Men's 1st XI Vs Newark 1

Match Report
Newark 1’s 4 v 0 South Nottingham 1’s

Buoyed after consecutive victories, South headed along the A46, confident they could be the first team to take points off the league leaders and undefeated Newark.

A rejig in formation to a 4-1-4-1 (Pep’s formation) from Gaz (Blandiola)to keep it tight and give South the chance to counter attack with numbers was the pre game message. They settled in well early in the game. A fantastic solo run from Carlos from a Harry Lane flick saw an excellent reverse stick ball across the box, finding the tireless Ben Ryder at the back post, who unfortunately couldn’t convert the chance to give South the lead.

Impressive play from Newark, who showed why they were league leaders, saw South fall under pressure and concede two short corners, which were converted with two drag flicks from Newark. South stuck to their game plan and a brilliant counter attack saw them win a short. A well-practised drill found captain Gaz Bland at the back post, who narrowly missed with his effort. With South pushing to gain a goal back, they were caught out at the back to an excellent Newark counter to leave them 3-0 down at half time.

Instructions to keep it simple and play our game gave South optimism in the second half. Some lovely passing moves, often started from the classy Robbo, allowed South to build some pressure and spend time in the Newark half but it was a day when South couldn’t find their cutting edge. Unfortunately, Newark found there’s in the last moments of the game to make it 4-0.

It was a valiant effort from south against a side destined to play a much higher level than this, benefiting from a number of good signings. The effort and potential of youngsters Harry, Fletch, Will and Carlos gives South plenty to be optimistic about that it won’t be long until they’re in Newark’s position.

MOM- Carlos- a Pukkiesque display playing upfront on his own

DOD- Gaz Bland- not bleeding when taking a blow to the head