Men's 3rd XI Vs Chesterfield 4

South Notts 3rd 0 – 8 Chesterfield 4th

The first league game for the 3rds proved a challenge. Both teams fielded a mix of youth and experience, although for South ‘youth and age’ may be a better description as some of us played as if we had little experience.

Sam, Finn, Rhys, Arthur and Hamza all showed skills, energy and fight against more experienced players, frequently coming off the better but we had few chances to capitalise by creating good opportunities in the D. Finn, Ken and James F had a few half chances but the experience in Chesterfield’s defence proved adequate.

The youngsters of Chesterfield soon showed their skills and South’s older central defence found it difficult to cope, fewer chances coming from their left as Arthur, at right back, showed determination to match Chesterfield’s energetic attackers. A number of short corners were conceded and frequently we left Simon in goal to deal with loose balls, some of which he had little chance against as their attackers quickly pounced. By half time we were 5 down.

The second half started better and we looked more threatening with Rhys pushing down the left, Sam going past players on the right and some good linking up with Andy and Adam in the middle as well as Finn and Hamza further forward. However, both Jameses, Tony and Graham soon found themselves up against it again, despite Andy trying to shore up the defence, with more effective attacks come trough the centre and down our left. Mistakes crept (or rushed) in again and we conceded 3 more.

While the scoreline does not look good there were many positives as the youngsters showed great potential. It is up to us oldies to pull our weight in future games.

Welcome to Hamza who had a good debut. Thank you to Dick for managing the subs and the Nthan and Harry for umpiring.