| Match Report |
A tough, but very close game between the IVs and North Notts - the 1:5 final scoreline belying what was a very strong performance by South Nottm. North Notts team included some very skilful and quick juniors, alongside confident, competent, sharp and physical adults. Last weekend, South Nottm were beaten comprehensively by Mansfield, but in this game were able to match North Notts for most of the match - only beginning to struggle in the last 10-15 minutes, as tiredness and chasing the game lead to loss of shape and a few too many gaps in the field.
North Notts went ahead with a well-taken goal by their very experienced centre forward, receiving the ball on the P spot with his back to goal, turning strong and slotting into the corner passed Simon in the goal. South Nottm responded almost immediately - a passage of excellent passing play resulting in Mark Roe squeezing the ball between The GK and the post from an acute angle. Over the remainder of the first half, play moved from one D to the other, with both teams looking for the advantage. North Notts retook the lead with the final touch of the half - with an almost identical repeat of their first goal.
The second half began with South Nottm pushing for an equalizer. In one flurry of action Cole, Dan and, then, Stan all had short-range shots saved. North Notts extended their lead from a short corner- a mistrapped injection resulting in a shot from a wide angle, which eluded the defence as they tried to readjust to the new direction of attack.
South Nottm had further opportunities to pull the game back, but left themselves exposed to two counter-attacking goals in the last 10 minutes.
There were a great many positives to take from the game. Adam and Tom are clearly beginning to settle into their roles as left and right back, respectively; Cole is showing increasing confidence in his role as left half and Stan is creating more and more opportunities as centre forward. Most importantly, there were long periods where the passing game was flowing and elegant and South Nottm looked like a team. Well done.
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