Men's 3rd XI Vs Boots 7

South Notts 3 v Boots 7

Two teams with a good mix of youth and experience/age battled out an even game, although it was not reflected by the final score. Yet again the youngsters excelled, showing energy, determination and a growing maturity and game awareness.

Finn worked well in the middle with Andy, receiving the ball well and redistributing or frequently going past opposition players. Arthur continued to be solid at right back and well positioned to receive the ball and make effective runs forward. Rhys controlled the ball and fought his way up the left, battling well with the skilful opposition youngsters. Henry came on and had yet another, as expected, solid performance on the left. Neal fought well on the right, often winning the ball and passing well to keep possession. Hamza received and controlled the ball well on the right, frequently going past players and setting up threats in the Boots D.

Mark made his debut in goal and his talent and experience showed as he had to throw himself down a number of times to thwart an attacker who had got through our defence. Unfortunately a bobbling ball led to one goal and a good move allowed a second inside the post before half time.

In the second half Hamza and Henry swapped sides and threats continued to be posed from both flanks and through Finn driving up the middle. Paul, Ken and Mark had a number of shots but the Boots defence fought well to stop them. Despite a number of short corners good execution of the shot was missing.

A well worked short corner led to a third goal for Boots against the run of play; Graham considered throwing himself 6 feet across the goal to stop it but age and reactions got the better of him. Knappett and Tony were solid in the centre of defence with Dick’s experience later on preventing further incursions.

Pressure at the other end finally told with Hamza skills finally paying off as he put a reverse stick shot into the net.

A good display which deserved a better result. The second team captain, Grozzy, spectated and saw displays from the youngsters which will force him to consider them for the 2s in place of some more mature players.

Final score: South Notts 3s 1 – 3 Boots 7s