanks to Deano)
- A top notch commemorative match day programme as prepared by Don Apaloo and Joan Santry
- A ridiculously middle class team-talk via iphone
- An official team photographer (although most key moments are conspicuous by their absence)
- A finely kempt, big, flat HSBC pitch + a good temperature in the air
- The first ever AFA Junior Final appearance for Notts

We may not have had a team mini bus, but we certainly had everything else on Saturday.
Fact of the matter is that we were the most prepared and up for it we’ve been all year.
Both teams lined up with a 4-5-1, but it was Notts who took the game to the opposition in the first.
Some fine spells of passing across the back line would have filled Brian’s size 7’s with pure pride, had he been there to witness. And not one real chance for the opposition is testament to the strength of the back 5.
The midfield five were tight and well organised in the middle, and energetic down the flanks. Lots of good communication and they were doing well to overcome the strength and height of the opposition.
The bull up top was working hard to close everything down, despite having a lot to do on such a big pitch. With the ball at feet he terrorised.
However, despite all the positives, we rarely got close to troubling Stationers’ aging back line: a shout for a Deano penalty seemed strong but wasn’t given; a few headers on target were easily blocked.
To be honest, the standout moment of the first half appears to be Paddy’s theatrics in the box, which has only been noticed after the team photographer presented the selects.
All in all though; a very solid half and some great football played. We had every right to retire to the warm changing rooms with the chat resoundingly to go out and do the same thing. We had the fitness and we had the quality; if we were patient, the results would come.

Same line up.
Second half.
Game on.

We played ever so slightly down the hill with the same quality and a bit more pace to the game.
Carder and Beckett were uncharacteristically a bit quiet, and Apo was getting surrounded by 2 or 3 every time.
The game also got messy in spells; with the Stationers’ clearly not used to keeping their mouths shut and a ref who didn’t like the chat one bit.
But we kept digging and we kept playing.
The result of which was a fortunate goal, but a thoroughly deserved one.
A swinging lefty free kick from Steve, 30 yards out, caught a gust of wind and kept travelling; sailing over the keepers head.
1-0 and we weren’t ones to complain at the luck.
We re-started, Murphy on for Emery; determined to keep attacking, to keep playing.
Surely it’s a case now of keep it tight. Surely?

But there was something that we had underestimated in all of our fine preparation; the sheer resolve and determination of the Stationers.
Sure; we knew they’d had a good run to get here (and an even better run in the Old Boys’ Cup) and we were prepared for a very tough game.
But the sheer guts they showed means I sit here grieving (still) but also accepting of the fact that these guys turned up and did a job on us.
They dug in, they pushed an additional man up top, they grafted and they got some luck of their own.
With the ball dropping from high in the Notts’ box; I can say, with no hint of irony, that I never intentionally handled the ball.
Why? Because I had absolutely no reason to. I was under no pressure, the ball was dropping at my feet, we were 1-0 up and playing well.
But, for a reason I will never know nor understand, the ref blew and a penalty it was.
Duly squeezed under George; it was that one decision that changed the game and changed the course of our cup run.
Stationers, bit between their teeth, added a second very quickly after and the game was over.
Not even a last 5 switch to 4-3-3 and the introduction of the mercurial chairman of Notts could change this one.
A game that we could and should have won was taken by a twist of fate and a smash and grab job from the boys from Barnet.

Am I bitter? Yes.
Am I still reliving every moment of that game? Hell yes.
Will it drive us on to win the SAL and league double? I can only hope so.

All I can say in closing to this is all credit to Stationers. They knew we’d be a good team and they played us perfectly. They absorbed and took it all and they struck, hard, when the chance presented itself. Fair play.
And, if anything, it’s reminded me just how solid this squad is this year. Yes, it’s hard to lose, but to tear it up like we did that night; as a team and together, fills me with confidence for the remainder of this season.

NOTTSBOROUGH 3 KEW ASSOCIATION 0 LEAGUE MARCH 6, 2010

'Bouncebackability'

Nottsborough 3's were back in action and desperate to put things right after last weeks shock defeat. The opposition came in the form of a Kew side desperate for the points after a difficult season so far. Notts welcomed back captain Si Owen, the philosopher-poet of the beautiful game and the genius who has transformed the 3's this season, into the heart of the defence. The other changes to the starting 11 came in the form of the returning 'tax dodgers' Rocher, Tom Rocher and George in nets, with Carder stepping aside for another family members birthday. . .

Notts started the game at their typical quick pace and with a grace, confidence and joy that is almost transcendental; football which should have even the staunchest fans of their opponents standing up and applauding in delight, so privileged are they to be present, although there wasn't actually any fans in attendance I'm sure they would have felt this way. Notts have also added a real physical bite to the team with McMillan and Santry in particular winning every 50 / 50 and dominating in the air throughout the game against a Kew side that were certainly willing to throw their weight around. The 'big men' were expertly supported as ever by 2 of the most consistent performers in the team this year, Emery and Beckett, who linked well with both Rocher and Collins down either flank to cause Kew plenty of problems throughout the game.

After a few niggly challenges and a brief appearance from Chewbacca in the form of Pat Collins, those noises after being poleaxed were certainly unique, Notts were a goal up. A corner whipped in from McMillan was not dealt with and Apaloo managed to nod the ball down to Mitic who swivelled on a sixpence and stroked the ball home in his usual cool and clinical manner, past the excellent Kew keeper. Notts continued to press with the back 4 looking comfortable, Rocher in particular was getting forward well to support the attacks, a real weight has been lifted from the young lad (let's just hope results day goes well), and the strong midfield always threatened when in the oppositions half. The pressure was always going to bring a second, even though Martin's guarantee of a goal from his ingenious corner routines surprisingly did not come about, Notts found another way. It came in the form of Leon Roberts, clearly an emotional day for the cultured front man after learning of his 5 game ban earlier in the week, he proceeding to beat 2 defenders and smash a sublime finish into the corner of the Kew net, Notts were cruising.

Credit to Kew who continued to work hard and when possible play some tidy football but with little end product, Notts on the other hand always looked like scoring.

Beckett, Emery and McMillan were getting round the back of the Kew fullbacks at ease but were denied at the decisive moment each time, McMillan in particular was unlucky to by forcing a superb save from the Kew keeper after a great strike from the edge of the box.

Half time came and Notts were happy, the whole team had contributed but still felt that more goals were in this one. After a relatively quiet 20 mins of the second period which Notts were happy to see out fresh legs were sent on in the form of Corcoran Jnr and Murphy who both slotted in expertly, great to have such a strong bench. The two changes allowed Notts to continue to press and look for that killer third but Kew stood firm, even testing George in goal who made two great saves late on. However the Kew defence were always hanging on and were struggling to deal with the potent Notts forward line, Apaloo was a real menace all day and finally got the goal he deserved with a rasping left foot strike into the bottom corner after the defence failed to deal with another excellent McMillan set piece.

Notts saw out the rest of the game in a comfortable manner, special mention must go to Owen for one of his trademark forward runs, I just felt for the poor lad who was on the receiving end of one of the skippers 'first touch / crunch' specials. Speaking of crunches, Jono, who had been spraying passes like holy water about the worshipful cauldron of football that is his church, was lucky to escape injury free after a horror challenge which resulted in the Kew defender being given his marching orders. The game in all fairness was played in good spirit and apart from a few silly lunges had little incident.

A great result to get the title charge back on track and certainly put the 3's in the winning mood ready for the game of the season next week, the AFA final.

Bring.It.On.

TEAM – PEARCE // ROCHER // OWEN // MITIC // COLLINS // BECKETT // SANTRY // McMILLAN // EMERY // APALOO // ROBERTS // MURPHY // CORCORAN

GOALS – MITIC // ROBERTS // APALOO

BOOKINGS – EMERY

MoM – THE WHOLE TEAM CAME TOGETHER AFTER LAST WEEKS LOSS AND WERE DETERMINED TO PUT THINGS RIGHT BUT THE STAR MAN WAS LEON ROBERTS. A FINE GOAL CAPPED A GREAT DISPLAY FROM THE IN FORM STRIKER WHO WILL BE SORELY MISSED DURING THE COMING WEEKS. SPECIAL MENTION MUST ALSO GO TO MITCH THIS WEEK, WHO AFTER A LATE CALL UP HELPED OUT THE 4'S AND BY ALL ACCOUNTS WAS AS BRILLIANT AS EVER, THAT BOY CAN REALLY PLAY!

WINCHMORE HILL 1 NOTTSBOROUGH 3 LEAGUE FEBRUARY 20th 2010

THE MARCH TO THE TITLE CONTINUES

Nottsborough 3s continued their imperious form to make it 17 straight victories (a club record) with a hard fought win away at Winchmore. Even without key players, Steve ‘Red Fox’ McMillan, Chris ‘Didier’ Apaloo and Steve ‘play with a broken arm’ Bailes the 3s juggernaut rolled on.

Setting off for Winchmore on the Friday night, Nottsborough arrived expecting their toughest game of the season and as ever Winchmore didn’t disappoint; knowing that only a victory would keep their season alive.

Nottsborough started well creating the best of the early chances. Andreas linking well with Leon and Ross before Beckett fired over from close range. Efforts by Ross and Carder gave warning signs of what was to come as Nottsborough turned the screw. Carder, fed by Collins, skipped round the full back and hung a high cross to the back post for our very own Sir Les Ferdinand (Matt Beckett) to nod home. Winchmore created little in the first half with central defenders Mitic and Corcoran Jnr untroubled by Winchmore’s direct style. The only worry of the first half came from Rocher, Tom Rocher, who was showing the strain of exam pressure and appeared to have replaced his second touch with a tackle. Never the less Nottsborough finished the half pushing for a second and came in for the typically inspirational team talk, disappointed not to be further a head.

With the clichés of ‘keep it tight’ ringing in Nottsborough ears the second half in earnest kicked off. Winchmore were quicker out of the traps (apparently buoyed by their 1’s keeper’s motivational chat) and immediately put Nottsborough under pressure. A series of corners and free kicks were heroically defended before Winchmore re-ignited their season with the goal they craved. A quick one two down the right exposed the Notts defence with the lively and ever threatening Winchmore forward released into the left channel. With Titus ‘Mitic’ Bramble in hot pursuit the Winchmore centre forward knocked and ran before being clattered from behind. 21 players, 4 subs, 5 spectators and the ref saw a stone wall penalty, while Mitic, was positive he ‘took the ball!’. Mitic’s claims were laughed off by the ref who awarded a penalty that was duly converted.

With their tails up, Winchmore pressed for a winner and made an unlikely hero of stand in goal keeper Michael Corcoran. With outrageous reactions Corcoran Snr first tipped a laser guided rocket over the bar before diving two handed across the full length of the goal to ‘paw’ the ball round the post. Thankfully his kicking was also excellent. The first change saw the ever present Murphy replace the tireless (and a little jet lagged) Beckett on the right. It was this that provided a fresh bit of impetus for the Notts boys and they fought hard to get the advantage back. A diagonal free kick from Rocher, Tom Rocher, found Mitic’s head, who flicked on under immense pressure, for Andreas to finish clinically.

2-1. Game over? Never against Winchmore Hill.

Another strong spell of pressure from the Winchmore boys saw more and more come into the Notts half. But it was the next pattern of play that, unfortunately for Winchmore, turned the game decisively back to Notts. The game broke down following a late and dangerous tackle on Ross, which sparked some angry words and a ‘coming together’ which left jelly legs Collins spark out on the floor. The ref couldn’t be questioned as he was facing the wrong way, but it’s the sort of thing no-one travels on a Saturday to see and the sort of thing that sadly worsens the reputation of one of the league’s great (and most hospitable) teams. Showing great strength of character (the sort of character that has defined Notts this season) the interruption was actually just the kick-start Notts needed, who saw their record breaking run threatened.

Skipper Owen shut up shop by bringing himself on to steady the ship. Owen had an immediate impact – with the centre forwards face aggressively smashing into Owens right boot in the penalty area. Notts blocked the resulting indirect free kick from eight yards with inches to spare before defending a further period of pressure. The game was sealed with minutes to spare as great work from Collins, Carder, Santry and Leon set up Murphy with time and space to fire in spectacularly from 20 yards. A great way to cap the game.

The result leaves Notts 3s in a great position in the league and with two cup finals on the horizon and the treble remaining a distinct possibility. The attitude in the victory typifies the 3s season so far but they have not won anything yet and remain ‘humble and hungry’, in the skippers words. A word needs to go to the excellent ref, who marshaled a tight game very well and also to the Winchmore hospitality, which puts every other team in the league to shame.

TEAM: CORCORAN SNR / COLLINS / MITIC / CORCORAN JNR / ROCHER; TOM ROCHER / CARDER / SANTRY / EMERY / BECKETT (MURPHY 65’) / ROBERTS / ATKINS (OWEN 75’)

GOALS: BECKETT / ATKINS / MURPHY

BOOKINGS: NONE

MoM: THERE WERE SEVERAL STANDOUT PERFORMANCES BUT CORCORAN SENIOR WAS IN LITTLE DOUBT ABOUT WHO DESERVED MOM… “YEAH; I’M A GREAT SHOT STOPPER AND AS BRAVE AS A LION IN THE STICKS. I WASN’T PHASED AT ALL BY THE PROSPECT OF A SPELL IN GOAL. I DON’T THINK I CAN PLAY UP FRONT AND IN NETS FOR THE SAL TEAM OF THE YEAR….. CAN I?” HE HOWEVER CONCEDED THAT DESPITE HIS HEROICS IN NET, HIS BROTHER HAD DONE OK TOO AT CENTRE BACK AND HAD KEPT THE BIG GUY CHRIS UP FRONT ‘RELATIVELY QUIET’ AND HAD ‘WON A FEW 40/60 CHALLENGES’… WELL DONE MART.

Nottsborough 5 - Weirside Rangers 1 AFA Junior Cup Semi Final February 13th 2010

Mention it quietly: the cup double might just be on...

Notts entertained Weirside at Tolworth for the second time this season. As with the first tie, Notts were to wrap-up the game within the opening stages of the game. But on paper this was no easy task, given that Weirside entered the game off the back of four successive wins.

Notts had to shuffle the pack slightly in what was once again a very strong XIV on show - George was welcomed into the fold in nets, whilst the green-booted Apaloo returned up-front to partner Roberts, as Notts reverted back to their tried and tested 4-4-2 formation. Stalwart Owen finally succumbed to his knee injury, and with that the younger of the Corcorans was rewarded with a starting position at the heart of defence.

Stand-in skipper Beckett lost the toss, but this was pretty much the only thing that didn't go the red & blacks' way on their march to a second cup final berth of the season.

From the off Notts were dominant, controlling play and keeping Weirside at bay, away from the final third of the pitch. Emery and McMillan in the middle were on top of their opponents and were dictating play at will. Within five minutes Notts were ahead - a cute ball from Roberts found Apaloo clear in the box - his squared cross almost went into the new clubhouse, when a simple roll of the ball would have had Carder on the scoresheet. However, Carder retrieved the ball, laid it back to McMillan, who then proceeded to convert a freakish cross into a goal, the ball sailing over the keeper's head from 35 yards and into the net via the far-post. Almost immediately Notts found themselves 2-0 up...but only just. Apaloo was felled in the penalty box as he was set to pull the trigger. A retaken penalty later and Roberts had saved the blushes of the Bull (embarrassed by the green boots perhaps?) with a consummate scissor kick volley into the roof of the net after the Weirside 'keeper had made a solid save.

It was at this point that Rocher enjoyed his 10-minute cameo as wind-up merchant in chief. Not one to accept criticism of two (yes two) bad pieces of control from the scouse campaigner out on the Weirside left, Rocher proceeded to do what he does best - bait the oppo and confirm that Mitch is far too nice a person to be playing at right back. Once the comedy had subsided, a Weirside centre back decided to punctuate a fluid Notts move down the right by up-ending Matty B in the box. Roberts made no mistake from the spot. It just goes to show that black boots are the way forward - always have been, always will be.

3-0 and pretty much the game wrapped up inside the first 25 mins. This seemed to bring a bit of life to the tall, yet somewhat pedestrian Weirside XI. They were to take full advantage of their first real foray into the Notts half. Mitic was harshly adjudged to have pulled back his opponent 25 yards out and the ensuing free-kick found the bottom right hand corner to make it 3-1. Game on perhaps? Not really, as Notts did what they have done best this season - responding when there was a need to do so. A mazy dribble by McMillan found Carder at the far post and he powerfully slotted past the keeper for 4-1. Great finish by the fastest man Notts 3s have ever seen, just a shame about the blue boots.

Half-time came along and captain Owen was a proud man out on the sidelines. The tie was won, but it was key that Notts continued to push on not become complacent. Notts continued to press - the ever-willing Apaloo making tiresome run after tiresome run. Roberts was equally (some may say surprisingly?) mobile, and it was his great break down the right and pull-back to Beckett that saw Notts go 5-1 up. With the defence looking solid - Paddy even used his right foot - Apaloo was withdrawn and Santry introduced in his place up-front. Despite showing well for the ball, Jono couldn't quite put the finishing touches to his mazy runs - perhaps a little rustiness showing after an enforced three week break, but great to see him return early from what looked a very nasty ankle injury at the time.

Weirside pushed to a three man forward line and this pushed Notts back quite effectively, but they could not make the inroads that were desired. With Murphy on at right-mid and Corcoran Snr on at left-mid (on for Roberts and Beckett respectively), Notts saw out the game with ease. Murphy almost capped his excellent pre-match drills with a fine solo effort, but couldn't quite get his foot around the ball - his effort rolling agonisingly the wrong side of the post.

In fairness, the second half was a tighter affair, but credit to Weirside who battled on regardless. They may have feel slightly aggrieved by some of the officials' decisions, but in this was more down their frustration that they could not compete with the speed and touch of an on-form Notts. The officials were solid and consistent throughout and the Notts boys enjoyed the luxury of having linesmen for the first time this season. Onto the HSBC's ground in Beckenham on 13th March and the chance to secure the club's first silverware of the season.

TEAM: George; Rocher, Mitic, Corcoran Jnr, Collins; Beckett (Corcoran Snr, 75), Emery, McMillan, Carder; Apaloo (Santry, 60), Roberts (Murphy, 65).

GOALS: Roberts(2), Carder, McMillan, Beckett.

BOOKINGS: None

MoM: that man Emery was as cool as the proverbial cucumber. A textbook display from the middle of the park. From start to finish the man was like a Rolls Royce - not that fired up badboy XR3i from the week before against Owens. He even had the audacity to try a 40 yard lob.... great save by the 'keeper though!

Nottsborough 3 Old Owens 2 League February 6th 2010

The Nott’s bandwagon rolled on with a hard fought victory, in somewhat controversial circumstances, on the hallowed turf of Tolworth. Nott’s entered the game full of confidence with 14 straight wins, a cup final and a looming club record of most consecutive wins. But all too often that sort of confidence can lead you into trouble. Today was one of those days.

With a few notable absentees Notts started with an slightly unfamiliar 4-5-1 and soon found themselves 1-0 behind when a hopeful ball forward caught Notts square at the back, Bail’s was when unlucky making contact with the on rushing forward, leaving the referee with no option but to award a penalty which was confidently dispatched by the Owens’ number 9.

Not for the first time this season Notts had been caught cold, but gradually started to grow into the game. The best chance falling to Beckett who somehow managed to miss from half a yard with a trademark header after fine work from Carder down the left hand side. The breakthrough finally occurred mid way through the first half when the lively McMillan weighted a beautiful through ball to the spring heeled Carder who managed to get behind the Owens’ defence and calmly sidefoot past the keeper to level the contest.

The half time team talk brought a few choice words and a change to a more familiar 4-4-2 with Carder switched up top and Ross Emery tucking in on the left hand side. Rob Moore replaced Ben Murphy; ready to play the last 45’ of his Notts career. The changes seemed to have the desired effect.

Notts took the lead after about 10 mins of the 2^nd half; Roberts finding Mcmillan on the edge of the box, and after a heavy touch expertly beat the keeper at his near post with a sweet left footed strike. Notts continued to push forward to find a goal that would have surely killed of the spirited opposition, but instead it was Owens who hit back following somewhat dubious free kick. So at 2-2 it was all to play for and Notts again dug deep and showed great resolve with an almost instant reply; Matty Beckett finding space down the right and knocking a ridiculously inviting ball across goal allowing Carder to get in front of his man and find the net from 6 yards out.

With Notts now seemingly in total control the game was to take another twist. The normally laid back striker Roberts saw red after (rather stupidly, ed) retaliating after an off the ball clash. Down to ten men and with Bails keeping goal with a bad knock that turned out to be a broken arm, Notts showed true character and resolve to see out the remainder on top against very spirited opposition. Special mention must go to the Notts back 5 who repelled every attack, with Mitic especially outstanding having his best game in a Notts shirt. And what can you say about Bail’s? Playing 20 minutes with a broken arm is either heroic or plain stupid. Either way; he’s an absolute legend and he’ll be missed hugely over the coming weeks and months.

This was not a pretty game, but the scoreline resoundingly reflects this season’s attitude and togetherness of the Notts squad; who somehow found a way to win the match and keep there record breaking season on track.

A special note of thanks goes out to Robbie Moore for playing his last game in the Notts shirt. 5 years of service across the 2’s and 3’s has seen the Notts’ bit of rough play a crucial part in some great teams. In his twilight years, Rob has found something else to do with his weekends; specifically to play a bit more Aussie Rules in Melbourne. Good luck mate; enjoy.

TEAM: BAIL / ROCHER / OWEN / MITIC / COLLINS / CARDER / BECKETT / McMILLAN / MURPHY / EMERY / MOORE / ROBERTS.

GOALS: CARDER (2) / McMILLAN.

BOOKINGS: EMERY / ROBERTS (RED)

MoM: IN SUCH AN AMAZINGLY RESILIENT, TEAM SPIRITED WEEK, IT’S DIFFCULT TO PICK ONE PLAYER. BUT FOR A MASSIVE DISPLAY AT CENTRE HALF AND TO DIG DEEP TO DRIVE THE TEAM ON WHEN EVERYTHING WAS BEING THROWN AT US, IT HAS TO GO TO BIG DEJAN MITIC.

Old Esthameians 2 Nottsborough 4 SAL Semi-Final Jan 30, 2010

Nottsborough made their way to Walthamstow this week. Walthamstow is home to names such as Clement Attlee, Fabrice Muamba, Brian Harvey, Adam Woodyatt (Ian Beale in Eastenders), and Lethal Bizzle, and is identified by the London Plan as one of the 35 major centres in Greater London and home to the cheapest taxis in the UK. But the dressing room was smaller than Manchester City’s trophy cabinet, the pitch was an absolute mud bath, and they sold Chris Apaloo a dodgy cheese sandwich at the station. Nevertheless, we came to do a job, and do a job we did. The SAL Final now beckons.

Nottsborough started like a train, creating at least four golden opportunities in the first 10 minutes. Unfortunately, the sandwich seemed to have put Apaloo off his finishing. The Nottsborough midfield were, however, clearly too much to handle for the young, division 2 side, with Emery and McMillan launching wave, after wave of attacks. The inevitable break-through did eventually come, Leon Roberts forcing the ball home after good work by his strike-partner, Apaloo.

Nottsborough continued to press, but the score remained at 1-0, which is, as Andy Gray so oft points out, a dangerous scoreline. This is because if you’re 1-0 up then the opposition only needs to score one goal to equal your one goal. Whereas, if you are two, or even three goals up then the other team needs to score more goals to equal the goal tally which you have attained. Sure enough, as the great Scottish prophet frequently witnesses, the team down by just a single goal struck back against the run of play.

The Nottsborough back-four were caught flat, and a simple ball over the top was latched onto by a naturally quick player, who possessed fast-twitch fibers unlike Mitic and Rocher, and he kept his head to level the scores at one apiece.

Although Nottsborough were in command for the remainder of the half, they couldn’t regain the lead before the break. At half time, Si Owen made one change, bringing on Mitch Corcoran for Ben Murphy and pushing Padddy Collins to left midfield. Corcoran was clearly oozing with confidence after regaling the squad with his skills before the match (I, for one, have never seen a Maradona ‘6’ completed with such consummate ease and grace... and in such a nice, salmon-pink jumper).

The change had the desired effect, with Mitch helping the back-four to keep a much better shape whilst not actually touching the ball that much, and the lead was restored by Apaloo, who fired a low shot past the helpless ‘keeper after a rocket of a strike from Roberts came rocketing back off the bar.

Si Owen made a further change after 20 minutes of the second; replacing Paddy with Martin ‘Gaz’ Corcoran. Gaz had an immediate impact, marauding down the left wing and beating his full back at will. He could not, however, get the ball off the ground for any of his crosses. Nevertheless it was 3-1 to Nottsborough soon after. Matt Beckett was now the salmon jumper, as he rose majestically to head home a Steve McMillan free-kick. Soon after Si Owen used his last change, sacrificing goal-scorer Leon Roberts, who had bravely soldiered on after bending back his ‘trading finger’ in the early stages, to bring the returning Ralph into the midfield and pushing Matty B up for a much loved period up top.

Old Esthameians refused to throw in the towel, however, and they pulled a goal back. It was pretty good.

Nottsborough were still in the driving seat, however, and Apaloo killed off any hopes of a fightback with a well-taken goal. Whilst still claiming for a penalty after being felled in the box, the big striker sprung up and smashed the ball into the bottom left-hand corner. Although Esthameians continued to battle, it was the end of the road for them. For Nottsborough 3s however, suits are being measured, and the Final awaits...

TEAM: BAIL; ROCHER; OWEN; MITIC; COLLINS (GAZ CORCORAN); BECKETT; EMERY; McMILLAN; MURPHY (M CORCORAN); APALOO; ROBERTS (GOADE).

SCORERS: ROBERTS; APALOO(2); BECKETT

BOOKINGS: NONE

MOM: ROSS AND STEVE DID A GREAT JOB IN THE MIDDLE ON A RIDICULOUS PITCH BUT YOU CAN’T ARGUE WITH TWO GOALS... MOM GOES TO CHRIS APALOO.
 

Nottsborough 4 Norsemen 1 AFA Junior Cup Quarter Final January 23, 2010

Tis the season to be jolly….

After a thoroughly enjoyable Christmas break and 6 weeks without playtime it was back to business for the 3s. The build up to this match included 3 training sessions in the space of a week; a much needed way of getting rid of the mince pies still resting in our bellies. We knew that the youthful side of Norseman would offer a great deal of energy and we really needed to at least match this if we were to progress through to another semi-final.

The team were welcomed to the changing rooms in ‘Goals’ (first moan from Apo who felt we shouldn’t have to walk so far to the pitches) with a brand new kit with gold numbers……awesome! A thorough warm-up later and the team were raring to go.

The match started as expected, real high tempo football with both teams sparring for possession. Notts’ back four (Martin, Si, Deano and Paddy) made their intentions clear, giving the opposition little sight of goal. The midfield (Beckett, Jono, Steve and Murphy) were linking well with the strike force of Apo and Leon. The breakthrough came after some good possession in midfield allowed Steve to play a killer ball across the 6 yard box which found the body of Apo who didn’t really know much about it.

Notts’ were getting back into their stride, mixing up some neat keep ball football with some more direct play. The ball often found Apo’s feet where he was either kicked or lost possession (second set of moaning for Apo). Five minutes before the end of the first 45 minutes, Jono landed awkwardly on his ankle and had to make way for Ross.

Half time and the team were asked if they could maintain their standards and work beyond their struggling xmas fitness. They responded well early in the half with a through ball to Apo who won the battle with the keeper, followed by an audacious ball over his shoulder whilst seated on the floor to Leon, who volleyed the ball into the empty net from the edge of the box. Norsemen play in the league below and any normal team would have shown the white flag at this point. Instead they battled hard and achieved something that only one other team has done this season; score away at Tolworth. A battle was on the cards (even without him).

Or was it? I have mentioned a few moans from Apo so far and his moaning peaked about now when the referee was “giving everything against him”. The toys were thrown out the pram and dummy was well and truly spat out. To any other player this would mean self-destruction but pleasingly it followed with two very well taken goals. Each were killer passes from our centre backs Si and Deano and both found the feet of Apo who completed his hat-trick and walked away with the match ball and finally, a smile on his face.

This match sees Nottsborough 3s march on to another semi-final and more importantly, maintain their 100% record for the season

TEAM: BAILS; COLLINS, MITIC, OWEN, CORCORAN; MURPHY, SANTRY (EMERY 45), MCMILLAN, BECKETT; APALOO, ROBERTS (CROFT 69).

GOALS: APALOO (3); ROBERTS

BOOKINGS: NONE

MOM – APO – PLEASE CAN PEOPLE WIND-UP AND FRUSTRATE HIM EVERY WEEK?

Nottsborough 3 Natwest 0 AFA Junior Cup 12th December 2009

Big Cup

This was a hard fought thriller that was showing all the signs of a classic before a show stopping performance from Notts rather ruined any tense finish that would really have made this a classic and possible contender for Oscar nomination.

Here we had two teams capable of playing some good football with NatWest bringing a large physical presence to the game offset by the cunning, passion, fitness and passing of the Notts boys.

It was Light Vs Dark, Good Vs Evil, Notts Vs NatWest.

The game started with Notts straight out of the blocks, buzzing around the NatWest penalty area like wasps at a picnic. In fairness NatWest stood up well and while they struggled to get any time on the ball and clear their lines clear cut chances were not forthcoming.

Gradually NatWest began to force their way into the match and started getting the ball to their front line, although any danger was easily mopped up by the superb back line of Martin, Deano, Si and Rocha………John Rocha.

It wasn’t long though before the game took its first twist and turn. Actually it was several twists and turns from Apo that got him to the by-line before he coolly slid the ball inside to Cards who gleefully accepted the invitation to tuck away the goal he and Notts arguably deserved.

Soon after NatWest showed that may be able to make this a contest after all and maintain the interest of the crowd by creating a couple of chances from Free-Kicks. The first an in swinger from their right found an unmarked banker in the Notts box but he was too worried about his bonus to even bother heading the ball so just shouldered it for a goal kick. Five minutes later a straight ball into box evaded everyone and was creeping into the bottom corner before Bail’s got a good hand to turn the ball away.

The engine room then really got going again for Notts with Jono and Steve bossing the centre of the park and Notts growing in confidence playing the ball out from the back with ease and attacking down both flanks.

Just as the game was looking good Apo rather ruined it for the gathered masses. After good build up play through midfield and Andreas causing havoc in the NatWest penalty area the ball broke to Apo who, this time, went for the simple option of smashing it inside the far post from 18 yards. 2 nil; the game is all over…..

Or is it!

Halftime rejuvenated NatWest and seemed to silence Notts. This time is was NatWest who were all over Notts like a bad rash picked up after a trip to Thailand. The defence again held firm however and restricted NatWest to a series of long throws being fired into the penalty area. While the larger more physical NatWest side was winning their fair share of balls with this tactic Si, Jono and Deano were at least able to apply enough pressure to ensure no header ended up troubling the goal.

A change was needed and so Andreas made way for Rob Moore and Cards was switched to left meaning Matty came over to the right.

This seemed to work and Notts got themselves back on top with Matty able to find space on the right to get some good crosses into the box and Cards now terrifying the NatWest right back in a way that, for some, redefined the torture porn genre.

Just as it seemed Notts had weathered the storm and were going to cruise to a victory there was nearly a sting in the tail as NatWest finally managed to find the killer ball to get in behind Deano. Thankfully Bail’s had read the danger and managed to get his ample frame in the way to block the shot, assisted by Martin who had also come across to cover.

This seemed to deflate NatWest and you kind of got the feeling they had thrown everything they had at Notts and realised it wouldn’t be enough. In turn it served to enliven Notts once more and Cards again went marauding down the right, ably supported by Steve. When Cards pulled the ball back to Steve he in an instant remembered Eduardo’s “goal” against Wolves and cleverly chipped the ball into a defenders head to see it loop into the far corner. The dubious goals panel may over-rule me on this but for his work and effort I’ll give it to Steve.

Martin made way for Paddy, Rocha…….John Rocha, who was excellent all day by the way, got stuck in with heavy duty banter and NatWest started kicking anything that moved.

The end came and Notts won. In truth the match was a tough battle for Notts who needed every bit of their determination and passion as well as their ability to come out with a victory.

If they maintain this level of commitment they will have very short odds to be a winner on prize night.

MOM – Cards – great pace and control always looked dangerous down either flank. Scored one, could have set-up many more.

Team: Bails; Rocher, Mitic, Owen, Corcoran (Collins 70); Carder, Santry, McMillan, Beckett; Apaloo, Atkins (Moore 60).

NORSEMEN 2 NOTTSBOROUGH 6 SAL JUNIOR CUP 1/4 FINAL NOVEMBER 28, 2009

After the excitement of the new (white) Umbro socks had been overcome the team ran out only to be disappointed by a very muddy pitch… those socks will never quite be the same again and the Corcoran brothers will no doubt rue their absence in missing this pre-match banter season highlight.

Losing the coin toss Notts were up the hill, into the wind and facing a very low winter sun which made things very tricky which the young oppo knew and were well up for it and it seemed more so than Notts. Within 20 mins Notts found themselves two down after a couple of uncharacteristic errors at the back. The first mistake left the talented Norseman midfielder though on goal and he calmly slotted the ball past the advancing keeper into the bottom corner. Soon after with some indecision on the egde of the Notts box the ball fell to a Norseman player when the chance to clear had been missed who smashed the ball into the goal . 2-0 down and Notts knew they were in deep trouble having shown little enterprise in the first 20 mins and the home team looking confident and even threatened to score a third with another one on one but this time the shot was blocked.

This was a wake-up call and Notts began to play and with more composure and urgency (especially at the back, where the new line up of Rocher/Owen/Mitic/Collins were finally starting to work each other out). An important goal around 10 mins before half time eradicated any doubt that the team had of coming back into this. A ball falling to the in-form Matt Beckett around the edge of the box which placed neatly with a volley into the side netting giving the keeper no chance. The oppo seemed to wobble at this stage and Notts kept the pressure up to half time with a couple of other chances to equalise with the closest a well improvised toe poke from Dean about 2 yards out following a corner which went straight at the keeper. Going into half time 2-1 down Notts were growing in confidence after an impressive end to the half and ready to play down the hill, with the wind and without the sun in their eyes.

Notts began the second half as they had finished the first and after some sustained pressure a break down the right saw Cards skilfully beat a defender to the ball and with great first touch and sent him through on goal at angle. Still some work to do; Carder finished clinically into the far bottom corner across the keeper, a top class finish at any level. A few minutes later a tactical substitution moved the increasingly dangerous Carder up top next to Aps; something the oppo centre halves will not thank the Notts skipper for. A hard working Cranny made way for Ben Murphy; who slotted onto the right of midfield.

The oppo knew that they were in trouble now and unlike their rivals their younger heads went down and Notts again raised the level and went for the jugular with the 4 more goals. A composed curling shot from Matty B into the far right of the goal from the left corner of the penalty area was probably the pick of the bunch and he also netted with a tap in later on. Carder added a second to his tally and the sixth came after a number of swift counter attacks, one down the right following an oppo corner saw Cards’ shot blocked but Chris Aps had somehow kept up and followed in to pick up the pieces and the rebound from the save to net a poachers goal.

At points Notts had to weather a resurgence from the oppo who realised they were letting themselves down and launched several attacks which were well defended as team. They managed a few shots on goal with one shot from the edge of the box which required the ball to be pushed around the post and a header from a corner that needed a headed clearance off the line from Murphy who made a solid cameo for 20 mins off the bench.

But this impressive second half saw Notts demonstrate their strength in character which hadn’t been seen so far this season as they hadn’t been required to come back from 2 goal deficit. Great to see. Lastly; a mention for the ref who deserves credit for his contribution to the game which he controlled well.

TEAM: WHITE / ROCHER / OWEN / MITIC / COLLINS / CARDER / SANTRY / MOORE / BECKETT / CRANNY (MURPHY 70’) / APALOO

GOALS: BECKETT (3) / CARDER (2) / APALOO

BOOKINGS: NONE

MoM: ALTHOUGH MATTY B MAY FEEL A HATRICK DESERVED HIM MOTM SADLY THIS LEVEL OF PERFORMANCE IS BECOMING THE NORM FROM HIM AND HE NEEDS TO DO EVEN MORE NOW. BEN CARDER’S BRACE AND TERRORISIM OF THE OPPO DEFENCE WITH HIS PACE TO BURN, CREATING A NUMBER OF CHANCES AND THE CRUCIAL EQUALISER WHICH WAS A QUALITY FINISH AT ANY LEVEL SEES HIM TAKE IT AND LETS FACE IT HE BASICALLY HAD A HATRICK IF THE DEFENDER HADN’T HANDLED THE BALL ROUND THE POST LATE ON.

NOTTSBOROUGH 1 CIVIL SERVICE 0 AFA JUNIOR CUP ROUND 3 NOVEMBER 21, 2009

AN EMPIRE STATE OF MIND

Saturday 21^st was an elimination cup encounter on the field of Tolworth Park. Despite the umpire’s late arrival and another cross field gale, this promised to be a soccer battle of epic proportions. Showtime striker Leon Roberts unfortunately pulled his quad in the pre match activity session, but Notts drew on their roster and the knowledge that nothing revs the engines of soccer fanatics more than an elimination battle.

Notts started well and were keeping possession of the sphere in good areas. Carder was giving in plenty of hustle on the side flank and Beckett was showing some wheels on the opposite side flank. After 15 there was almost a breakthrough: Andreas unloaded a goal shot which the goal tender fumbled through his hands. The sphere seemed to cross the line but the umpire waved play on and the score stayed at zeros.

Notts were playing the best soccer they had so far this campaign, but their final ball was unfortunately in the wheelhouse most of the time. Despite having a lot of the ball on the doorstep, Notts couldn’t hit the score bag.

Civil showed some good hustle in the opening half but this was nullified by Owen and Mitch Corcoran who kept the real estate at the back to a minimum and gave no time to their offensive match ups. This strong defensive line-up gave Notts the confidence they needed in offence and began to up their hustle. After an awesome period of possession, Mitch Corcoran drove forward from the midfield stripe with the ball. The Civil defender came across and gave a knock like a bear kiss: the result was a P.K! Santry stepped up and uncorked the sphere into the lower 90 to give Notts the advantage at the half.

In the second period the wind began to play a bigger part and so did Martin Corcoran’s bowels. He unfortunately had to leave the field and take a little private time out. But due to the strength and depth of the Notts roster, they were able to bring on a strong replacement. Civil applied some insane pressure but Notts stood strong with some out of this world bulldogging from the defense. Mitch Corcoran was possessed in defense and led like he was on the front line. Atkins and Apaloo held the ball up well but unfortunately got involved in one to many chicken wing battles and couldn’t create many clear cut chances.

Notts defense stood strong and limited Civil to minimal shots on frame. When Civil managed to penetrate, goal tender White was equal to their attempts. Towards the end of the second half with the score still 1 point to zero the threat of overtime loomed large. After a great slide pass from McMillan, Apaloo looked set to seal the game but a diving challenge came in from the Civil defense. P.K number 2? No! The umpire said it was a perfect takeaway tackle and goal tender claimed the sphere.

Notts managed to stay strong and keep another shut out thanks to some awesome defensive hustle and relentless top bodies from the back line. A great performance from a strong roster who now go eleven and zero for the campaign so far.

TEAM: WHITE / HICKES / CORCORAN / OWEN / CORCORAN (MARRIS 45) / CARDER / MCMILLAN / SANTRY / BECKETT (GRAY 69) / APLAOO / ATKINS.

GOALS: SANTRY (PEN)

BOOKINGS: NONE

MVP: SI OWEN LED THE DEFENCE WITH AWESOME HUSTLE AND A HEART THE SIZE OF THE EMPIRE STATE.

Old Westminster Citizens 2 Nottsborough 7 League 7th November 2009

SMALL DIVOT FAILS TO HALT RUNAWAY BANDWAGON

The Notts bandwagon keeps on rolling on but it is fair to say it hit a pot hole last Saturday. With the boys arriving at the ground the chat seemed to focus more on the reliability of information relating to Mitch's prowess with the ladies (self praise is no praise), and on Old Cits' award winning hospitality.

Despite early issues with changing facilities the boys rolled out to the pitch (literally in the case of Mitch) to find a very nice pitch presented to them in excellent conditions. The game was on!

Although Old Cits' had failed to notch a win this year (the victory over Crouch End doesn't count) they were far from bottom of the table material. It was this, combined with more than a little Notts complacency, that saw Old Cits' take an early lead thanks to some poor decision making in midfield and a fairly average attempt at a clearance from the back. Despite this set back the result was really never in doubt. Having weathered the early storm and a near melt down from Ross Notts took the game by the scruff of the neck.

Too many goals to mention (certainly too many for this correspondent to remember clearly) but special mention to:

- Chris Appaloo for his bullish first half goal. Literally running through, not around, the entire Old Cits defence.
- Leon for a mercurial hat trick including a delicate flick reminiscent of Davor Suker vs Peter Schmichal in the 98 World Cup .
- Si Own for deflecting in a powerful Jono 'cross'
- Crofty for a cultured finish to add the 7th and final goal.

Vitally the team performance was not turned around because a couple of goals went in, more that the team began to knuckle down and win the physical battle and goals were the by product of that. For this a couple of boys are worth a mention - Jono was a giant on the day (although looked more like a small boy next to the man he was marking), Ross (for putting his nervo behind him and taking the game by the scruff of the next towards the end of the first half - although still not sure why Rob Moore appears to be off dead balls this year?), and Leon who put together a catalogue of neat, linking passes that helped to release defence into attack.

How you can score a hat trick on the day and still not make MOM remains a mystery; perhaps is just reiterates the input of Jono is over coming the Old Cits' token 'big man' in a Haye/Valuev manner. To be fair Jono was definitely a Round 8 knock out rather than a ground out points decision and for that he gets the nod.

Finally, bad luck to Paddy. Off to a flyer on the day (not literally because he's actually quite slow...but still faster than Mitch) and was very unlucky to find the only divot on the pitch and twist his ankle. Fingers crossed it isn't a bad one.

Next week the band wagon rolls back home where Winchmore Hill await. For all the success that group have had in the past 2 years they've always struggled to take points from Notts, Saturday provides the platform to well and truly cement Notts' position as the top dogs in this league.

TEAM – WHITE / ROCHER / OWEN / CORCORAN / COLLINS (MURPHY 55’) / EMERY (CROFT 60’) / MOORE / SANTRY / BECKETT / ROBERTS / APALOO

GOALS – ROBERTS (3) / SANTRY / APALOO / OWEN / CROFT

BOOKINGS – EMERY

MoM – A LOT OF STICK HAS BEEN HANDED TO ME FOR THE CHOICE, BUT I STICK BY THE FACT THAT JONO WAS EXCELLENT AND KEPT THEIR MIDFIELD UNIT WELL AND TRULY ON THE BACK FOOT FOR THE MAJORITY OF THE GAME. AS ALSO MENTIONED ABOVE THOUGH, I HAVE TO HAND IT TO LEON FOR A FINE DISPLAY AND A WELL DESERVED HATTRICK… I WON’T MENTION THE OPEN NET HE MISSED…

Old Parkonians 1 Nottsborough 3 SAL Junior Cup Round 3 31^st October, 2009

Tough away day in Essex

Nottsborough 3s went away to deepest Essex to play Old Parkonians in the SAL cup on Saturday. Parkonians has quite a prestigious history originating as an old boys team for Ilford High school – notable for the attendance of Trevor Brooking in a bygone age – furthermore, we were reliably informed that the son of Nigel Worthington (Northern Ireland manager) plays for their first team. We informed their manager that Mitch Corcoran, son of Mr Corcoran, played for us to which the gaffer just turned around and grabbed a sausage chips from the post-match canteen and didn’t speak to us again.

Cup ties in mid November are notoriously tricky affairs. You know you are only 3 games from the final but the opposition sniff an upset. Fortunately conditions were favourable …Parkonians have nice wide, flat pitches and hospitable surroundings ….(if it were a Little Chef restaurant, in the guidebook it would be given the 2* award with a caption “well worth a visit if you are considering stopping off for the delights of the Olympic breakfast in the Gants Hill area”). Parkonians are virtually top of the league below and came into the game full of confidence. This was evident in them deploying an audacious 4-3-3 system from the outset! This created problems for the midfield 2 as it left Robbie Moore chasing shadows (but it was difficult to tell if that was his normal game or the fact that they had 3 in the middle). Nottsborough 3s, though slightly depleted - with the Corcoran brothers missing (buying cords, boat shoes and dodgy leather jackets), Paddy watching Spurs and Apaloo & Jono camping it up with kids on school trips – have shown they have strength in depth this season. It was timely to see the return of Steve McMillan and Ben Carder to fold after nasal reconstruction surgery to stop them looking like Steve Ogrosivic and Steve Bruce on a bad morning.

With the joint highest attendance of the season (zero), the crowd were not treated to an enthralling first half. A lot of the play was up in the air as Nottsborough struggled to get the ball down and play, and Parkonians were mainly relying on hopeful long through-balls. But as the half came to a close Robbie Moore (likened to a poor mans Stuart McCall) arrived onto a short corner at the edge of the 18 yard box and struck a miss-hit cross, heading towards the stanchion of the goal, only to be denied by the cross bar – it deserved more! With the bar still reverberating half-time arrived and Si Owen got stuck into his troops. He told the players that they’ve set their own standards this season and this game is for the taking, if they don’t dig in now and grind it out then they won’t be able to look themselves in the mirror after losing to a team that they were clearly better than. With the fear of not being able to look in the mirror to check his perma-tan and highlights post-match, GK Tom White got hold of the players and rallied them.

Second half saw the gaffer make a tactically inspired decision to go 4-5-1. Leon Roberts asked to be the loan ranger and hold the ball up and bring the mid-field into play did an admirable job and showed that little bit of class he has when he gets good service. As the 2^nd half wore on Notts started to move the ball around better and got a grip of the midfield with the extra man. Pressure was slowly mounting and chances started to emerge – the best going to Leon from all of 3 yards, but the keeper (to his credit) making a good point-blank save. Then the break-through. After a clever step-over by debutant Davide Russo, Matty Beckett ghosted in on the near-post to meet a cross by Leon and helped it in at the second attempt. 1-0. Notts then looked to control the game with Parkonians trying to use their quick winger to get in behind but was marked out the game firstly by Tom Rocher (using modern day tactical defending) and then Ross Emery, who was at left-back today after being on a white hot streak in front of goal recently, (using old style defending tactics).

Then out of nowhere Parkonians are back in the game with 15 to go. Adam Hamadachie, who filled in excellently at centre half when big Dean Mitic had to go off with a nasty ankle tweak, had a sudden rush of blood to the head. The incident has been well publicised and doesn’t need any more column inches here and no more needs to be said. But it is worth noting that he pushed a player over in the box which the ref caught sight of and pulled the play back for a penalty. 1-1.

With ten to go it looked like extra-time and one of those games to grind out. But in typical 3’s fashion this year certain players really stepped up (notably Si Owen, Steve Mc, Ben C, Robbie and Matty Beckett) and didn’t roll over. A goal then came that was totally out of nothing. Created by Ben Carder by whipping in a cross from the left, Matty Beckett (who was having a stormer in centre mid by now) came steaming in at the near post, then as he lurched away from goal, managed to flick his header to the back post for a goal that would not have looked out of place in Coca Cola League 2. 2-1.

Notts knew that the next round beckoned and weren’t going to let this slip. Tight defending kept Parkonians out and then in the last minute the ever-running Steve Mc got onto Leon’s unselfish through-ball to slot past the keeper on the break. Final score 3-1. Gaffer Si Owen was pleased with the result and how the team really dug in to ensure they were in the hat on Monday morning quoting “I’m really pleased with the result and how the team really dug in to ensure we’re in the hat on Monday morning”.

Announced yesterday morning by none other than Trevor Brooking, number 32, Norseman, will play number 3, Nottsborough. Tie to played on the weekend of the 27^th, 28^th, and 29^th of November.

TEAM – WHITE / ROCHER / OWEN / MITIC (RUSSO 60’) / EMERY / CARDER / MOORE / McMILLAN / BECKETT / ROBERTS / CRANNY (HAMADACHE 45’)

GOALS – BECKETT (2) / McMILLAN

BOOKINGS – NONE

MoM – TOM ROCHER KEPT CALM AND KEPT THEIR PACY WINGER OUT OF THE GAME AND LEON WAS A FANTASTIC OUTLET AND A FANTASTICALLY DEFT TOUCH UP TOP ALL DAY. HOWEVER, THERE’S NO DISPUTING THE MoM THIS WEEK… WITH A MERCURIAL 2^ND HALF PERFORMANCE, FANTASTIC WORK RATE AND TWO GOALS TO BOOT; WELL PLAYED MATTY BECKETT

Crouch End Vampires 0 Nottsborough 4 League October 17^th 2009

Crouching Corcorans Hidden Talents

Notts 3s travelled North to Muswell Hill looking to keep their 100% win record firmly in tact. The Vampires of Crouch End - whose pitches border the biggest cemetery that any Notts player has walked through in recent times - won promotion to the top division last season and were something of an unknown quantity to even the most established of 3s players, noting that Robbie Moore and Tom White are now in their 24th and 25th seasons at the club respectively.

As Notts took to the very small pitch, it was clear that the game would be a scrappy affair. After all, dry, uneven, pitches don't normally lend themselves favourably to the Notts way of playing, so the game was an altogether different proposition to our other encounters thus far. But then again, Notts 3s are an altogether different proposition this term, so in reality there was nothing to fear as long as we continued from where left off the week previous, and the weeks previous to that. And the fact that Crouch End had managed to spoon all three of their match balls over the high netting and into the houses behind their goal in the pre-match warm-up, suggested that Tom in nets could remain on holiday for a further weekend and that the Corcorans would achieve their goal of a clean sheet whilst serving as emergency centre backs. Notts welcomed into the fold Tom Rocher at right back, fresh from several games with the 4s as he embarks on his Notts career, with Paddy continuing at left back. The midfield four of Croft, Santry, Emery and Beckett, provided calm feet in the middle of the park with a sprinkle of pace on the flanks. Apaloo and Roberts started once again up top, with Cranny and the returning Rob Moore making up the 13 from the bench.

As with pretty much every game so far, Notts were straight on the front-foot, with the vast majority of the play taking place in the Crouch End half. Time on the ball remained at a premium, and second balls soon became second nature for Santry and Emery, who contested well against physical opponents. Whilst the Notts play was a little direct at times, there was a good degree of build up play once up and around the box. Croft was seeing a lot of the ball high up the right-handside of the pitch, ably supported by Rocher, with Apaloo and Roberts offering at every opportunity. Apaloo fired over twice from 20 yards - the second effort of which struck the top of the bar as it dipped wickedly late in its flight. Soon after, following further good work from Apaloo, Beckett blasted inches wide, when a calm head and a rolled finish would probably have sufficed. Not to be deterred by these misses Notts pushed on, and following several corners the breakthrough arrived. Emery picked up a loose ball on the edge of the box, played a measured cross to the far post towards Martin Corcoran. The younger of the Corcorans placed a firm header back across goal which was met by the onrushing Beckett whose flick header looped over the keeper and into the near post corner. A deserved goal on the balance of play, but one which was admittedly a long time in coming. The goal fortified Notts and took the wind out of the Crouch End side, who were becoming increasingly irate with both the referee and each other. Not so much pantomime stuff - it's still little bit too early in the year for that - but it kept Messrs Cranny and Moore amused on the sidelines. Chuckling aside, Notts kept their focus and stuck to their gameplan. The back four was solid, with Mitch Corcoran dominant in his aerial duals with the Crouch End no. 9. Tom White remained well protected, but equally alert to any through balls, sweeping his box well at all times. Notts second goal followed five minutes before half-time, courtesy of Ross Emery. Not content to sit on a haul of one goal for the whole season, Emery forayed into the box on another Notts attack and found himself perfectly placed to sidefoot home Apaloo's squared cross. Just reward for a man who is really enjoying his football at the moment. 2-0 at half-time. The chat during the break was one of a job half-done and that the same level of application in the second half would probably see us notch a couple of more goals and secure that clean sheet.

Cranny came on for Roberts, who had succumbed to a knee injury suffered early in the first half - not that you would have noticed given the sheer amount of work he put in over the first 45mins. Crouch End made a couple of changes, bringing on the 'big' no.4 to add a bit of steel their midfield. The pattern of play didn't really change, with Notts dominant and prepared to match Crouch End physically in the challenge. Tom White, however, did have to make his first and only save in 180 minutes of football, fielding a tricky 25yr daisy cutter in the dustbowl that was the goalmouth. Notts withdrew Beckett for Moore, in an effort to keep a stranglehold in midfield. Cranny and Apaloo were combining well, and Rocher was becoming an increasing threat going forward, getting up to and beyond Croft ahead of him. Notts positive approach was rewarded with a third goal. Rob Moore won a 40/60 ball in the centre circle before embarking on a run towards goal. Despite being stopped in his tracks by a sound Crouch End tackle, Moore was quickest to pick-up the loose ball. Unfortunately for Crouch End, the defender's hand then got in the way of Moore's cross. Rob confidently put away the resulting penalty. With the game now pretty much won, the opposition's discipline began to lapse, but we did well to not let it break up our football. The optimist in me would put it down to a bit of frustration at losing getting the better of Crouch End; let’s hope I’m right. With the clock ticking down, Cranny had a couple of shots blocked, whilst Apaloo could do everything but score, well that was until five minutes before the full-time, when he skipped past three players in the box before firing confidently through the keepers' legs.

This was not a pretty game, but the resounding scoreline reflects that this Notts 3s squad is set on achieving this year. All 13 players on show put in solid performances, none more so than the two Corcoran brothers - a great partnership and great commitment to the cause. Well played lads!

Notts 3s: Tom White; Tom Rocher, Martin Corcoran, Mitch Corcoran, Paddy Collins; Richard Croft, Ross Emery, Jono Santry, Matt Beckett (Moore); Leon Roberts (Cranny), Chris Apaloo. Subs: Steve Cranny; Rob Moore.

Nottsborough 2 Alleyn Old Boys 0 League October 10^th 2009

Solidification.

Continuing the fine start to the season, Nottsborough showed great resolve and huge team solidarity to beat a determined Alleyns Old Boys side at fortress Tolworth to maintain their 100% record.

The 3s were missing a couple of strong players after last week’s social, plus Mitch, but this allowed the opportunity for the team to show great strength in depth and brought in Chris Apaloo and Jono Santry into the team. Added to this was the return of a very tanned Tom White in the sticks, a very tanned Croft making his first appearance of the season and a very pale Cranny back from injury. The gaffer decided to revert to a traditional 4-4-2 in light of the squad and it allowed for Nottsborough to get the ball down and play positive, attacking football.

After another excellent warm-up by Ben Murphy and rousing team talk by Si Owen Notts were definitely the sharper team out of the blocks. The game started at a high tempo and allowed for the home team to dictate the tempo and within the first 10 minutes there were signs of good link up play with Chris ‘The Bull’ Apaloo and Leon who were bringing the two wide men, Ben Murphy and Matt Beckett, into the game. The opening goal came after 22mins when Ross Emery picked up the ball and played a silky one-two with Leon which saw him one-on-one and coolly slotted the ball past the oncoming keeper to notch his first Nottsborough goal.

A solid performance by the back four of Collins, Owen, Mitic and Corcoran Jnr allowed Murphy and Beckett to get involved and inter link with Emery and Santry in the centre of the park. Corcoran Jnr was showing some good gas with a couple of marauding runs, reminding us of a young……Michael Corcoran, as well as a blistering 30 yard shot that sailed just over, on reflection he probably should have played it simple.

The referee had a very good game and had little to do, except book the Old Allyens centre half who poll axed Leon from behind. The Bull who was as strong as well,……. a bull, was impossible to shake off the ball and gave the defenders a torrid afternoon and was unlucky not to bag after a stupendous run that started in his own half saw him turn his man and out muscle another defender but saw him put his effort just over.

10 minutes before half time Alleyns had a spell of prolonged pressure which was weathered well and saw some commanding goalkeeping by Tom White.

Jonno who slotted straight into the team and was excellent winning the midfield battle with Ross, scored the decisive second after 60 minutes as he danced past a couple of tackles and smashed the ball into the stantion from the edge of the area, unfortunately it was a horrific toe poke!

A couple of good chances went begging in the closing stages which would have killed off the game and Crofty and Cranny came on off the bench for Murphy and Roberts respectively and offered fresh legs. Crofty was an excellent out ball down the right and delivered a handful of superb crosses that Notts were unable to convert.

The end of second half was similar to that of the first and Alleyns had their best spell of the game and had Notts pinned back but the whole team defended like lions and Tom White was never really troubled.

Satisfyingly Nottsborough kept a clean sheet and well deserved the win.

The Nottsborough juggernaut rolls on.

TEAM – WHITE / COLLINS / OWEN / MITIC / CORCORAN JNR / HUGHES (CROFT 55’) / SANTRY / EMERY / BECKETT / ROBERTS (CRANNY 65’) / APALOO

GOALS – EMERY / SANTRY

BOOKINGS – NONE

MoM – CHRIS GRABBED THE GAME BY THE HORNS (SEE WHAT I DID THERE) FROM THE FIRST WHISTLE AND WORKED HIS SOCKS OFF FOR THE TEAM CLOSING DOWN AND HARASSING THE OPPOSITION AS WELL AS HOLDING THE BALL UP EXCELLENTLY

Nottsborough 2 Old Actonians 1 League October 3^rd 2009

Notts come through tough test with all three in the bag. Again.

On a blustery day in Tolworth, Notts turned up for the third league match of the campaign knowing that this would be the first real test of the season. Actonians are a tough team to beat and play to their strengths very well. Unusually for home matches, the pitch was poor but this was compensated by a new premier league football courtesy of the skipper’s Nike connections.

The game started with Notts playing against the wind but with the bulk of the possession, and the 4-5-1 formation meaning Matt and Cards could push forward and cause the full backs problems. Leon went close from distance, and by the time the referee gave a controversial free kick for a good tackle from Dean, Notts should have been ahead. The resulting free kick saw Notts fall 1-0 down, with the strong Acton midfielder hitting the top corner. This, to be fair, was the only real threat on the Notts target all day and the taker did very well to beat the 17 year old stand in keeper who had a very assured debut. Notts continued to push forward, and after 35mins the astute opposition manager noticed that Cards was the out ball, and it was from down the right flank that Ben cut the ball back for Leon to tuck into the bottom corner. 5 minutes before half time Robbie Moore won a penalty and proceeded to dust himself off and confidently slot it to the keepers left. Unfortunately for Notts, the keeper got there and pushed it round the post. Rob was so angry his beard nearly caught fire. Half time ended as a hard fought 1-1; against a very strong wind and a lot of balls down the throats of the back four.

With the wind on Notts’ back, the second half was an onslaught from the outset, with most of the attacking players having, and missing, good chances. Leon had a couple of decent chances, Cards missed from 5 yards under pressure from the keeper, and the less said about Ross’ free kick the better. The goal looked likely but with only 5 minutes to go Acton had a spell of possession and there was a feeling that Notts could be robbed in the final minutes. It was not to be, and in the final minute of the match the Essex boys combined to give Notts the deserved win and maintain the 100% start to the season. Steve collected the ball in midfield, and lifted a 30yard pass into Ben’s stride. With Leon busting a gut to get along side Ben, Ben chose to go alone and hit a shot through the keepers’ legs and into the bottom corner.

In a hard, battling game, quality eventually shone through and the back four continued to not give opposition strikers a sniff.

TEAM – JAMES / COLLINS / OWEN (WATKINS 85’) / MITIC / CORCORAN (CORCORAN JNR 72’) / CARDER / McMILLAN / EMERY / MOORE / BECKETT (HUGHES 55’) / ROBERTS

GOALS – ROBERTS / CARDER

BOOKINGS – NONE

MoM – CARDER IN HIS 4^TH GAME FOR THE 3’S SINCE JOINING THE CLUB SHOWED REAL CLASS, AGAIN, BUT MIDFIELD DOMINANCE ON A VERY TOUGH DAY (WIND AND 7’ OPPOSITION) MEANS THAT STEVE McMILLAN EDGES IT

Fulham Compton Old Boys III 1 Nottsborough III 5 AFA Junior Cup September 26th 2009

Notts 3’s cruise first round victory in the AFA

On another sunny Saturday afternoon Nottsborough turned up to the annexed park pitches of Richmond Park. Notts are by no means new to parklife - our annual trip to Gunnersbury Park is one we relish - but the changing rooms were tiny, the showers did not work, the toilets would not flush....who exactly was it who said the cup had beauty?!

Notwithstanding this, Nottsborough were up for the game and started at a furious pace. The first attack came from kickoff, with a long ball knocked down the left wing for Carder to loft a cross into the box which was gathered easily by the goalkeeper - however this set the pace for the entire first half. The first ten minutes were played in the oppositions half, with Leon's movement upfront causing big problems for the defence and the midfield supporting eagerly it was only a matter of time before the pressure paid dividends. After solid work from the midfield and good interplay between Ross, Rob and Leon a snapshot from Leon fat the edge of the box was parried by the goalkeeper for Matt Beckett to pounce on the rebound and hammer home. 1-0 Nottsborough and certainly deserved!!

The onslaught continued and it was clear Nottsborough had every intention of putting this game to bed as early as possible. Although the distribution was not always perfect the intent to continually play football and pass the other team off the park was evident from the Dean and Simon upto Leon. The midfield three were dominating the game and providing excellent attacking opportunities for Matt B and Carder to get into good positions. A couple of half chances were had by Leon, Steve Mac and Rob Moore as the opposition were bombarded with crosses and through balls. The breakthrough came after about 25 minutes as a decent exchange down the right wing between Rob Moore and Ross resulted in Rob Moore's cross being blocked by an arm. Penalty given. Rob Moore after a long lay off from Nottsborough football stepped straight up and placed the penalty in the bottom corner, was there ever a doubt as to whether he'd score?!

With a convincing 2-0 lead now, in honesty Nottsborough took there foot off of the gas a tiny bit and although looking very comfortable were not playing to there full potential. A slight change in tactics with Carder coming to the right wing and Matt B going to the left; for some reason inspired two very decent goals which came out of pretty much nowhere. After good play from Mitch at full back the ball was given to Carder on the right wing, who after cutting inside two players put the ball in the top corner from 20 yards with a well hit left footed strike.

The fourth was arguably an early contender for goal of the season. Coming from good battling from the midfield the ball fell to Ross who picked out Carder with a 30 yard cross field ball, with a ridiculous first touch (which even I don't think he expected to do) he flicked the ball over the fullbacks head and proceeded to volley the ball into the roof of the net from the edge of the 18 yard box with his right foot.

The scoreline was now convincing but Comptons, to their credit continued to battle and play their part in the game. They were niggling constantly and committing quite a few fouls on a regular basis. Nottsborough were not phased by this and pressed hard. The football was a little less hollywood and a more direct approach was taken, this however worked pretty effectively, resulting in a fifth goal just before half time. From a long dangerous ball into the box, the ball fell to Paddy on the edge of the area, who took one touch and fired goalwards, the shot was far too hot to handle and the keeper could only parry to Leon who like all good strikers was looking for poachers goal and obliged with a cultured left foot finish.

The only negative in an otherwise excellent first half was an injury to Bailesy who strained his calf muscle stretching for a cross. Martin Corcoran offered to step into the big mans boots due to a slightly dodgy knee which he was happy to rest whilst in the sticks.

Half time came soon after and in fairness there was a clear gap in class but the aim had to be to keep a clean sheet and continue playing good football. The defence had proved rock solid and the combination of Simon and Dean at centre half was looking almost unbeatable. Paddy's left wand was causing the defence problems with deep crosses and Mitch's constant bombing-on down the right like a young Cafu was giving the midfield options everywhere.

The second half unfortunately was nowhere near as strong as the first-half but in honesty it is extremely hard to keep the motivation and desire at such a high level as in the first 45 minutes. The overview of the second half was that everybody was a little bit guilty of holding onto the ball one touch too many or trying glory balls which were not the right option. The work rate was still very high from the whole Nottsborough team and this was added to by Cheesy coming on for Leon who had tormented the defence the entire game and Ben Murphy coming into the midfield to provide another engine in the centre of the park.

There were a couple of very good opportunities in the second half when hard work and some decent football led to the ball arriving in the middle of the area to Steve Mac who unselfishly passed across the six yard box to Ben Murphy who uncharacteristically did not strike the ball cleanly, and saw his effort from five yards miss the target entirely.

The major disappointment for the Saturday was not managing to keep a clean sheet. Fulham Compton's goal was a decent finish after some good footwork around the edge of the area but with no disrespect to Martin C I think Bailesy would of saved the effort comfortably (even though Martin believes otherwise), no blame on Martin though as he stepped in where most players would not bother and did a solid job throughout the game.

The game pretty much died completely in the last 20 minutes and the only other real spark of the second half was a moment when Steve Mac cost himself £8 with what can only be described as a flying shoulder into Fulham's worst defender.

All in all when the final whistle blew it was another comprehensive win and a real team effort from the first whistle to the last. The tactics had worked very effectively, the whole team worked hard throughout and there was certainly many moments of quality from every player. The season has started encouragingly and long may the winning streak continue.

Nottsborough 2 Weirside Rangers 0 League September 19th 2009

Second gear enough as Nottsborough pick up second straight win.

Nottsborough continued their solid start to the season on another sweltering day in south London, with a hard fought, but thoroughly deserved victory over Weirside Rangers.

Nottsborough once again included new faces with a debut being given to Dan McEwan up front alongside Steve Malloy. Pat Collins continued on the left of midfield with Ben Murphy, Steve Macmillan and Ben Carder making up the midfield quartet. Notts also saw another centre back partnership with the return of skipper Si Owen alongside Dean Mitic, supported by Mitch Junior at left back and a cameo appearance from the 1's Ben Hickes at right back. It was also a big day for Bails, making his long awaited return in between the sticks after a lengthy absence through injury. Rob Moore and Adam Hamadache made up the rest of the squad.

Luckily Notts didn’t allow these changes to affect them early on and similar to last week started at a ferocious pace and really took the game to their opponents. It was obvious that the midfield 4 were going to cause problems all afternoon and this was to be the case almost immediately. After good interchange between Murphy and McMillan, Ben Carder forced an early corner and Weirside were made to pay. The cultured left foot of Collins allowed Owen to cause chaos in the penalty box which provided Mitic the perfect opportunity to open the scoring at the back post with an easy header to make it 1-0, just the start the 3's wanted.

The skipper demanded effort from the start and Notts certainly provided this, quick into the tackle and composed on the ball, a second goal was always likely. We didn’t have long to wait as the dangerous Carder again got at the Weirside left back and breezed past him to set up MacMillan at the back post, some may say it was a slice but deep down we all know Macca loves the stanchion and he didn’t disappoint with

a rasping left foot strike into the top corner of the net.

After a flying first 25 mins Notts took their foot of the gas and along with a very acute referee; Notts seemed to lose their cool, and with this went their total control of the game. Weirside started to get back into the match with a decent passage of play but thanks to good work from all of the back 4 with the vocal support of Bails (who could comfortably play the lead role in ITV’s 1980’s cult game show ‘The Interceptor’ after some excellent takes from Weirside’s somewhat speculative balls into the Notts penalty area), they never really looked like scoring. Owen and Mitic were both winning their aerial duels and Mitch Jnr and Hicksey always looked comfortable and continued to use the ball intelligently to ensure the threat of Collins and Carder were never far away. Although the quality of football dropped for the remainder of the half Malloy's physical presence and Mcewan's intelligent running were always giving Weirside a serious problem.

Half time was much needed for Notts as it allowed them to regroup and take stock of the relatively comfortable position they found themselves in.

The 2nd half continued in similar fashion to the end of the 1^st, in terms of disjointed flow of the game, but to the credit to the team as they continued to press, Collins and Corcoran combined well to allow the marauding full back to get in behind the Weirside defence and almost create the opening for the threatening Mcewan. The Mac got in behind the defence again late into the game but could only put his attempted lob wide of the mark.

As the game petered out Notts looked more and more at ease with only a rare free kick from Weirside causing any real threat. Rob Moore making his first appearance of the season from the subs bench deserved credit for this as he brought a composed and cultured influence to the proceedings, and with Adam entering the fray and looking increasingly lively a 3rd was always a possibility. It couldn’t have been any closer as the classy Hicks dug deep into his tank to make a lung busting run to get on the end of a lovely ball in from the left with a ‘Robin Van Persie - esque’ left foot volley which hammered against the crossbar, the goal certainly would not have flattered Notts as they saw out the remainder of the game in very comfortable fashion.

A pleasing result which at times threatened to be much more convincing!

TEAM – BAILS / HICKES / OWEN / MITIC / CORCORAN / CARDER / McMILLAN / HUGHES (HAMADACHE 65’) / COLLINS / MALLOY (MOORE 45’) / McEWAN

GOALS – MITIC / McMILLAN

BOOKINGS – MITIC

MoM – A VERY ASSURED AND IMPRESSIVE DEFENSIVE PERFORMANCE, PLUS AN OPENER TO HIS NOTTS ACCOUNT GIVES IT TO DEAN MITIC

Carshalton 1 Nottsborough 2 League September 12th 2009

Beckett late winner grabs all 3 points for Nottsborough 3’s in tight opener

Nottsborough 3’s got their season off to a flying start in a tight opener, away to Carshalton. After the disappointing results of the corresponding fixture in recent years, Nott did well to pick up all 3 points after a late but well deserved win on a sweltering afternoon in South London

This was a new look Notts side which promised much. New additions to the side included Mitch Renton in goal, a new partnership of Dean and Joe Taylor at Centre Back, to accompany the two Corcoran brothers, Mitch and Martin at right and left back respectively. In midfield there were 3 new faces of Ben Carder (right midfield), Steve (Centre Midfield) and Patrick Collins ( Left midfield) who were joined in Centre Midfield by Matt Beckett. Richard Cheeseman got his first start for Notts up front alongside Stephen Cranny. Ben Murphy and Steve Malloy were on the subs bench.

Notts started well and dominated possession. Notts were bossing the midfield and pinning Carshalton in their own half. Notts needed to make their possession count though; after 8 minutes Cheesy latched onto a through ball down the left-hand side and evaded the rushing keeper, but was unlucky not to convert. The opening exchanges and passing moves were promising; Notts were clearly the stronger side. After 15 minutes the break through came when Mitch provided an outlet for Cranny down the right channel who won a corner, despite a suspicion of hand ball. From the resulting play, Paddy picked the ball picked the ball up on the edge of the area and while some might say it was a cross, Paddy will tell you that he fully intended for the ball to hit the top left hand corner of the net, brushing the tips of the keepers fingers as it flew past.

For the remainder of the 1^st half Nottsborough continued to dominate possession. Ben Carder was continuously frustrating the Carshalton left with his pace, and was drawing more fouls than Rolf Harris could with a felt tip pen and an A1 sheet in a farm yard. Steve and Matt Beckett were showing good work rate in centre midfield, while Martin and Paddy were combining well to penetrate up the left hand side. Cranny and Cheesy were showing good movement and were always an outlet for Mitch from right back and Martin and Paddy down the left. One of many throw-ins on the left, was flicked on by Cheesey, Cranny turned the last defender and guided the bouncing ball over the keepers head but also over the bar. Dean and Jo were adding much needed stability at the back - Carshalton did not look like scoring. It was only from one slight loss of concentration in midfield which presented Carshalton with a run on goal down the left channel. Nottsborough were lucky to see the ball glaze over the bar and maintain their lead...this was a warning sign.

Nottsborough regrouped at half time, and took heed of the fact that despite all their dominance there was only a goal separating the teams. 10 minutes into the second half these fears came true, when, in a nervy 5 minutes where silly mistakes and loose passes were creeping into Nottsborugh’s play, a mix up at the back let gifted Carshalton an equaliser...1-1.

Nottosbough freshened up the team. Ben Murphy came on for Paddy in Midifield, and Steve Malloy replaced Cheesey up top. On a hot day Nottsborough could all too easily have settled for an away point. It was great testament to them that for the last 25 minutes the play was fixed in the opposition half, attributable perhaps to a high attendance at pre-season training sessions, but also a steely determination throughout the side. Nottsborough pushed and pushed for a winner with several goal mouth scrambles, one of which had a shot cleared off the line. With time fast running out it was almost not to be, until a flicked header from a throw on the left in the 87^th minute was met by Matt Beckett on the 6 yard box. With his back to goal, an attempted flick on hit the back of his neck and guided the ball into the roof of the Carshalton net!

Nottsborough were good value for their lead and deserved to take all 3 points!