Men's 4th XI Vs Beeston 9's

Match report: Beeston 9s v SNHC 4s

The new South Nottm 4s made their match and league debut with a team comprised of experience, energy, youth and determination. While some of us only had one those attributes we had seven youngsters, most of whom were playing their first match, who had the other three. We came up against a team of young skilful players who clearly had an edge in terms of age (not counting ours with decades of experience) and had, therefore, played together before and been well drilled.

Jason, Tony (until he got injured) and Graham rotated in the centre of defence to try to hold back the waves of Beeston attacks in order to protect James in goal. Adam B and Will started on either side of the defence, regularly holding up Beeston and allowing the midfield of Thomas, Tom, Gabriel and young Adam H to get back and help. As we rolled our substitutes Kai offered further sterling support with solid tackles to thwart Beeston on a number of occasions.

Toby and Ken at the front had to feed on scraps but came back to support the midfield and improve our possession. We did get a short corner from which Ken’s first shot and the second from the clearance were both saved close to the goal line. A few minutes later Ken beat the keeper from a tight angle but also, unfortunately, just beat the far post.

By half time we were 4 or 5 - 0 down with Beeston attackers showing some great skills in order to get the ball past James, who made a number of good stops but could not perform the miracles necessary to stop the shots from the rebounds.

An encouraging team talk at half time, and Graham being substituted, resulted in a greater development of team cohesion and even more fight in the second half. Adam B received the ball well and showed good tight skills on the ball. Tom found spaces which he used well, showing some good touches. Thomas showed good skills and developing awareness, enabling him to distribute the ball well. Will positioned himself well to be able to receive and then use the ball positively. Gabriel showed great determination making strong challenges and Kai continued to fight for everything and put in an excellent performance.

About 10 minutes into the second half Tony received a stick in the cheek resulting in an injury for which he has had to have stitches. His solidity at the back was missed for the remainder of the game. However, it was clear that a team which had never played together before was beginning to gel. Toby showed off his (relative) experience and definite skills to make a few runs but was repeatedly thwarted when there was one too many of the opposition to beat.

Throughout the game Adam H showed his experience, fight and quick reactions to stop a number of Beeston attacks and Jason made a number of timely tackles in the D. However, the skills and pace of the Beeston youngster did results in a few more goals.

The growth in the team over one game was excellent to see and promises great things for the future. We will expect the youngsters to be moving up the teams over the next couple of years.

Final score: Beeston 9s 9/10(?) – 0 SNHC 4s