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Nottsborough 2 - Alexander Palace 2 League 7th March 2009
With Nott's 4's looking to stop a slide of only taking 1 point from the last their last 2 games in a bid to get their title challenge back on course, the team was looking forward a solid performance and getting back to winning ways.
A full squad arrived early (even Kev - although only because he was told it was a 2.30 kick off!) and a good warm up was put in place. With Alexander Palace held up in traffic and kick-off delayed the challenge was set by vice skipper Stu Donovan to play it out wide and attack early, reminding the boys that cup final places were up for grabs. Kick off finally arrived and Nott's looked comfortable on the ball with Steve Beckett (thanks again mate) and the back four rarely troubled. The midfield was competing but it become apparent early on that things weren't quite gelling and a unusually quiet first half was played out with Chris and Kev not seeing a great deal of the ball. Eventually the AP defence was broken on the stoke of half time when a direct free kick was won just outside of the box. Emo, just like his countrymen Norman Whiteside in a past generation - struck a sweet shot that beat the keeper to his left.
The half time whistle blew straight after the kick off with the slender advantage in place. It was agreed by all that the effort and endeavour to go on and attack was needed and the players took to the field in the knowledge that if they took the game to them, victory would be theirs. However the game took a twist when AP found their passing and began to look dangerous, particularly on the counter. Following a messy period of play the AP right winger managed to beat his man and whip in a ball for the oncoming forward to slot the ball in. Game on. The game had now opened up and chances were appearing for the first time with both teams upping their competitiveness. 20mins into the half this was evident when debutant Andy Richardson was to have judged to have fouled his man in the box and a penalty was given. The AP player gave Beckett no chance, sending him the wrong way. Nott's were in trouble and had to dig deep. With more joy now coming down the wings Nott's started to threaten but it was a direct ball over the top witch allowed Kev to scamper away, round the keeper and finish from a tight angle. The last 10 mins saw Nott's apply the pressure with a number of corners and cross but it was too little too late, despite a number of minutes of injury time.
2-2 was a fair reflection on the game from a battling AP side proving tough opponents on the day, but it was a case of more urgency and quality from Nott's as they contemplate their SAL Minor Challenge Cup Final next week.
Actonians 4ths 1 Nottsborough 2 (SAL Cup Quarter-Final) 31st January 2009
This was always going to be a tough fixture at in form Acton. It was also on a tough pitch and Notts started into a swirling wind. Acton were fast to start and their front 3 were putting huge pressure on the Notts back 4. The big centre forward with the best effort, turning sharply on the corner of the box and rocketing a shot of the bar.
As Lacey and both full backs, Kennedy and M.Cattell, gathered control, Notts grafted back into the game working extremely hard against the wind. As the game wore on they began to create chances of their own and felt extremely hard done by on 40 mins with Marshall brought down by the keeper in the box and the ref awarding nothing.
Acton took their chance though and broke at the other end, the pacy left winger bursting into the box for a penalty that was calmly dispatched, 1-0 just before the break!
The second half began quietly until Gardner took matters into his own hands. Picking the ball up 35 yards out, nutmegging one, drifting past another into the box, and slotting into the far corner from a wide angle. Notts didn’t look back, with Gray racing down the right shortly after, squaring for McCormack, who beat the defender to the ball and smashed into the roof of the net first time from 16 yards.
The Notts midfield gather further control and they looked solid at the back for the most part, Seale, Holt and Donovan all adding energy and good quality from the bench. However, the 3 Acton forward were always a threat, and created a golden chance to equalise late on that went begging.
Great away result, and a big tie against Old Owens to come in the Semi-Final.
Nixon, M. Cattell, Lacey, A. Cattell, Kennedy, Marris, Phadnis, Gardner, Gray, Marshall, McCormack
Subs – Seale, Holt, Donovan
MoM – Lacey nicked it from Gardner who showed a great engine and a stunning finish for the equaliser. Added strength and pace to the back 4 in a dominant performance.
Civil Service 2 Nottsborough 3 (League) 3rd January 2009
Smash and grab!
Notts 4’s returned in festive mood with a full squad of 14. They were to need every man in a tough encounter as always at Civil Service. Unfortunately in the first 20 minutes they played like they had drunk a small country dry of the Xmas and New Year holidays.!
Civil Service were rampant, opening up chance after chance, and Notts didn’t do much to cling on at all! Calamitous defending behind a lacklustre front 6 gave Service all the opportunity they needed. A first goal was disallowed from a header due to a push in the back, and Notts were in all sorts of trouble from set pieces, looking as if they were all seeing double.
A well taken finish and a firmly struck dead ball later and Notts were 2-0 down. A 3rd could easily have followed if not for the crossbar and some decent saves from Beast in nets.
The 4-5-1 that Cattell had picked on a tough and bobbly pitch wasn’t working and Notts couldn’t string 2 passes together. Credit to the players though, they did graft hard from 25 minutes onwards and matched Service through towards half time. Kennedy, Lacey and White looked some of the fitter players on the pitch, and McCormack gave Notts a lifeline before half time, nicking a goal back.
At half time the talk was of changing to 4-4-2, going more direct (or possibly punting it more), and having every opportunity to go on and win the game, let alone draw which was more than they so far deserved.
Holt came on at left wing and played a superb 45 mins, running riot against tiring legs. White complemented him well with a composed performance on the right. The 4-4-2 gave more space in the middle and Kennedy & Phadnis began to bundle their way into control. The defence shut up shop (at least more than the first half) needing just one magnificent save from Beast, flying to his top right corner – plus half a dozen punches from Service corners which were well delivered. And the running from Lacey up top supported McCormack well.
The equaliser came from pure determination of Phadnis reaching the byeline, looping a delicate ball to the far post, where there was only one winner in McCormack smashing home the header for 2-2!
Notts gathered momentum, though the game was fully in the balance from on end to the other. McFarland and Donovan entered for Noreaga and Lacey, giving some extra energy and neat touches from Donaldo up top.
The winner again came from nothing but determination. Holt running rings down the left, squaring over to the far side of the box, the ball was put back in for Phadnis. With one last bust forward he dispatched a controlled volley for the winner and a mass celebration!
This wasn’t pretty, or deserved, but was a great 3 points for endeavour, and all 14 squad members contributed.
Nixon, Seale, Blackmore, Beckett, Noreaga, White, Kennedy, Cattell, Phadnis, Lacey, McCormack
Subs – Holt, Donovan, McFarland.
MoM – Nixon. The Beast undoubtedly kept Notts in it with fine saves, excellent punching from corners, and some extremely loud abuse towards all of the other Notts players…clearly he was enjoying himself.
Nottsborough 7 Southgate 2 (League) 6th December 2008
Notts began their cup defence with a tough week in organising a side with numbers light across the club. 4 regular starters where Friday withdrawals with Nixon was unavailable, Seale to the 3’s, and Gardner and Gekoski to the 2’s. The squad depth showed though with a strong side still names. Lacey helping out once again in nets, and Collins slotting into the vacant left back.
Notts took what’s becoming an all too familiar sloppy start with a real lacklustre looking first 15. Passes weren’t crisp and tackles were missed, though they looked dangerous from the off with pace on the break. The Southgate keeper started well, saving brightly low to his left from McCormack, and punching a rasping Marris corner away – then stopping a decent Phadnis header from under the bar.
20-30 minutes in, Phadnis and Kennedy began to control the midfield, where they’ve been a consistent partnership. Collins and M.Cattell were good outlets at full back, and Marris and Gray began causing problems down the wings. The opener cam from a burst through the middle from Phadnis and an exquisite 30 yard, Xabi Alonso-esque, chip of the keeper.
2 more rattled in quick succession with Phadnis mopping up a keeper error for a tap in, and White a 1st for the season following. 3-0! Southgate rallied with a swinging ball from the White. Lacey claimed and took a massive shove in the back from a forward dong his best impression of Duncan Ferguson, and Notts were disappointed to concede. It was harsh, but inevitable though as there sloppy play deserved it.
A.Cattell was off with a recurring groin strain, and McFarland entered early on 35 minutes for a reliable outing at left back, with Collis now shifting to centre back, and really helping the side out this week.
The second half saw a more improved performance, with further goals from McCormack on his return from injury, and a well deserved White brace as he showed good build up play on his return. Phadnis completed his hat-trick, and there was a 2nd Southgate goal in between from a fine 30 yard belter.
Donovan also got a good 35 minutes on the left wing, volleyed a 3 yarder, 45 yards wide, and was then very unlucky to have a neat 12 yard finish disallowed for offside, that was created by an ever dangerous Gray down the right.
Notts happy with thre result, and will look to improve on the intensity levels in the quarter-finals.
Lacey, Collins, A. Cattell, Noreage, M.Cattell, Marris, Phadnis, Kennedy, Gray, McCormack, White
Donovan, McFarland
MoM – Phadnis, drove the side on for 90 minutes and rewarded with a fine hat-trick
Alexandra Park 4ths 3 Nottsborough 3 (League) 29nd November 2008
And so it was, once again, that Nottsbrough 4s returned to the “home” of Alexandra Park, the bleak, barren irradiated wasteland where feral kids live in hope of snaring, skinning and spit-raosting a passing mutant rat…….where the trees are shorn of leaves and all that dangle from them are plastic bags brimming with dog mess….. where locals still point at planes… where the “pitch” – and I use that term extremely lightly – is steeper than a cow’s face and made up of mud, bottles, old jazz mags, alligators, discarded hunks of scalp, shopping trolleys, some more mud, a worried looking Bear Grylls, a little bit of grass – but not much – and then some more mud again.
Despite an unlucky loss the week before and missing some key players and a regular goalkeeper, Nottsbrough 4th XI arrived in good spirits as league leaders and determined to avenge two successive defeats here, both ill-deserved.
Smiling Nottsborough 4ths paraded out of the changing room wearing clean white kits and flowers sticking out of the muzzles of their rifles. After a stirring team-talk from Sergeant Cattell, everyone expected it to be over quickly and for us to return to South London with shiny new metals pinned to our chests. Unfortunately, it did not turn out this way. The war versus Alexandra Park lasted year after year and millions and millions of combatants and non-combatants died. Men lived in rat-infested subterranean holes along muddy and trenches that stretched for miles and fought vicious battles that had little glory and much senseless death.
Catman’s reputation as the complete tosser took a knock when, having called heads not tails, Nottsbrough were forced to play downhill in the 1st half and, thus, face an inevitable aerial bombardment, gravity driven bombardment in the second. Against a big, strong and combative AP side, a half-time lead of at least two goals was required.
The decision to play 4-5-1- paid off early with Kennedy, Phadnis and Collins swamping (and I don’t use that term lightly) the midfield and getting the ball wide to Gray and Marris. With less than ten minutes gone, Gray latched onto a ball on the half-way line and ran with it, then he ran some more, ran past an old fellow at the back, ran a little more, kept on running, overtook Forest Gump, ran a little bit more, and then with the keeper to beat ran past him and into the goal. It was like a Subbuteo goal but better. Well done Chris.
With the only grass on the pitch being on the flanks, Nottsbrough quickly realised that it was, much like a remote control without a volume knob, all about the Channels and the ball was fed out wide as much as possible. Nottsbrough were denied a blatant penalty when Collins was felled int the box by a player who went to ground, took Collins’s legs and got nowhere near the ball. The referee put the whistle to his lips but, like a daft terrorist at Glasgow airport, failed to blow.
It was to prove crucial as, while AP’s attacks were few and far between, a long punt upfield forced a corner to be conceded and, with a decent ball whipped in, Nottsbrough failed to clear and AP headed in a sloppy equaliser. A mixture of bad marking and a great delivery.
The lion’s share of pressure and possession was still Nottsbrough’s however and within ten minutes, they regained the lead via a terrific counter-attack down the wings. Marris and Collins combining to feed lone striker Lacey with a tap-in at the far post.
2-1 but a third was needed and, after several six-yard box scrambles, it came in the shape of a smart move deftly finished by Collins. At the stroke of half-time, Nottsbrough struggled at another corner and were lucky to escape when a point-blank header cleared Steve Jones’ bar. It would have been hard justice after a terrific first half in which the work-rate, commitment and tenacity was first class.
The team-talk was all about clearing our lines, hitting it long and wide and not giving any sloppy goals away. After ten minutes, having failed to clear the ball, and not hitting it long and wide, Nottsbrough gave a sloppy goal away. Steve Jones could only parry a drive from the edge of the box and it fell, rather fortuitously, to their striker on the six yard box. 3-2. Game effing on.
By this point, the pitch was farcical. Ankle-deep mud and puddles meant the ball wasn’t rolling and there were some tasty tackles flying in. With Kennedy and Miller struck down by trench foot, McFarland and Andres were brought on just in time to witness AP’s tricky winger scamper down the left flank and fire a fierce, slippery shot through Jones’s gloves to draw level.
The final ten minutes, played in near darkness on a quagmire, was as shambolic as football can get. Nottsbrough were the team pushing for an equaliser but attacking uphill was even tougher with tired legs and the nearest Nottsbrough came to nicking it was a Marris deflected shot, a Gray shot-cum-cross that grazed the bar and a McFarland drive that didn’t even go close but is worth a mention anyway as these reports don’t write themselves you know. Not even Donovan, on as a late replacement for Catman, could force a winner.
The final whistle blew, we got changed in pitch black changing rooms and did one.
Can’t wait till next year.
Jones, Seale, S.Beckett, A.Cattell, M.Cattell, Gray, Phadnis, Collins, Kennedy, Marris, Lacey
Subs – McFarland, Loiaza, Donovan
MoM: Eamonn Collins. Masterful in the mud, set up one goal, scored another and was shorn down in the box like the bloke out of Platoon. Unlike his namesake Phil, he’s really very good.
Civil Service 4ths 2 Nottsborough 1 (League) 22nd November 2008
Notts took a slightly depleted side to a tough game in Chiswick. The biggest challenge being a lack of keeper of any sorts, with Cattell having to fill in for 75 minutes until the arrival of Miller.
That said, it was sloppy outfield play from Notts, and a very bright and energetic first 20 minutes from Service that led to two chances, both of which were taken for a commanding early lead. The keeping was abysmal, but Service definitely derserved the lead. They continued to press, and only after 30 mins did Notts get in the game. Gardner and Phadnis became more competitive, M. Cattell and Marris were combining well down the left, but not many chances were being created and the Service keeper wasn’t tested.
Conditions were windy, and Notts tried to be a bit more direct in the 2nd half, 15 minutes of good possession told, with Weclawek back up front forcing home at the far post.
Notts pushed hard, hampered bu injuries to Gardner and Weclewek enforcing changes. In truth they never really created much more, and didn’t really deserve much out of this. Well done to Service for a good performance that they really won in the 1st 20 minutes.
A.Cattell, McFarland, Noreaga, Blackmore, M.Cattell, Shippen, Phadnis, Gardner, Marris, Weclawek, Gray
Subs – White, Donovan, Miller
MoM – Nigel Miller, he only played 15 minutes in goal so that probably sums up the performance.
Nottsborough 5 Norseman 2 (League) 15th November 2008
With numbers available at an all time high, selection had been tough in recent weeks throughout the club and especially at 4’s level, and those playing were looking to cement a place in the side. Lacey was unfortunate to be asked to cover in nets whilst Nixon went on an ‘educational’ trip to Amsterdam. A.Cattell and Weclawek started their first game jointly at centre backs, supported by Seale and M.Cattell - having been waiting for his first start - at full backs.
Gardner returned to centre mid with a familiar looking Phadnis, Marris and Gray. With Gekoski warmly welcomed back for his 1st start this season alongside McCormack. Noreaga returned from the bench, with McFarland, and debutant Eamonn Collins.
Much of the pre-match team talk consisted of work rate and getting on top early, but it was a recognisable Norseman who controlled the early exchanges. Nottsborough looked sluggish, and the 3 centre midfielders of Norseman enjoyed plenty of early possession, albeit without really threatening Lacey in nets. And it was Notts who looked most dangerous on the counter, with the pace of Gray, McCormack and Gekoski causing real problems. 15 minutes in, McCormack did well to pull a ball back from the byline when it looked dead. Gardner driving into the box, finding Phadnis square who side footed home from 12 yards - 1-0!
Notts almost made it 2 in quick succession with good work down the right setting Gray free to fire a ball low across the 6 yard box, met firmly by McCormack, only for a fantastic save to foil him from the Norseman keeper. Phadnis, covering plenty of ground, followed up from 10 yards only for a superb double save to deny him. Unfortunately McCormack would not play much further a part, damaging an ankle, replaced by Collins who made a very solid debut in midfield, and looking a good addition. Gray shifted up top so Collins accommodating Collins in midfield. Norseman’s continued to have the better of possession which resulted in several free kicks around the box, but Lacey and the back 4 were alert enough to ensure a 1-0 lead was kept to half time.
The first 20 minutes of the 2nd half saw a real spell of vastly improved play from Nottsborough. The midfield quarter all wanting the ball at every opportunity and the movement was far improved, it looked only a matter of time and the second goal came from a well worked passage of play, and Marris superbly stroking the ball into the far top corner from fully 30 yards. This was a massive blow to Norsmen, and a 3rd followed quickly with interchanges in centre midfield and Phadnis threading Gekoski through to show his pace and nick it past the keeper.
3-0 after 60 minutes and Notts made their extra changes with McFarland on at left back, Noreaga right back, and M.Cattell moving to a preferred wide midfield role where he did well. To their credit, Norseman fought back at this point, when the game should really have been finished off by a sloppy Nottsborugh. A needless free kick on the corner of the box was flicked on by the lively forward and a diving header at the far post flew in to the bottom corner. Notts felt there was an offside, but the goal was deserved.
The game was now wide open, and soon at the other end, M.Cattell chased down a nothing ball, robbed the left back, kept his composure and squared well for Gray to run on and blast into the roof of the net. The finishing from Notts had been excellent all day and this was no exception. Still, Norseman had one more sway of attacks and a fine 30 yard volley flew over Lacey and under the bar for 4-2. Gardner was the man to finally wrap up the points and a fine individual display and buried the game at 5-2 late on.
A game played in good spirit and refereed well also. Notts deserved the 3 points and look to build on it with some tough away games scheduled for late November.
Lacey, Seale, A.Cattell, Weclawek, M.Cattell, Marris (1), Gardner (1), Phadnis (1), Gray (1), McCormack, Gekoski (1)
Subs – Noreaga, McFarland, Collins
MoM – Gardner – dominant performance back in at centre midfield. Assist for the 1st goal and also knocked in the 5th to wrap things up.
Winchmore Hill 5ths 1 Nottsborough 3 (League) 1st November 2008
Nottsborough were please to be able to name a strong 14 for a fixture that is always difficult at Winchmore Hill. Cattell joined Blackmore at centre half, and Leeds old boy Hickes was welcomed at right back for his debut. The midfield 4 looked familiar with Gardner filling in at centre forward with McCormack, and Gekoski back to bench with Cattell and McFarland.
The 1st 40 minutes was a solid display by the away side, having to graft for possession against a competitive Winchmore Hill. Notts worked hard to find chances few and far between, the closest came with a rare diving header from Cattell glancing just wide. At the other end Nixon was well up to anything thrown at him.
With Notts in control heading to half time, Winchmore were presented with a goal of pure comedy. Cattell running back to his own goal with all the time in the world to clear, slipped, fell, got up….slipped again, fell, lapped up some mud…..and the Winchmore forward ran clean through to finish very well with a delicate chip. 1-0!
Cattell distraught at half time, left the regulars of Phadnis and Giggs to lead the half time rally call. And that rally certainly came! From the 2nd half whistle, Notts dominated. The back 4 were solid, with both full backs pushing on at every opportunity, and the midfield showing good fitness and running the play. Possession told and a flurry of 3 goals in 15 minutes came. 2 from the bombarding Hickes, albeit the 2nd fotuitous, Manager Cattell didn’t give a monkeys, and a 3rd from the ever reliable McCormack.
Ultimately, 3 very well deserved away points and a strong performance.
Nixon, Seale, A.Cattell, Blackmore, Hickes(2), Marris, Kennedy, Phadnis, Gray, Gardner, McCormack (1)
Subs – McFarland, M.Cattell, Gekoski
MoM – Hickes – superb debut, solid defensively and got forward well to contribute 2 crucial goals
Nottsborough 1 Civil Service 1 (League) 25th October 2008
Nottsborough were keen to bounce back from a hugely disappointing cup exit the previous weekend, and they did so in steady fashion
This game proved to be as tough and competitive as any SAL 4’s game. Both sides were well organised, worked hard and showed some good football. Both sets of centre halves were excellent, the Service left winger showed good pace and skill throughout, and the Notts midfield put in an excellent 90 minutes.
Chances proved few and far between throughout. Notts hoped to push on after an in swinging corner was glanced home from the edge of the 6 yard box by Gray, however, Service were resilient and half time was reached at 1-0.
The second half continued in well contested fashion, with Service deservingly levelling with a thumping header from the left winger – Notts disappointed with their marking.
Each side pushed to the end, with 1-1 a fair result and both sides should be reasonably happy with a good performance.
Nixon, Corcoran, Blackmore, Weclawek, Seale, Marris, Phadnis, Kennedy, Shippen, Gray (1), McCormack
Subs – McFarland, M.Cattell, White
MoM Blackmore – commanding performance alongside Weclawek at centre back
Nottsborough 4s 2 Old Edmontonians 2 (Old Edmontonians won on penalties after ET)
(AFA Minor Cup 1st Round) 18th October 2008
THE (SILENT) CUP MOVIE
Even considering the absence of a regular midfield through injury and the cliché that “anything can happen in the cup”, this cup clash was a shambolic, shameful performance for which everyone involved should repent with a revitalising bout of extreme, hair-shirt, take-a-long-look-in-the-mirror self-flagellation using a knotted-rope and Dettol.
Back on the green, green grass of home in Tolworth and buoyant after a four match unbeaten run in the league, the 4th XI should have raced out of the blocks. Instead, they started sluggishly against an Old Edmontonians side who, in a cruel twist of fate, weren’t old at all but rather young, energetic whippersnappers who – as is the way these days – did a good line in surly cheek.
In the first 20 minutes, Nottsborough were like a bored husband doing the missionary in a loveless marriage. They were on top, they were plugging away but there was no passion, no imagination and er….there was little chance of getting balls into the box.
Lacking tempo, ambition and anything that resembled a cutting edge, the only chances came from corners and set-pieces and even they were wasted with wayward headers and a reluctance to attack the ball and put the pressure on a pint-sized keeper.
Worse still, when the ball was lost, no-one in a red and black shirt seemed in any great hurry to get it back which meant that, bit by bit, an inexperienced opposition grew in confidence and, on the half hour mark, took the lead following a lacklustre lapse in concentration at the back.
When the drilled shot from the edge of the area flew through a forest of legs into Beast’s bottom left-hand corner, it should have been the shot in the arm that Nottsborough needed. But, instead, the lackadaisical “to me… to you” approach, straight out of the Chuckle Brother’s school of football coaching, continued and despite the lion’s share of possession and a flurry of half-chances, Nottsborough ended the first half a goal down.
Rightfully so, Andrew Cattell – donned in his duffle once more – tore us a new one. The wayward passing and novel interpretation of a first touch wasn’t the problem (that happens every week) it was the lack of work rate and complacency that was unacceptable.
With Nottsborough working harder, quicker in the tackle and playing with urgency and a higher tempo, the entire second half was played in the Old Edmontonians half. The final ball, however, denied too many clear cut chances. James Kennedy, Dustin and Widget all saw speculative efforts sale high and wide while, on the hour mark, a Kevin McCormack header from a Chris Marris corner was harshly ruled out for climbing.
Having gone from 442 to 433, Cattell shuffled the increasingly panicked pack into a 3-4-3 and replaced James White and James Kennedy with Stu Donovan and Matt Cattell. The fresh legs (just three of them as one of Donovan’s is technically broken) helped and with three minutes to go, McCormack picked the ball up on the edge of the box and rifled a humdinger into the top corner.
And so it moved to extra-time. Despite their youth, Old Edmontonians were knackered and cramping up all over the place (that’s the Playstation generation for you) and Nottsbrough continue to boss proceedings. They deservedly took the lead thanks to an error from Old Eds goalkeeper (who had otherwise had an immaculate game). He dropped a cross at McCromack’s feet then watched helplessly as he sidestepped two defenders and slapped it into the back of the net. Straight after, McCormack had two gilt-edged chances that he blazed over the bar. Still, it didn’t matter as Nottsborough had it sewn up. Eh? Oh.
2-1 up and with five minutes to go, instead of quickly shutting up shop like Ronnie Barker on speed, Nottsborough went ‘full retard’, sat too deep and allowed Old Eds too much of the ball. Minutes after hitting the post with a rasping volley from the edge of the area, the Old Eds left winger showed little respect for his elders by hoodwinking McFarland and Beckett on the edge of the box and burying the ball beyond Beast into the bottom right hand corner.
Penalties. They scored, McCormack scored, they scored, Widget missed (the ball cleared the bar and is still going), they scored, Marris scored, they scored, Beckett missed (hitting the post), they scored…and earned them a place in the next round.
Not good. Not good at all.
Carshalton 0 Nottsborough 3 (League) 11th October 2008
Notts played Carshalton in a tough cup game last season, and new to expect a difficult fixture again. Despite traffic problems, and playing the 1st 5 minutes with 10 men, Notts were well up for the fixture, and very happy to be on yet another excellent away pitch.
The side was fairly consistent from the previous game, but the key moment of the 1st half came on 10 minutes. Carter flew into a tackle as he always does, and the Carshalton left winger went in equally hard and completely fairly, but Carter went down in pain. What looked fairly innocuous turned out later to be a broken leg. We wish him well and hope to see him back after Xmas.
Kennedy came into centre mid and took the opportunity he had been waiting for well. Partnered by Phadnis, and flanked by Holt returning to the starting side, and Gray giving pace down the right. The 1st 45 minutes produced some reasonable football without many clear cut chances. Scaife was controlling the lively Carshalton centre forward well, and full backs McFarland and Seale got forward well to put in some decent crosses.
At half time Notts felt the game was there to be won. And the goals that came in the 2nd half were reward to a superb work rate. Firstly Phadnis capped a strong performance, heading in an excellent Seale delivery. 2nd Seale picked up a short corner, and rocketed in to the top corner, his last performance as a youngster at 39 being a fine one! Finally the scoring was finished by Holt, on his last legs, just finding the energy to loft a delicious 25 yard effort into the top corner.
Carshalton kept going to the end to their credit, creating some decent chances, but Nixon was up to each one of them with another confident display.
3 0 maybe flattered Notts, but a superb work ethic definitely justified the 3 points.
Nixon, Seale (1), Scaife, Beckett, McFarland, Holt (1), Carter, Phadnis (1), Gray, Lacey, McCormack
Subs – Kennedy, M.Cattell
MoM – Phadnis
Winchmore Hill 2 Nottsborough 4 (League) 27th September 2008
Last season provided two well fought and extremely competitive 1-1 draws against Winchmore Hill, who deservedly went on to win the league. Notts new they would be in a tough game, and needed no extra motivation for this fixture. Gardner failed a late fitness test having made the journey, and it would be a tough test.
Both sides were sharp from the off, with a game that would always be a battle on a decent pitch, but which doesn’t offer much space for anyone.
Winchmore had the better of the opening exchanges, with Nixon needing to be on his game on a number of occasions.
The game was really turned by Nottsborough taking their chances. Lacey, turning up sober for the first time this season, looked sharp and was linking well with McCormack, and the opener came from a whipped ball from the right, McCormack heading against the far post, and Lacey first to the rebound. Lacey provided the second shortly after, smashing a superb right foot shot in from 20 yards, only for Winchmore to fight back well at 2-1.
The game continued to be a graft with neither side really having an edge. The difference again was finishing, and with the crucial goal of the game, Lacey ran on to a through ball and put his body on the line, to nick a header just ahead of the keeper and complete a thoroughly deserved hat-trick! McCormack completed the Notts goals, receiving the ball in just inside the area and finishing smartly into the far bottom corner. There was still time for Winchmore to rally, and they pulled another goal back to 4-2 late on after sustained pressure and Notts tiring.
This was a great result for Notts, with not much between the 2 teams.
Credit also goes to Blackmore and Beckett at centre backs, who marshalled a new back 4 very well.
Nixon, McFarland, Beckett, Blackmore, Noreaga, White, Carter, Phadnis, Gray, Lacey (3), McCormack (1)
Subs – Holt, Kennedy
MoM - Lacey
Old Actonians 4 Nottsborough 4 (League) 20th September 2008
Nottsborough 4’s lined up with their regular side, albeit keeper Nixon being away and Steve Beckett filling the large void he leaves. After a confident start to the season, they had high hopes for another strong performance on a fantastic Actonians 1st team pitch.
Notts began the game strongly, and a period of pressure led to the opener from Phadnis. They looked to build on that lead, but held it only shortly. Acton punished some sloppy defending, and a dead ball that wasn’t cleared sneaked into the bottom corner. Credit to Acton who pushed on and took the lead not long after, and exerted a lot of pressure with the big centre forward causing many problems. The goal gave them a real impetus and they were well on top. Notts stemmed the tide with McCormack levelling at 2-2, only for Acton to take grab a 3-2 lead at half time.
Notts had strong words at half time, feeling the game was still there to be won, only to start the 2nd half sloppily and concede almost immediately. Runners weren’t tracked and the defence was over ran.
An hour into the game, Notts began to finally get into their stride, and looked the fitter sode of the 2 teams, McCormack pulled a 3rd back and Notts began to control possession. The midfield quarter of Carter, Phadnis, Garner and Marshall working very well, and it was all Notts pressure. This told on 80 mins when Phadnis grabbed an equaliser at 4-4.
It looked like there would be only one winner. But a series of missed chances and last ditch clearances left the honours equal.
In summary a well contested game, Notts can be pleased they rallied to take something from the game, but must defend far better in weeks to come.
Beckett, Seale, A.Cattell, Scaife, Noreaga, Marshall, Phadnis (2), Gardner, Carter, White, McCormack (2)
Subs – McFarland, Brown, Lacey
MoM - McCormack
Norsemen 4s 1 Nottsborough 4s 4 (League) 13th September 2008
Norseman were a steady opposition mixing youth and experience and this was definitely a challenging away game to open the season. Notts looked lively giving debuts to Scaife, Marshall and McCormack in the starting XI. They played a very good first 25-30 mins with lots of possession and pressure. There wasn’t quite the quality to finish and Notts didn’t make the most of our corners which they should have done with a pretty big side. The initial break did finally come from good work down the right and a pull back from the touchline which was well finished by Pies from 15 yards out.
Our back 5 had played well and looked solid until Norseman broke from a corner, a long clearance saw the Norseman centre forward ran on to smash a cracking volley from 30 yards. Dustin was left exposed here by the rest of the back 4 not being organised well enough. Norseman then had a decent period of pressure to half time where they hit the bar from 30 yards with another cracking effort, and were unlucky not to pinch the lead.
The second half Kevin scored a back post header from a corner 2 minutes in and from then on Nottsborough looked stronger and stronger. Kevin notched another penalty after Weclawek was hacked down. And the 4th came from a Gardner interception in the middle, and Pete Marshall skipping past 2 defenders through the middle and slotting under the keeper.
Paul Nixon (GK), Dustin Seale, Andy Cattell, Carl Scaife, Pete Noreaga (Steve Beckett, 60 mins), James White, Giles Carter (1 goal) (Chris Brown, 65 mins), Alex Gardner, Pete Marshall (1 goal), Mark Weclawek, Kevin McCormack (2 goals)
MoM – Tough to call between Marshall, and McCormack, who nicked it with some great hold up play, and 2 vital goals
Nottsborough 4s - 2 Old Plymoutonians - 1 (Pre-season friendly)
''On a pitch drier than a bedouin's flip-flop and with more bobbles than a woooly hat factory, Notts 4s kicked-off their pre-season in South London on Saturday with a workmanlike victory against Old Plymouthonians???.
While winning is never a bad thing, the game was first and foremost an 'exercise' to improve fitness levels (dyasewhatIvedonethere...exercise?...fitness?) which, frankly, appeared worryingly low. The starting XI, and XI was all there was, was littered with injuries. Donovan played with a broken leg and thigh twang, Andy Cattell went in goal with a dislocated big toe, Ben McFarland could only run like Charlie Chaplin with hamstrings tighter than a nun's whadyamecallit and Giggs had the sweats and Eartha Kitts courtesy of some dodgy prawns dished out by his Old Dear the night before.
Accompanying the walking wounded were a number of new signings in defence: the diminutive James Wheatley slotted in at right back alongside big Carl Scaife and medium-sized John Hawkins at centre half. James Kennedy, Joe 'Dougie HOwser' Phadnis, Giggs and Chris Marris made up the midfield while Chris Gray was joined by sicknote Donovan up front.
The opening exchanges were predictably rusty. Passes going awry, shambolic first-touches and lapses of concentration were rife and OP were quicker to the ball and sharper on it. After ten minutes and some concerted pressure, they took the led with a cracking finish. A high cross on the edge of the box eluded a static back-four and was punished with a terrific shot into the top corner.
From the restart, Notts began to get back into it with Phadnis and Giggs getting to grips with their midfield and Kennedy and Marris combining well with McFarland and Wheatley down the flanks. A lack of invention in the final third was all that was missig and, following a couple of long range efforts, Marris snuck a low drive into the botom corner after Phadnis had led the centre backs a merry jig.
One-a-piece at half-time was a fair reflection of the game yet Notts were clearly playing the better football. After the break, with Giggs pushed forward, the ball began to stick up-front, the passing crisper and the game was being played in the OP half. At the back, the new centre-halves were dealing with everything being launched at them while Wheatkey was making some dangerous forays down the wings.
On the hour, a flowing move involving Chris Gray, Giggs, McFarland and Phadnis was polished off by James Kennedy in comedy fashion. breaking into the box, he slipped over, landed on the ball with his bum, got up again and somehow scooped the ball past a bemused keeper. It was text book stuff and a pay off for all those hours on the training pitch.
After that, to be honest, nothing much happened apart from Cattell tipping a close range effort onto the bar, McFarland slipping over whilst taking a free-kick and Giggs barfing. The game ended 2-1.
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