Mens 1st Team

The Mens Ist XI play in Midlands Prem Division

Mens 1st Team News

17^th September 2011                    Away Vs Coventry & NW

Midlands Premier League

Coventry & North Warks  2 – 2  South Nottingham

Squad - Bradley, Robinson, Jenkins, Browne, Young.P, Young.C, Torr.W.©, Gallop, Bland. Innocent.A, Innocent.P, Hewitt, Wakeland.

Scorers – Torr, Jenkins

With mixed success in the pre-season and 3 starting players unavailable, South understandably entered into their first game with a little uncertainty. 

Coventry & NW are well seasoned in the Midlands Premier League and immediately showed their quality with a high ball pace and drilled movement up front causing the South defence problems from the outset. After riding the initial 10 minutes South began to impose their game on the opposition moving the ball with purpose across the pitch and incisive runs from Adam Innocent and new recruit Nathan Wakeland produced several short corners. Will Torr converted one of these with a well placed flick. Coventry had an open goal chance at the other end with the ball slightly behind where the centre forward would probably have liked it to the relief of keeper Ben Bradley. Gaz Bland impressed at right midfield and hit a pin-point cross from the right to Roberto Jenkins who received the ball on the penalty spot and made no mistake slotting it past the keeper. 

The second half started well with South dampening the Coventry attack early on but as tired legs crept in holes began to appear. Chances went both ways with Coventry enjoying the greater possession and in the last 10 minutes they got a deserved goal back at the far post. Throwing everything forward and risking the counter attacks paid off for them as with the last hit of the game they equalised with a well worked attack.

Coach, James Hewitt summed up the encounter as a classic game of two halves. 

"While disappointed with not being able to hold onto the win, I felt it was a fair result,Coventryshowed real determination and never stopped running. I am also proud of how the lads performed today, for some it is the highest standard they have played at so far and they successfully stepped up a level. The individual skills were of a high quality today, however, we will be back on the training ground this week working on team-play and understanding the individual's role within that structure." 

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19^th March 2011                                Away Vs Stone 

Stone 1 – 6 South Nottingham 

Squad – Hewitt (c), Sail, Young P, Innocent A, Torr W, Torr E, Young C, Crossland, Innocent P, Henfrey, Bland, Gallop, Browne. 

Scorers – Adam Innocent 4, James Hewitt, Sam Gallop 

The last away game was set against the scenic backdrop of the Staffordshire countryside with a well organised Stone team looking to get a result after their closely fought 4-3 loss at Bingham. Both teams started brightly on a hard but fast pitch which suited South's game, but with neither defence giving much away it was hard to see where the opening would come from. The Stone keeper pulled off two excellent saves from short corner strikes only to succumb to an Adam Innocent finish on the third. With the deadlock broken James Hewitt took a quickly taken self pass outside the circle to drive in and finish in the bottom corner from 5 yards out. The defence, welcoming back the Sam Browne/Phil Young partnership marshalled Stone's surging counter attacks until some clever interplay in the D saw Stone pull a goal back before half time.
 
Coach/Manager Eileen Hartley urged the team to up the workrate and keep the structure. The players responded and the second half proved to be a better performance as the ball was moved round with more purpose. A 10 minute purple patch saw Adam Innocent slam two more home, one from a penalty stroke to complete another hat-trick and Sam Gallop who had been threatening the D on numerous occasions ,with support down the right from stablemates Adam Henfrey and Paul Innocent, got his reward with a reverse stick finish past the keeper. Adam Innocent slotted home another to complete the 6-1 scoreline. While more opportunities went Souths way it was at the other end that Man of the Match goalkeeper Freddie Sail kept out a series of point blank shots to maintain the goal difference that South desperately needed to keep pace with Worcester.
 
With South needing to score 1 more goal than Worcester next week to clinch second spot, the result at home against Mansfield takes on all the more significance while Worcs play a Nottingham side fighting for league survival at Goosedale.

12^th March 2011                           Away Vs Nottingham University

 Nottingham University 3 – 5 South Nottingham

 Squad – Hewitt (c), Sail, Young P, Innocent A, Torr W, Torr E, Young C, Crossland, Innocent P, Henfrey, Bland, Innocent P.

 Scorers – Adam Innocent 3, Daniel Webster 2
 
South struggled to find the form that has seen them excel in the past 4 weeks. It was a laboured performance with the usually accurate 30 yard passes being intercepted or off target. This resulted in a toothless midfield unable to provide a regular supply of chances to the forwards. Few opportunities were made in the first half with Chris Pink unforunate not to convert, Adam Innocent was on hand to clinically finish a brace of counter attacks while the University threatened the South goal with some clear cut chances finding Freddie Sail equal to the task.  
 
A re-shuffle of positions in the second half provided some stability but not the cutting edge required to push for a superior goal difference. Daniel Webster caned a duo of reverse stick shots into the top corner following some good link play from Will Torr, but the students rallied and sliced through the defence to pull back the scores to 4-3 to provide some nerves. Paul Innocent was on hand to make some game saving tackles and provide some calmness at the back and brother Adam completed his hat-trick to put the game beyond the students.

Overall a disappointing result with Worcester going one better in their match to go one ahead on goal difference. Next week South will look to get back on song, forget the pressure of goal difference and play with the usual freedom, enjoyment and team ethic that has brought them to this position in the league. Matches against Stone and Mansfield now pivotal in the outcome of an amazing season for the South Notts 1st XI the next away match will provide some tough opposition as the run in comes to its climax.

5^th March 2011                       Away Vs Wolverhampton 

Wolverhampton 1 – 9 South Nottingham

 Squad – Hewitt (c), Sail, Young P, Innocent A, Torr W, Torr E, Young C, Crossland, Straw, Gallop, Henfrey, Bland, Innocent P. 

Scorers – Adam Innocent 3, Ed Torr 2, Will Torr 1, James Hewitt 1, Tom Crossland 1, Gaz Bland 1
 
South got off to the perfect start with Tom Crossland striking the ball from the top of the D and Adam Innocent deflecting a short corner within the first 10 minutes. Wolves began to find their feet and fight back at this early setback with some penetrating runs and passing through midfield. The open game that was expected materialised and both teams were creating sound chances at either end until late recruit Ed Torr calmly lifted the ball over the advancing keeper and later stroked the ball into the back of the net before half time to give South a deserved lead going into half time.  
 
Wolves came out of the traps early and won several short corners one of which clipped the crossbar to shake the visitors back into action. A visionary Will Torr aerial found his brother Ed to set up Adam Innocent with a simple opportunity to round the keeper. This was followed by a composed short corner finish by Will who calmly beat the onrushing defender and flicked over the keeper for a deserved finish. Wolves not giving up the chase countered with a well worked move that was deflected in at the far post. James Hewitt ventured into the D on a counter to slam home an assist from Adam Innocent and Gareth Bland finished a pitch length counter started by Phil Young at the far post for what ended up as a simple tap-in.  
 
The tackling had been hard all through the game from both sides and young Sam Gallop drafted into centre back in place of the absent Sam Browne was the giver and receiver of some full blooded challenges. Unfortunately he was sent off in the last few minutes for what i'm told is the first yellow card in his life. He looked a forlorn figure, carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders as he trudged off and sat down. Manager Jan Ahmed wrapped a tracksuit top around Newark-born Sam to keep him warm and help control his shaking. No one could see if he was crying as he had his face cupped in his hands, whether this was to block out the goings on around him like an ostrich or whether it was to have a quiet introspective moment at this low point in his life, we may never know.
 
Next Saturday sees the men at Notts Uni in a battle for goal difference as this massive win sees South catch up and on a par with rivals Worcester for that important promotional second spot.

26^th February 2011                Home Vs Worcester

 South Nottingham 4 – 1 Worcester

Squad – Sail, Henfrey, Young P, Innocent A, Hewitt(c), Torr W, Browne, Young C, Crossland, Pink, Gallop, Webster, Bland.

Scorers: Daniel Webster 2, Chris Pink, Adam Innocent.
 
A vital game in the race for second spot, At the start South were 3 points behind their opponents and with a 10 goal deficit to make up. Worcester had beaten South before Christmas 4-3 and today was expected to be another close match. The home side set the tempo of the game early, attacking through the centre and creating some useful opportunities while Worcester's well organised defence mopped up and released their wide men on the counter. Perhaps against the run of play they won a short and produced a powerful flick into the top right corner past a diving Freddie Sail. Aggrieved at the goal south began to turn on the pressure but became frustrated as the goals were not coming.
 
Trailing 1-0 at half time having played well at least gave the team a platform to work from and from the whistle almost scored the first attack. Eventually Adam Innocent opened the scoring following a short corner rebound that he took off a defender’s stick. New recruit Daniel Webster who has looked impressive in his opening games got his feet round and flicked an unstoppable shot past the goalkeeper’s outstretched hands from open play. Will Torr was unlucky to have a goal disallowed just as the umpire blew for a short corner, but Chris Pink who has been steadily returning to form was rewarded with a goal for following up an Adam Innocent attack. However, Worcester were always a threat on the break with South African international Marvin Bam showing exceptional pace on the counter. Freddie Sail pulled off a number of saves to keep the home side in the hunt. The goal of the game was finished by Webster who, with one touch, took down a Will Torr aerial and beat his man to accelerate and put a shot with minimal backlift past the keeper who was caught readying himself for the strike only to find it taken early. The training ground movement of the strikers and the mutual understanding between the attackers has been a key factor in South's success this half of the season. 
 
 Captain, James Hewitt commented after the game "No matter what the result we agreed to back each other as a team, go out play hard and enjoy such a crucial game. It was nothing less than the lads deserved for the amount of training they have put in and how they apply that to the game. It's taken a lot of hard behind the scenes work from the committee, coaches and players to get to the stage where South Nottingham are in with a shout of playing in the Midlands Premier league. The job isn't done yet, we have a tough run in, but im convinced we can do it".
    
This Saturday the boys are away looking for a win against Wolverhampton - a tough skilfull side who caused South's defence all sorts of problems last time around in what should be an end to end affair with both teams capable of opening up the other. With 4 games to go the run in will certainly be tight.

19^th February 2010           Away Vs Nottingham

 Nottingham 0 – 3 South Nottingham

 Squad – Hewitt (c), Sail, Young P, Innocent A, Torr W, Browne, Young C, Pink, Crossland, Read, Gallop, Henfrey, Bland.

 Scorers – Adam Innocent, James Hewitt, Gareth Bland 

With Nottingham at home and fighting to get out of the relegation zone South knew that this was never going to be an easy game. This proved to be true in an open first half with both teams counter attacking and creating decent opportunities on the break with neither team breaking the deadlock. A string of competent saves by young Freddie Sail and defensive back-covering by Phil Young prevented an opening for the Nottingham attack. As the initial furious attacking quietened down South began to dictate the pace slightly better but the Nottingham defense were resolute and went into half time 0-0. Worried that this could be a game that might slip away South played more of a possession game and eventually won a short corner which James Hewitt flicked low into the corner. South then started playing with more freedom and won another short for Adam Innocent to smash into the bottom corner following a rebound.
 
Bigger tackles were now creeping into the game as both teams became more physical. Tom Crossland experienced the first yellow card of his life not retreating the mandatory 5 yards from a free hit to only slightly detract from an otherwise mature performance. Coach Eileen Hartley wrapped Tom up with a training top to keep him warm and provided some words of consolation as he dealt not only with the card but the entire range of emotions that a young man experiences on his path to adulthood. Finally Gaz Bland capitilzed on a quickly taken free hit via a through ball from Adam Innocent to make the score 3-0. South entertain Worcester at Bingham next Saturday in what could prove to be the game of the season with both teams battling for the second promotion spot. Pushback is at 1.30pm all support appreciated

12^th February 2011             Home Vs Warwick University  

South Nottingham 7 – 0 Warwick University 

Squad – Sail, Henfrey, Young P, Innocent A, Hewitt(c), Torr W, Browne, Young C, Crossland, Innocent P, Pink, Gallop, Webster, Bland, Read.

 Scorers: Adam Innocent 4, Daniel Webster, Craig Young, Chris Read. 

With a full squad and everyone fit, South looked to dominate with pace and workrate> However the students were equal to the tempo in the early exchanges and this looked to be an evenly balanced match. As the first half went on there were 3 or 4 chances that were lacking the precision of the final ball and frustration started to creep in. The breakthrough came when Will Torr found Adam Innocent with an overhead who controlled and slotted the ball home. The advancing Craig Young created some space to finish a move off at the back post and Adam Innocent stepped up to a penalty stroke leaving the keeper no chance. The best goal of the half was a 7 pass link up involving Gaz Bland and Tom Crossland finished by Adam to complete the hat-trick for South's prolific striker. 

 4-0 at half time is a score that South have found themselves in before and duly given the opposition a chance to get back in. Determined not to let that happen the intensity was stepped up with the ball being moved all over the field, again the pairing of Sam Brown and Phil Young opened up the channels. A through ball by James Hewitt found Paul Innocent whose shot was well saved only for Chris Read to collect the rebound and hammer it into the bottom corner. Adam Innocent completed his four goal haul with a neat deflection and debutant Daniel Webster capped an impressive display with a drag flick into the top right hand corner. The scoreline did not reflect the ability of the away team. They were denied several times by young Freddie Sail with his first start in the mens team following injury to hernia stricken Sam Cathie in goal. One save was reminiscent of that one in the world cup where Pele heads it and it gets tipped over the bar . The clean sheet was well deserved -  with some quality reaction goalkeeping  for which Freddie  is starting to get  recognition . Overall an impressive squad performance which needs to be the baseline for the match on Saturday against local rivals Nottingham at Goosedale 2.00pm pushback. 

6^th February 2011      Home Vs Nottingham University  

South Nottingham 6 – 2 Nottingham University 

Squad – Hextall, Henfrey, Young P, Innocent A, Hewitt(c), Torr W, Browne, Young C, Crossland, Innocent P, Pink, Gallop. 

Scorers: Adam Innocent 2, James Hewitt, Will Torr, Tom Crossland, Chris Pink
 
The last of the cancelled games before christmas was originally meant to be played at the university but was swapped to Bingham as a home fixture. South played some tough hockey perhaps in response to the disappointment of the previous day's loss. After being frustrated by a well organised university back line, Tom Crossland again stepped up and scored the opener to open the flood gates for a Will Torr strike and an Adam Innocent deflection. However the students always looked dangerous on the counter and scored a near post effort to cause the home side some problems. But Phil Young and Sam Brown started dictating the passing at the back and found gaps in the tiring University midfield. A penalty stroke was converted by James Hewitt in the second half  with Chris Pink scoring his second in as many weeks and Adam Innocent finishing his brace of goals with a clinical strike. Manager Jan Ahmed commented after the game "It was disappointing to lose at Stratford in a game that we should have won, but we need to focus on winning now to give us the chance to stay in the race for promotion. Today the lads showed exactly the kind of response I was looking for."
 
Sat 12th feb welcomes warwick University, one of the sides that beat South at the start of the season. With a full squad and back to full strength following the return of Chris Read and Gaz Bland it should be a different proposition and a hard fought match to keep us in with a chance of promotion. Outstanding young keeper Freddie Sail makes a deserved goalkeeping debut into the first team, as always all support is appreciated in this important final third of the season. 

5^th February 2010             Away Vs Stratford                 Stratford 2 – 1 South Nottingham 

Squad – Hewitt (c), Cathie, Young P, Innocent A, Torr W, Browne, Young C, Pink, Crossland, Innocent P, Gallop, Henfrey. 

Scorers – Will Torr 

South's promotion bid took a hit losing away to Stratford against a team whose goals against tally was the lowest in the league and with good reason, a well marshalled defence of 10 counter attacking men is always tough to break down. However, there were a surprising number of opportunities created for South including several short corners that were saved on the line and half chances from open play that would have gone in on another day. Stratford started the better of the two teams, but slowly South began to turn the screw transferring the ball into wide areas and playing incisive passes through to the forwards but with no real reward for the hard work going in.
 
The second half followed the same pattern until Stratford broke on a counter and successfully won a short corner. This was flicked wide and unfortunately deflected in, the resulting frustration cost young Sam Brown a yellow card as he was adjudged to have thrown his stick dangerously behind the goal. South upped the intensity with Will Torr slapping home an assist from Adam Innocent and then five minutes later almost reproducing the same feat again from another attack. The home side proved adept at breaking down play with South throwing bodies forward for the win. In the last 5 minutes the home side centre forward won a penalty stroke and goalkeeper Sam Cathie who was playing with a hernia in an advanced state of diverticulitis was yellowed for dissent, leaving Adam Innocent to don the helmet and make a despairing dive to his left as the ball was flicked surely into the net. With 5 yellow cards in two games South need to look to contain indiscipline in the remaining fixtures to stand a chance of finishing in the top two.

29^th January 2011     Home Vs Coventry City & Uni  

South Nottingham 4 – 2 Coventry City & Un

Squad – Cathie, Henfrey, Young P, Innocent A, Hewitt(c), Bland, Torr W, Browne, Young C, Crossland, Innocent P, Pink, Gallop. 

Scorers – Adam Innocent, James Hewitt, Paul Innocent, Chris Pink
 
South began attacking right from the pushback almost scoring in the first 30 seconds, confidence was high as the ball was moved round with pace with the home side looking to kill the game early. A well worked passing move found Will Torr racing through the middle and his reverse shot was picked off the keeper’s pads by Adam Innocent and over the goal line. Coventry reacted to this and began applying pressure high up the field to win a short corner and deservedly draw level. The rest of the first half brought further frustration as Coventry mopped up the usually consistent passing of South and while several opportunities were gifted to both teams there was nothing clear cut.

The half time team talk turned things around with Coach Eileen Hartley calling for a more basic approach and higher workrate. The boys responded instantly winning a short corner with James Hewitt scoring in a now successful short corner routine. This was followed by another short with Paul Innocent slapping the ball high into the  corner of the goal following a rebounded drag flick. Chris Pink saw the game off getting on the end of a counter that swept the length of the pitch. However, some indiscipline crept into the side and South were down to 10 men on two occasions. Adam Henfrey was yellow carded first for not backing away from a free hit, while you could see emotion welling up inside him he dealt with it with a swift apology to the team and the kind of tight lipped resolution you would normally see reserved for the military. Will Torr was yellowed for leaving a stick in the tackle but this was Will's first yellow card in his life, his lip was seen to quiver, his hair went out of place and while no one witnessed any tears he was visibly shaken, choosing to remain silent for the rest of the day.
There was still time for Coventry to pull one back with 10 minutes to go but South held the result to ensure the 3 points. With a double header against Stratford and Notts Uni and results going in our favour everything is still to play for in the battle for promotion.

South play at home on Sunday 6^th February 12pm start Vs Nottm Uni... as always all support is welcome 

22^nd January 2011   Home Vs Sikh Union (Coventry)

South Nottm 8 – 2 Sikh Union (Coventry) 

Squad – Cathie, Henfrey, Young P, Innocent A, Hewitt(c), Bland, Torr W, Browne, Young C, Read, Crossland, Innocent P, Pink, Gallop. 

Scorers – James Hewitt 4, Adam Innocent 2, Paul Innocent 1, Craig Young 1

 South welcomed Sikh Union Coventry to Bingham with the home side looking for promotion and the other avoiding relegation in what proved to be a hard fought match. Both sides started with a high intensity and resolute defending prevented openings in the first 10 minutes until James Hewitt dispatched a hard won short corner. This followed with two more to complete the hat-trick. By this point South looked in control and several counter attacks went close with the ball being moved sharply through Adam Henfrey and Will Torr. Adam did especially well as he was suffering from an upset tummy. 
 
After the talk another short was put away and Paul Innocent deflected in a cross as he progresses up the league scorers’ table. However, the next 10 minutes belonged to the skilful Sikh Union team as they upped their workrate committing defenders and slipping through well worked 5 yard passes to trouble an otherwise structured defence, marshalled by the ever improving partnership of Phil Young and Sam Browne. The away side scored two goals in this manner on the bounce to give the home crowd some nerves. Adam Innocent then stepped up and slammed home a brace of goals , one from a now trademark acute angle to make sure of the win. Craig Young finished the tie by getting on the end of a training ground passing move and slotted home from 5 yards out to cap a mature display on the left. We wish Sikh Union the best of luck in the relegation fight as we take on Coventry City at home this Saturday. This looks to be a close contest as both sides have beaten each other in league and cup games. Pushback is 1.30 at Bingham, support as always is appreciated.

  16^th January 2010   Away Vs Mansfield        Mansfield 0 – 3 South Nottingham 

Squad – Hewitt (c), Cathie, Young P, Innocent A, Torr W, Browne, Young C,  Read, Pink, Crossland, Bland, Gallop, Henfrey.

 Scorers – Will Torr, Gareth Bland, Tom Crossland. 

South looked jaded from yesterdays exertions against Burton but took control of the passing from the start. Mansfield who had played a well-earned a draw against Coventry the previous day put on a hard tackling performance and were not going to make it easy. The sharpness and final ball were not coming off for South in the final third and few chances were created. Mansfield were unlucky having hit a post and a goal disallowed. 

 Manager Jan Ahmed was on hand to calm things down at half time and instill some discipline into a laboured performance to play a more patient and structured game to break down difficult opponents. This approach paid dividends, 17 year old Tom Crossland, a product of the South Nottm juniors showed an old head on young shoulders and slotted home a textbook bottom corner finish. This woke South up and Gareth Bland followed suit by finishing another well worked passing move. Finally Will Torr deflected a centre from Sam Browne in off his reverse to complete a 3-0 victory. Director of hockey Chris Pink said "We were really pleased with Tom he is becoming a leader on the pitch. His communication was second to none, organising his more experienced team mates and effectively winning the game for us with his goal."  

 South face Sikh Union Coventry at home next Saturday, all support is appreciated at Bingham 13:30 push-back for what promises to be a interesting clash of playing styles with everything to play for.

 15^th January 2010   Away Vs Burton                         Burton3 – 3 South Nottingham 

Squad – Hewitt (c), Cathie, Young P, Innocent A, Torr W, Browne, Young C,  Read, Pink, Crossland, Innocent P, Waldman, Bland, Henfrey. 

Scorers – Paul Innocent 2, Adam Innocent.

 Having outplayed and beaten South at the start of the season and leading the league comfortably, Burton were perhaps  the favourites on paper to get the win at their home ground. South Nottingham, bolstered by new signing Sam Cathie in goal and with new faces in the squad since that defeat proved to be a much more difficult proposition for the well organised Staffordshire side. 

The game started tentatively with both sides playing a fairly cautious passing game and looking for openings. As the half went on South kept up a high intensity and switched the ball round the park with purpose. One of these attacks found Adam Innocent down the right channel who calmly beat his marker and from an acute angle cleverly slotted the ball home as the onrushing keeper committed himself to the classic pass to the penalty spot. With tails up South began to get control of the passing game forcing several short corners until a clinical conversion by Paul Innocent made it 2-0. Burton, however, always looked dangerous on the counter but due to South's high workrate were forced to resort to speculative balls into the D. 

After the team talk South continued to dominate possession and hit with a counter for Paul Innocent to roof the ball into the onion bag. As the work rate inevitably began to drop off Burton sensed a way back into the game and converted a well worked passing move after missing an open goal. This was the turning point and demonstrated their fitness and determination in the last 15 minutes by pulling back to 3-3 including a well taken penalty stroke. There were mixed feelings about the result - pleased with a spirited performance and disappointed to be pegged back after a 3-0 lead. Captain, James Hewitt stated, "Really proud of the lads today, I asked before the game to go out and get the job done. We did it as a team and we showed the kind of quality I know we're capable of - there's a real belief running through the squad. Credit to Burton, they didn't just roll over for us, they kept on going right to the end to seal the draw".

8^th January 2011         Home Vs Stone         South Nottingham 4 –  Stone 3

 Squad – Hextall, Henfrey, Young P, Innocent A, Hewitt(c), Bland, Torr W, Browne, Young C, Read, Crossland, Innocent P.

 Scorers – Adam Innocent 3, Chris Read.

 With the pre-christmas match schedule decimated by the cold weather, the rearranged fixture against Stone would prove challenging with only one training session to prepare. Expectations were that the result would be determined by the team that made the fewest mistakes. On the contrary both teams played some excellent fluent open hockey right from the whistle. South broke through first with some slick passing down the right and intelligent movement from Paul Innocent opened up the defence to give Chris Read the opportunity to slip through for Adam Innocent to finish in the corner. Chris then latched onto a pinpoint aerial from Will Torr the delivery sat up just short of a full length to strike it home emphatically into the roof of the net.
 
However, Stone always looked threatening on the counter with their forwards showing awareness of each others movement, causing South's defence to back-pedal. One of these attacks resulted in a short corner which was a well drilled slip right and flick giving the keeper, Pete Hextall, no chance. Pete then made a series of point blank saves sliding out and covering the angles well. The second half saw Stone dominate the first 5 minutes but once the game started flowing in South's favour James Hewitt went clear through the middle and slipped for Adam Innocent to slot into the bottom corner with the improving Gaz Bland on hand at the post in case it went wide. Stone replied with another successful short corner, before another Will Torr aerial found Adam on hand to smash in a half volley to complete the hat-trick. Sam Browne and Phil Young continually picked out 50 yard passes and South were unlucky with a penalty stroke being saved, a post hit and a disallowed goal. Stone turned it around and made for a tricky last 10 minutes by scoring yet another short corner and making the score 4-3. This remained the final score as South rode out the win. 

New 1st Team Captain

James "Brainz" Hewitt....... A little background for you, he started playing at the age of about 8/9 - he came with me down to Caythorpe to start training on Sunday mornings and from there he quickly picked up many skills not least how to dribble past people with ease! By the time he was12 he was playing for the county at U14 level and shortly after he was playing men's hockey for the club on Saturdays. He quickly moved through the club right into the 1st XI at about 15 years old, this is where he became known as Brainz (Think Thunderbirds if you haven't worked it out yet, striking resemblance!!) Sadly after a few years the club was set to loose Brainz to University with the promise of one day coming back. He did so in the 1998/1999 season, the 1st team had just missed out on promoted from the old East Mid Div 2 where they had been playing for a number of years - by this time our old junior coach/manager the great Pete Binder was managing us and he knew that with Brainz, brought us some much needed fire power as well as a joke or two!! By the end of that season we had won East Mids 2 and was heading into East Mid 1 with a very strong side, 1999/2000 saw us win the league again with a massive goal tally of well over 120 goals and only 19 in the wrong end giving us a goal difference of over 100!! We also went all the way to Milton Keynes, the National Hockey Stadium to Play Leicester Thursday in the final of the Vase, sadly we lost by a golden game but not before Brainz had cooly converted a penalty stroke to keep us in the game. The following year, the team won the league again, that was East Mid Prem - that took us into Midlands 2 as it was at the time and saw a change of Management, Pete had done what he set out to and Bryan Mallows took over. After a season or so Brainz left us in search of National League Hockey, again promising one day to return. After many successful years with both Belper and Nottingham Brainz returned to us this season. He was instantly offered the Vice Captain job due to his experience and value to the team and as i've said i'm pleased to say he is, for the first time, now Captain of SNHC Men's 1st XI. I trust we will all get behind Brainz and offer him all the support he needs!  Jon Lane Chairman

20^th November 2010       Home Vs Wolverhampton 

South Nottingham 3 – 2 Wolverhampton

 Squad – Hextall (c), Gallop, Henfrey, Young P, Innocent A, Hewitt, Bland, Torr W, Earlam, Browne, Young C, Read, Pink, Sail, Crossland.

Scorers – Adam Innocent 2, Craig Young. 

Wolverhampton arrived on the back of a winning record full of confidence whilst South were still reeling from the defeat a week earlier,but keen to make amends. South started the brighter of the two, attacking at every opportunity with Sam Gallop spurning an early chance that cruelly bounced over his stick in the first minute. However, Adam Innocent was on hand to collect and slam a reverse stick satisfyingly into the back-board having reacted quickest to his first attempt which came off the upright. Craig Young capitalised on an unrehearsed short corner move that saw him cleverly deflect a drag flick into the goal in full stride. Several more chances went by in the next 10 minutes that could have killed off the game but didn't find the back of the net.  

Wolves reacted to this pressure and played some intelligent hockey by finishing off their first flowing counter attack of the game and pulled another back in the second half with a well worked deflection that went into the roof of the net much to the disappointment of the South players. With the game so tight and both teams needing to take the 3 points big tackles came in from both sides and there was some confusion about what constituted a stick block or a stick tackle which can be difficult to gauge in such a pivotal game. Sam Gallop was correctly adjudged to have taken a player out and was the first to go to the sin-bin, this was a catalyst for South upping the tempo and Chris Pink found Adam Innocent at the top of the circle to give him enough time to pick a spot in the top right hand corner. Adam then completed his hat-trick following good work by Chris Read, Adam Henfrey and James Hewitt down the right only for it to be disallowed. 

The intensity of the tackling increased and Craig Young was the next to go into the book for his first yellow card of his career, with emotions running high it was rumoured that a solitary tear had been seen rolling down his cheek although in his defence the player vehemently denied this in the post-match briefing. At 3-2 chances went both ways but South held on to the win. Despite South's early 2-0 lead captain Pete Hextall commented "Wolverhampton provided one of our most difficult games of the season and we look forward to a closely fought game at their ground in the reverse fixture".

13^th November 2010 Away Vs Worcester 

Worcester4 – 3 South Nottingham 

Squad – Hextall (c), Young P, Innocent A, Hewitt, Torr W, Earlam, Browne, Young C,  Read, Pink, Crossland, Innocent P.

 Scorers – James Hewitt 2, Chris Read. 

South made the long journey west to Worcester with a squad which saw 7 changes from the squad which enjoyed home success in the previous week. Commitments, injury and illness all depleted South right up until Sam Gallop was ruled out just hours before the start. This lack of matchday squad depth  cost South dear. 

With a tight top six positions in this division South were well aware that this was a crucial fixture as Worcester sat one place above South in 2^nd place. The game started a tense and even affair before Worcester began to take control mid-way through the first half and they got the just reward for their efforts when 2 quick-fire goals put them 2-0 up in a flash. South rallied well and Chris Read continued his fine run of form when he was  on hand to tap home a defensive error and halve the Worcester lead. This seemed to inject some belief into the visitors and some extended pressure produced South’s first penalty corner of the game which James Hewitt duly dispatched to level the scores at 2-2 at the break. 

The second half was a frantic affair of committed attacking hockey from both sides. Gaps appeared in both sides defences and the game was thrown open. Fitness and squad rotation took its toll and Worcester took the game 4-3 despite South’s creativity and another James Hewitt goal. Too many chances were missed and some sloppy defending saw South leave Worcester with nothing when they really should have taken something.

Report Taken From thisisnottingham.co.uk

South Nottingham take the plaudits against Nottingham

On target: South Nottingham's Adam Innocent (left) celebrates his goal with Chris Reed.

TWENTY years ago, on November 3, 1990, Nottingham defeated South Nottingham 5-2 on the then new artificial turf pitch at the Forest recreation ground.
Skipper Richard Herbage (2), Ed Cursham (2) and Robert Britton scored for Nottingham while Wyn Sleeman (2) replied for South Nottingham.
The end of the 1990-91 season saw South relegated and since then, two of the oldest clubs in Notts had not met in a league match.
Nottingham have operated in the upper divisions of the Midland League and enjoyed seven seasons in the England Hockey League, while South Nottingham have been playing in the Midland League, up to five divisions below their local rivals.
But recent relegations at Goosedale and promotions at Bingham have now brought the two clubs together in Midland Division One of the ENER-G Midland League.

In their first meeting at Bingham, South scored from their first penalty corner after six minutes as Adam Innocent deflected James Hewitt's shot into the Nottingham goal. Notts cricketer Chris Read nearly doubled the score after 12 minutes but dragged his shot wide. Two minutes later South were 2-0 ahead as Innocent scored his second goal with a reverse-stick shot.

Near half-time, Nottingham's Steve Hall passed to captain Alex Crabtree who scored from the edge of the circle.

Hewitt restored South's two-goal advantage in the 47th minute but two minutes later, Nottingham, who had been enjoying the better of the second half, scored through David Rogers. Despite an outstanding performance by Dan Rippon in the heart of Nottingham's midfield, South moved up a gear and Innocent sliced through the visitors' defence to set up Chris Pink to complete a 4-2 win.

Get in lads - well done!! Jon Lane, Chairman

6^th November 2010             Home Vs Nottingham 

South Nottingham 4 – 2  Nottingham

 Squad – Hextall (c), Gallop, Henfrey, Young P, Innocent A, Hewitt, Bland, Torr W, Earlam, Browne, Young C, Torr E, Read, Pink, Straw. 

Scorers – Adam Innocent 2, Chris Pink, James Hewitt.

 This long awaited game between two local clubs was visited by a host of familiar faces in the 100 strong crowd eagerly anticipating the intensity of a local derby, both teams knowing that the result was being watched up and down the country by ex players from both sides. 

 The game opened strongly with both teams on the attack, Nottingham struggled at first with the high ball pace and Adam Innocent took advantage making no mistake from 5 yards out. He then deflected a drag flick in mid air into the goal, leaving the keeper with no chance to attempt a save. Then the visitors found their rhythm and dictated the middle of the park for a sustained period with Nottingham's bubble-haired assassin Alex Crabtree rasping an unstoppable reverse stick shot into the inside netting to make for a nervous 2-1 until the halftime break.

 South upped the intensity and Will Torr consistently linked the midfield with the attack to create a number of short corner chances one of which James Hewitt converted and Chris Pink finished a slick passing move that went the length of the pitch. However, after taking the foot off the pedal Nottingham scored a convincing short corner set piece. This was  followed by a yellow carding due to a hot blooded tackle by South debutant Ed Torr - and an exciting 10 minutes ensued as both teams pushed for the win, but both keepers were equal to the host of chances that went each way. 

 A special mention to the crowd for their vociferous support and a great team effort from the lads, credit to Nottingham for their equally attacking style which made for a fast paced open game which was enjoyed by spectator and player alike. We wish Nottingham the best of luck for the rest of the season and are looking forward to the return fixture at Goosedale. 

31st October 2010             Away Vs Warwick University

Warwick University 4 – 3 South Nottingham

Squad – Hextall (c), Gallop, Henfrey, Young P, Innocent A, Hewitt, Bland, Torr W, Earlam, Browne, Young C, Crossland, Read, Pink.

Scorers – Chris Read 2, Chris Pink.

South travelled to Warwick on the back of a good run of victories only to find themselves 3-0 down within 20 minutes. The hosts looked the busier side and kept possession well before incisively taking their chances. South managed to create several opportunities but were unable to convert. 

Shell-shocked at half time the decision was made to throw caution to the wind and to go all out in an attempt to salvage something from the game. The second half proved an altogether different proposition. Debutant Sam Browne started to dictate the distribution from the back with Phil Young pushing forward and hammering passes down the channels while Adam Hemphrey and Chris Read worked tirelessly to get the ball into dangerous areas. Chris was rewarded with a goal as he slid in to squeeze the ball under the keeper and Chris Pink emphatically finished high into the net after a week training solidly in front of goal. 

Warwick still had it in them to score a clever set piece routine from outside the D but Chris Read replied with a carbon copy goal sliding in giving the keeper no chance. With tails up South pushed for the equaliser with 10 minutes to go however the Warwick keeper capped his man of the match performance with some acrobatic saves and tips over the bar to leave the hosts victors. A classic game of two halves, South were disappointed not to convert any short corner chances but Warwick did the damage in the first half and were rightly credited with the win. 

With results going in our favour we are now 3 points behind the league leaders, but may rue this missed oppurtunity down the line.
A tasty home fixture against sleeping giants Nottingham this Saturday will bring two clubs that haven't played against each other in the same league for over a decade and should prove to be a fascinating contest.

EH TROPHY - Round 3 - Sun 21 November
We return to Coventry in Round 3 of the EH Trophy. We've have been drawn away against Coventry City and University .
 The game will take place on Sunday 21 November. In Round 2 Coventry beat Boots on penalty strokes ( 5:5).

23^rd October 2010            Home (Beckett School) Vs Stratford

South Nottingham 4 – 1 Stratford

Squad – Hextall (c), Gallop, Henfrey, Young P, Innocent A, Hewitt, Bland, Torr W, Earlam, Innocent P, Young C, Crossland, Straw.

Scorers – Adam Innocent 2, Paul Innocent 2

With the cancellation of Sundays EH Trophy game vs Hampton-In-Arden, this was South’s last game at the Beckett. South had lost their only other previous game at there and were determined not to have a completely fruitless spell at this venue. South’s squad was again depleted by unavailability and injury  - Proctor, Taylor and Read all unavailablle. However,  South were able to welcome Will Torr, Tom Crossland and Adam Henfrey back to the fold.

From the outset South took the game to Stratford with great pace, creating plenty in the early stages for the forwards to work with. South opened the scoring after 10 minutes when a beautifull ball through the Stratford defence by Craig Young was met by Paul Innocent who cooly ‘dinked’ the onrushing defender and placed a reverse stick strike past the helpless keeper. A long period of South domination followed and it wasn’t long before Paul Innocent doubled the lead and his tally for the game, 2-0 to South. The back line of  Gallop, Henfrey, Phil Young and Straw were allowed to knock the ball around the back at their lesiure and wait for gaps to appear. They did this effectively and used the movement of Hewitt and Torr to open up holes in the Stratford midfield and defence. Pete Hextall had very little to do in the South goal but when he was called upon made a great save from a Stratford penalty corner. South won a penalty corner in the dying moments of the first half and two became three after Adam Innocent converted a resulting penalty stroke after Will Torr’s goalbound flick was turned around the post by the body of a Stratford defender. 3-0 to South at the break.

Stratford made their intentions clear in the second half, they were going to sit behind the ball and prevent South from creating anything in the middle of the pitch. South continued to dominate the game and created many chances, unfortunately some slack finishing letting them down once more. Stratford did have a spell of possession in the middle part of the second half and it was during this period when the Stratford left midfielder who was inexplicably left unmarked in the D was able to fire a reverse stick strike past skipper Peter Hextall, 3-1. Stratford followed up the goal with another opportunity from a penalty corner but Peter Hextall was more than a match for the high flick. South soon rallied and again got a grip of the game and with less than 10 minutes remaining quick thinking down the left by Adam Innocent created a 2-on-1 situation in the D in South’s favour.  Tom Crossland looked to have got his 2^nd of the season but as the ball rolled toward the goal-line Adam Innocent was on hand to make sure and double his tally for the game. Final Score 4-1 to South.  

6^th October 2 1010             Away Vs Coventry City & University

Coventry City & University 2 - 3 South Nottingham

Squad – Hextall (c), Gallop, Young P, Young C, Innocent A, Hewitt, Proctor, Straw, Innocent P, Bland, Taylor, Read, Earlam. 

Scorers - Adam Innocent 2, Paul Innocent.

South made the journey back down the M69 as they did the previous week well aware of the mammoth task ahead of them if they were to return from Coventry with 3 points for the second successive week. This task was made trickier by the unavailability of Will Torr, Adam Henfrey, Tom Crossland and Chris Pink through a combination of injury and work commitments. South were able to welcome back Rob Earlam, Gareth Bland, Sam Taylor and Chris Read to the squad. A short but direct James Hewitt, Peter Hextall and Chris Pink pre-match briefing highlighted the 3 key points to success during this game and South applied these tactics with distinction.

South were well aware that Coventry would bring the game to them and work-hard at pace, Coventry underlined this desire by running straight for goal from the first whistle. South looked to have weathered an early Coventry storm when Coventry produced the opening goal following some good stickwork down the right and a smart finish. At this point there could be no argument with the scoreline and only a Sam Gallop goal line clearance prevented South from being further behind. This sparked South into action and drove them to play some fine hockey but a lack of final-ball and poor finishing again letting them down, several more South Nottingham goal scoring chances passed before the half-time whistle by which time South could count themselves unlucky not to be leading.

Again, the half-time team-talk was a very simple ‘patience and work-rate’ chat, again, it was correct. South started the second half the same way they ended the first with fast, flowing hockey creating some good chances. But these were not converted and it looked as if South were going to be made to pay when with a little under 25 minutes remaining Coventry doubled their lead when they converted a penalty corner after a defensive lapse.  2-0 down with not much more to play and few would have backed an away win. South were committed to the cause and had other ideas. Their perseverance paid off shortly after when good work down the right from Adam Innocent found Paul Innocent who coolly slotted past the Coventry keeper to set-up an exciting last 15 minutes. South followed up this success when Adam Innocent and Gareth Bland linked up well in the Coventry 25, the chance looked to have gone when Gareth ran wide but he managed to centre the ball for Adam Innocent to crash home from a yard. South were in the ascendancy and could count themselves unlucky not to have won a penalty flick when Adam Innocent was felled after beating the last defender - but it wasn’t to be. Momentum was halted when there was a lengthy delay to allow a Coventry defender to get treatment on a bloodied nose sustained from an accidental collision in the Coventry ‘D’. It was South who re-found momentum earliest after the restart and got their just reward when they were awarded a penalty corner which was scrambled over the line by Adam Innocent to get his second of the game and give South a 3-2 lead. James Hewitt and Pete Hextall rallied the troops and resolute defending saw South Nottingham shut out the game for a  superb 3-2 victory.
It’s early days yet and the table means very little but South sit in a group of 6 teams in second place on 6 points. Amongst that group is next week’s visitors Stratford who look to be a very strong proposition indeed.

 9^th October 2010               Away Vs Sikh Union (Coventry)     MIdlands 1   Div of MRHA

Sikh Union (Coventry) 1 - 7 South Nottingham

Squad – Hextall (c), Gallop, Henfrey, Young P, Young C, Innocent A, Hewitt, Torr, Proctor, Straw, Crossland, Pink, Innocent P. 

Scorers - Adam Innocent 2, James Hewitt, Tom Crossland, Will Torr, Adam Henfrey, Phil Young.

South, well aware that an improvement from last week’s horror show was essential were able to welcome new signing Will Torr and youngster Tom Crossland to the line-up to make their 1^st X1 league debuts. This gave South a 13 man squad to work with for what threatened to be a tough trip across the Midlands to fellow promotees Sikh Union (Cov). The squad suffered an early set-back when Chris Pink pulled up after only 5 minutes with a leg injury, here’s hoping it won’t keep him out for long

It was apparent from the outset that tough words during the week from the coaching and management staff had had the desired effect. Work-rate and support were better, not perfect, but better. South were in better shape this week and moved the ball around freely with only the final ball and some poor finishing preventing them from taking an earlier  lead before  Adam Innocent finally deflected a superb Tom Crossland cross past the helpless keeper. South suffered a slight set-back when Sikh Union converted a penalty corner after enjoying a brief spell of pressure. The scores remained level at the break.

The half-time talk was a formality for Captain Pete and the management team -  a clear and simple message of ‘don’t panic, keep it simple, it will come’. They were right, and South got their noses in front when Adam Innocent converted a penalty stroke as Paul Innocent was tripped after beating the goal-keeper. South stepped up a gear from here and James Hewitt, Will Torr, Tom Crossland, Phil Young and Adam Henfrey all got their names on the score-sheet through a combination of well worked-penalty corners and fast attacking plays to complete a 7-1 victory.

It was great to see debut goals for Will Torr and Tom Crossland along with a 1^st of the season for James Hewitt, but it is vital that South put together a good performance to take to table-toppers Coventry City and University next Saturday.

2^nd October 2010              Home (Beckett School) Vs Burton

South Nottingham 0 – 3 Burton

Squad – Hextall (c), Gallop, Henfrey, Young P, Innocent A, Hewitt, Bland, Taylor, Earlam, Pink, Proctor, Straw.  

A steep learning curve!
South lined up against Burton on the opening day missing several ‘regular’ 1^st XI players through injury and with a match day squad of only 12.
South Nottingham were put under pressure early and this became the theme of the game, a well-organised and fit Burton side were economical in their work-rate and efficient with their passing. With a squad of 16 they were able to rotate regularly and keep a constant attacking threat. Burton took the lead through a well-converted penalty flick toward the end of the first-half.

The second-half followed the same pattern and Burton scored 2 more goals both from penalty corners and South Nottingham created nothing in terms of a reasonable goal threat. Burton ran-out deserved winners and if South’s keeper and Captain Peter Hextall had not been in such fine form it could have been far worse for the home side.

The squad is well aware that things must improve greatly over the coming weeks.

We are the  East Midlands Premier Div Champions!  Congratulations to you all. You are very worthy Champions

and congratulations to  Adam Innocent who ended the season as the 3rd top goalscorer in the division with 40 goals to his credit. David and Martin Ebbage were also in the Top 10  Scorers  - David was 6th  with 19 goals and Martin 10th with 15 goals.  Well done to you all

20.3.10  South Nottm v Loughborough Town - Away. Won 1-7

Adam Innocent 2   Paul Innocent  2  Martin Ebbage 1    Rob Earlam 1   Chris PInk 1

On a damp late afternoon at Loughborough University  South gave a controlled competent  team display of  why they are league Champions. After a slow start Adam Innocent was the first on the score sheet with a short corner rebound. A few minutes later Martin slammed in  a great srike  from the edge of the D. Loughborough Town scored from a short corner and then Rob Earlam made it 1:3 . The second half saw 4 further open play goals - 2 from Paul Innocent, 1 from Chris Pink and a 2nd from Adam Innocent to complete another convincing win.

6.3.10  South Nottingham v North Notts. Won 8-2 HT 4-1

Chris Pink 3  Paul Innocent 2  Adam Innocent 1 Martin Ebbage 1  Rob  Earlham 1

What a great match ! South Nottm back on top form with Adam Innocent opening the scoresheet after 30 seconds. Martin Ebbage made it 2:0  from a short corner rebound and then Rob Earlham  popped in a 3rd from a great Adam Innocent break the length of the pitch. Paul Innocent converted from a short corner and then just on the half time whistle North Notts pulled one back from  a penalty flick . Chris Pink was on the end of 2 more superb runs by Adam Innocent and another from David Ebbage to claim another hat trick. North Notts scored again and then Paul Innocent made it 8:2. 

20.2.10 South Nottingham v Sikh Union (Coventry). Won 6-4 

Chris Pink 4   David Ebbage 1    Paul Innocent 1

It was less than ideal preparation for the game for both teams. The start of this game was delayed by over an hour after it was initially postponed ( due to the weather) only to be 'put-back-on' to the delight of both teams.

 This game was seen by many as the league title decider and it started fast, furious and high quality. South were acquainted very quickly with the exceptional quality of Didara Singh as he took down an arial ball in the D and was unlucky to see his effort fly past the back post after 30 seconds. It took Didara only 2 minutes to open the scoring when he unleashed an unstoppable drag-flick into the South goal after the first tackle of the game inside the South 25 was deemed to be a penalty corner. It takes more than an early set back to stop South and they showed excellent character to construct a superb flowing hockey move involving David Ebbage, Martin Ebbage and Adam Innocent playing a final ball for Chris Pink to sweep past the on-rushing SU goalkeeper. 1-1 after just 3 minutes! 30 seconds later and another Didara drag-flick saw SU 2-1 to the good. Again this lead was short lived as David Ebbage flicked home from a tight angle to draw the teams level after just 7 minutes! South then took the lead for the first time when Chris Pink swept home his second of the game to give South a 3-2 lead after 8 hectic minutes! South tried in vain to settle the game and were thwarted when, with his third drag-flick of the game from his third penalty corner, Didara made it 3-3 in the 15th minute.  Shortly after levelling SU took the lead in the game for the final time when a rare South defensive lapse saw SU steal a 4-3 lead with just 17 minutes on the clock.

This time South were determined to stop the SU goals flowing and with a few adjustments did just that and started controlling the game for themselves. Good pass and move hockey saw South create more opportunities than SU and Chris Pink was on form to convert 2 of these on 20 & 22 minutes to complete a first half hat-trick and put South 5-4 up at the interval.

 South were well aware of the mammoth task ahead of them to defend this lead and stop the Micky Hayer - Didara Singh partnership from blossoming. Excellent defensive work from all and touch tight marking jobs by Sam Gallop, Paul Innocent and Phil Young ensured that SU created very few clear cut goal scoring opportunities in the 2nd half. They did however manage to craft 2 excellent goal scoring opportunities and a massive well done goes to Captain Pete Hextall as he showed why he IS the best goalkeeper in the league with 2 top-class saves. Firstly, from a Didara Singh strike on an angle, Pete leapt to his right and prevented what was a certain goal with a fine stick save in mid-air. Pete followed this up with another fine stick save from a rocket of a drag-flick again from Didara Singh. This sent confidence through the South team and they sealed the win on 65 minutes when great work down the left by David Ebbage was met by a superb diving finish from Paul Innocent. 6-4 and the job was done!

 South came off the pitch and for all their blood and sweat were rewarded with the great news that South Nottingham 2nd XI had also got a 3-0 away win at Newark to ensure promotion into 'East Midlands 2nd XI Premier Division' for the 2010-11 season. Well done boys!

 A great day all round, South now need just 4 points from the remaining 5 league games to ensure promotion into 'Midlands Division 1' for 2010/11 and 7 points would see them take the league title. South travel to Highfields next Saturday in search of 3 of the required points to take on struggling Players, who need points for completely different reasons.

 13/14  Feb 2010 - a weekend of mixed fortunes!

League v Hampton in Arden away win  2:7
Adam Innocent 4  Chris Read 2  Gaz Bland 1

The tour  minibuses left  Bingham on Saturday and headed for the  league away game against 3rd placed Hampton in Arden.  Chris Read opened the scoring after 1 minute and Adam Innocent followed up 7 mins later .  Both goals from open play.  Hampton came back strongly with 2 goals to level the scores and then Adam Innocent scored again from open play to give a narrow lead at half time. Seven minutes into the 2nd half Gaz Bland scored from open play and then six minutes later Chris Read scored his second from a pc to make it 2:5  Adam Innocent put the nails in Hampton's coffin with a further 2 open goals.  He is currently  the Prem Division's top goal scorer holding the status jointly with Hampton's striker Daffyd Bowles.  A great win! 

Unfortunately, injuries sustained in the Hampton  game meant that the squad was somewhat depleted for the  Sunday game in Round 4 of the EH Trophy  against  Eastbourne (  Eastbourne play in the equivalent of our Midlands Prem Division ). After a  long trip to the south coast , an overnight stay in some prestigious motel near Eastbourne, and a last minute change of venue due to an unplayable pitch the game got underway with hardly any prep time. 
  
South started the game the stronger side and good chances were created by Martin Ebbage, David Ebbage and Gareth Bland but all went begging. South were then hit on the break and conceded 2 quickfire goals from the quick thinking and fast paced Eastbourne forwards. South re-grouped and were unlucky to go into the break 2-0 down after a string of close calls from penalty corners.
 
South came out strong at the start of the second half and were rewarded for their efforts when they pulled a goal back from an Adam Innocent penalty corner. South continued to pile on the pressure but were again caught on the break and found themselves 3-1 down when Eastbourne bagged their 2nd penalty conrner of the game. As South pushed forward try to save the game they were again caught on the break when a long ball into the D was deflected past keeper Peter Hextall in the South goal. South did get a consolation when Adam Innocent flicked a penalty corner high into the Eastbourne goal with 39 seconds remaining.  

Well done to all of you .  And a  very big thank you to Steve Bateman and Steve Ebbage who drove the minibuses and to Jan Ahmed for his coaching  wisdom.   

28.11.09 South Nottingham v Solihull Blossomfield - Home. HT 6-0 FT 13-0 

Scorers – Adam Innocent 6,  Adam Henfrey 3, Gareth Bland, Rob Jenkins, Martin Ebbage, David Ebbage. 

With three games remaining before the Christmas break two of which are at home, South will be happy with nothing less than 9 points. The first of the three tough tests came against Solihull Blossomfield, a side relegated from Midlands Division One last season. Despite their low league position South planned to enter this game with the upmost respect for their opposition. South named an unchanged side from the side which beat North Notts 10-2 last week.
After dominating the first ten minutes South eventually got their reward when great work down the left by David and Martin Ebbage led to Martin slipping the ball neatly to Adam Innocent on the penalty spot who duly rattled the back-board for his 20^th goal of the season. The second soon followed when within one minute James Bateman found Rob Jenkins with an inch perfect through-ball and Berto smashed the ball home with an excellent ‘one-timer’. After this flurry South opened the floodgates and at the interval found themselves six goals to the good as Adam Innocent added a further three to his tally and Gareth Bland was well placed to make it six on the stroke of half time. 

It has been known in the past for South to take their foot off the accelerator in the second half but this certainly wasn’t true today. Within four minutes of the re-start Adam Henfrey started what would become his first South Nottingham hat-trick- he’s proving to be an excellent signing. Adam Innocent added another on 47 minutes. Then on 54 minutes came the goal of the game. Under pressure the Solihull defence tried to clear its lines with an aerial ball over the defence. The recently excellent James Bateman leapt like a salmon to bring the ball under control on the half-way line, he laid a ball inside to Sam Gallop who smashed a ball to Adam Innocent, who found Martin Ebbage free on the top-left of the D with a first time deflection. Martin took a touch and smashed the ball into the top corner giving the shell-shocked Solihull keeper no chance. South went on to grab a further 4 goals in the last ten minutes. Adam Henfrey grabbed two to complete his first South Nottingham hat-trick, David Ebbage got in on the act and Adam Innocent got his sixth of the game to take his tally to 25 for the season. 

A massive well done goes to Pete Hextall, James Bateman, Craig Young, Phil Young, Tom Straw and Sam Gallop. Recent defensive consistency and performances have built a platform for the team to go forward and create so many chances. Although the score-line might not suggest it, this was not South’s strongest attacking performance of recent weeks and a hard weeks training is required for the boys, as they face a strong Loughborough Town side at home next week, who are enjoying a good run of form.

22.11.09 South Nottingham v Burton. HA Trophy Round 3. HT 3-1 FT 5-2 

Scorers – Adam Innocent 2, Martin Ebbage 2, David Ebbage. 

The weather was again bleak at the Banks as South prepared to take on Midlands 1 side Burton in the 3^rd round of the EH Trophy. The two sides are no strangers in this competition and met at this stage last year when South ran out 10-4 winners. Burton have since been promoted to Midlands Division 1 and were at the top end of that going into this cup-tie. 

After a cagey start in which both teams struggled to take control South eventually opened the scoring when Adam Innocent picked up on some poor defending and smashed past the Burton Keeper on 12 minutes. South failed to capitalise on this lead and conceded a scrappy goal on 13 minutes to drag the scores level. The score stayed level until David Ebbage converted on 19 minutes following a great South passing move. This time South did capitalise and the goal of the game came as Martin Ebbage turned his marker inside out and rocketed a strike from the angle past the Burton Keeper. South, through excellent defensive work held out for Half time and went in at the break 3-1 up. 

Burton came out with renewed enthusiasm and got their reward through an excellent reverse stick strike into the top corner on 41 minutes. However, Burton’s enthusiasm took a huge knock on 56 minutes when Martin Ebbage converted a well worked South short corner to restore the 3 goal lead. Great defending from Craig Young, James Bateman, Tom Straw, Phil Young and Sam Gallop and some fine stops by keeper Pete Hextall saw South keep the 3 goal lead until they killed the game in the 62^nd minute when Adam Innocent raced clear and slotted past the rushing keeper to make the score 5-2. 

Another excellent cup day at the Banks for South and the reward is a trip to South Hockey League, Premier Division 2 side Eastbourne in the last 16 on 14^th February 2010. Thanks again to all today’s supporters who braved the abysmal weather. 

South Nottingham Vs North Notts             21/11/09             HT        5-1            FT        10-2 

Scorers – Adam Innocent 3, David Ebbage 3, Gareth Bland 2, Chris Pink, Martin Ebbage. 

South arrived at Manor Park well aware of the mammoth task ahead of them, it’s never easy going to Manor Park to play local rivals North Notts especially when there is top-of-the-league pride at stake. South welcomed Adam Henfrey and Chris Pink back to bolster the squad.
Any early game nerves were settled when David Ebbage was on hand to capitalise on poor and edgy North Notts defending when he poked home from 2 yards on 4 minutes. South took the initiative and pushed North Notts back and got their second of the game through Martin Ebbage on 6 minutes. South then sat back and controlled the game, it was at 2-0 up that they had Peter Hextall and the defence to thank for a series of fine stops and saves. It was from one of these fine defensive displays that South broke away in the 21^st minute and Adam Innocent’s strike was too hot to handle and put South 3-0 up.
North Notts regrouped quickly and grabbed a goal back through a fine Alex Greer drag flick on 23 minutes. Fortunately this did not halt South’s momentum and within 3 minutes Adam Innocent restored the 3 goal cushion when he slid in to convert David Ebbage’s cross on 26 minutes. South hadn’t finished the first half scoring and were put even further ahead with a sublime chipped finish from Chris Pink on 34 minutes. South went in at the break 5-1 up, but, realised as good as the finishing was they had a goalkeeper and 4 defenders to thank for the 4 goal cushion.

 It was the 4 goal cushion and the squad of 15 players that allowed South to rest players with one eye on Sunday’s Cup game. This didn’t affect South’s momentum, tempo or desire. They further increased their lead on 52 minutes when Adam Innocent raced onto Martin Ebbage’s superb through-ball, rounded the keeper and smashed home from a tight angle to complete his hat-trick. David Ebbage followed suit and completed his hat-trick in the 57^th minute with 2 goals in 2 minutes to put South 8-1 up. Gareth Bland grabbed himself a brace in the dying minutes either side of another Alex Greer drag-flick to make the final score 10-2 to South Nottingham. 

This was a great performance and shows the progress made over the last few weeks. A big thank you goes to the 2^nd team players who braved the wind and rain to support the lads and spurred them on to an excellent victory.  

South Nottingham Vs Players    14/11/09     HT        5-0      FT        12-0

Scorers – Adam Innocent 4, Sam Gallop 3, David Ebbage, Martin Ebbage, Robert Jenkins,  Phil Young, Gareth Bland.

South, well aware of Players’ tactics for this game and were well prepared and more than ready for the contest. Following a great win last week South faced a Players team that should have approached the game with confidence having won 3 of their last 4 games.

South took just 4 minutes to open the scoring when top-scorer Adam Innocent latched onto a good ball into the D from Martin Ebbage, made room and flicked past the Players keeper at his near post. One quickly became two when Adam Innocent doubled his tally on 5 minutes. In a first half which South dominated Sam Gallop, Martin Ebbage and Adam Innocent completed his hat-trick to send the home side in at the break with a 5-0 half-time lead.
South saved their best for the second half with further goals from David Ebbage, Sam Gallop got a further two to complete his hat-trick, Gareth Bland, Phil Young with an excellent reverse stick sweep and Adam Innocent Bagging his fourth of the game. The best goal of the game was South’s 7^th, Craig Young played a long line ball down the left onto Adam Innocent’s long lead, Adam picked out Rob Jenkins in the D who dropped his shoulder leaving the Players defence on the deck before putting the Players keeper on his back and powerfully flicking home.

This was the best performance South have produced this season, however, still with room for improvement South look forward to the top-of-the-table / local Derby clash with North Notts on Saturday, 2pm start at Manor Park Sports Complex (NG19 8JY). All support will be appreciated.  

 Match Report   Vs Sikh Union (Coventry)               07/11/09    Away  Win HT   1:2      FT    2:5

Scorers – Adam Innocent 2, David Ebbage 2, Martin Ebbage.

South made the trip to Coventry knowing that only a victory would be good enough against one of the league's top 4 teams with some excellent individual players. South had a game plan and knew that it would need to be stuck to like glue if they were to leave Coventry with all 3 points.

The first 10 minutes were a tense affair, nothing like the blistering start that South have become used to. After 12 minutes Sikh Union, won a short corner and following an excellent save by Pete Hextall, Shin Bhachu was on hand to place home the rebound. South were one down and their character was going to be tested. South came back strong and heaped the pressure on the Sikh Union defence who stood firm, very firm. On 20 minutes Adam Innocent won South’s first penalty corner of the game and duly converted to bring the scores level at 1-1. South really mounted the pressure on the excellent Sikh Union defence and got their reward when Martin Ebbage picked up on a save from South’s second penalty corner of the game and powered into the roof of the net to put South 2-1 up at the break.

The blistering starts South are used to was saved up for the second half and within 2 minutes South were 3-1 up after an excellent aerial into the D from Martin Ebbage, Adam Innocent controlled well and rolled the ball into David Ebbage's path for him to roll into an empty net.
Sikh Union were not going to lie down and fought back with great intensity and vigour. They were rewarded for this after a series of great saves again by man-of-the-match Peter Hextall, the Sikh Union striker was on hand to thrash into an empty net. The next goal was crucial, the game was flowing from end-to-end and South were releaved when the ball popped to Adam Innocent at the top of the D, he adjusted his feet quickly and smashed the ball giving the Sikh Union keeper no chance. South defended well from here on and credit goes to Tom Straw, Phil Young, Craig Young, James Bateman and Sam Gallop for their excellent discipline. There was time for one more for South when Rob Jenkins smashed a ball for Adam Innocent who dummied leaving David Ebbage to again roll into an empty net.

5-2 didn’t do South justice. It was a great performance against an excellent side, South can be proud of what was achieved and take this unbeaten run into Saturday’s visit of Players to The Banks 1.30pm start.

EH Trophy  R2   West Bromwich    v  1.11.09    Home    Win     HT 7:0   FT  9:2

Scorers –David Ebbage 3, Sam Gallop 3, Martin Ebbage 2, Adam Henfrey

Cup fever struck Bingham for the first time this season and after a good victory in the league the day before and  a nice early night after watching the Antiques Roadshow, South were refreshed and ready to go again. The opposition were again an unknown quantity from the West Midlands, this time West Brom made the long trip north to the Banks.

An electrifying start saw South 1-0 up with just minutes on the clock when Sam Gallop was well placed to smash in from close range. Then followed 4 goals in 10 minutes from David Ebbage (2), Adam Henfrey then Martin Ebbage, South were 5-0 up within 22 minutes. Then came the goal of the game and probably season so far an excellent passing move with every South player touching the ball was completed with an excellent through ball by Martin Ebbage onto Adam Innocent's long lead, Adam took the ball in front of the charging keeper and played a sublime reverse stick flick into David Ebbage’s path who had an open goal to tap into to complete his hat-trick. South weren’t finished there and Sam Gallop took his tally to 2 with a perfectly executed power-flick sending the West Brom keeper the wrong way. 7-0 at half-time and this cup tie was almost over.

South started the second half as they finished the first. Sam Gallop completed his hat-trick within a minute of the restart. 8-0 down but West Brom heads did not drop. They fought back hard and were rewarded with 2 goals on the 51^st and 60^th minute. Martin Ebbage completed the scoring with 65 minutes on the clock and the game finished 9-2.

A great cup win today, South worked hard and got their just reward, the ultimate reward for this victory is another home tie against Midlands 1 pace setters Burton in Round 3. Burton are a good team and this promises to be a mouth watering tie.

Please support the lads -     1pm  on SUNDAY 22 NOVEMBER at  Bingham

Match  Report  v Hampton-in-Arden    31/10/09      Home  Win   HT   8-0   FT   12-3

Scorers – Stuart Croston 4, Adam Innocent 3, David Ebbage 3, Sam Gallop, Gareth Bland

A great buzz was in the air ahead of South’s first League and Trophy double header weekend. Cup excitement was put to the side on Saturday as South faced what threatened to be a tough, unknown Hampton-in-Arden side. Reports from other teams were that Hampton are a physical side capable of playing some excellent Hockey. South were not going to be caught out at home as they were on the opening day against Loughborough Sharks. 
South knew a good start was vital and once again that’s just what the spectators got after just 34 seconds Stuart Croston opened the scoring when he was perfectly placed to volley home after great work down the left by Martin Ebbage, South were made to wait until the 10^th minute before doubling their lead when Stuart Croston was again well placed to finish off an excellent passing move from Rob Jenkins and Martin Ebbage. Then followed a whirlwind 15 minutes in which South scored 3 times through David Ebbage and Stuart Croston added 2 more to double his tally for the game  to 4. So with 24 minutes on the clock South found themselves 5-0 up and hungry for more. Then followed another excellent 10 minutes of Hockey in which South scored 3 more times through Sam Gallop, Gareth Bland and David Ebbage’s second of the game. The score at half time was 8-0 much to the displeasure of the Hampton Goalkeeper who vented his frustrations on the goal frame!

At half-time South talked about maintaining and raising the tempo and couldn’t have been happier with the start when Adam Innocent’s reverse stick effort found its way to the net after a goalmouth scramble. Hampton did start to play Hockey in the Second half and posed a considerable threat when Dafydd Bowles was in possession. Hampton managed 3 goals in the second half but South were certainly the happiest team with further goals from David Ebbage and Adam Innocent both completing hat-tricks and making the score 12-3.

On reflection this was an excellent result against a strong side who will upset the top 4 throughout the season..

Match Report  South Nottingham V Leicester Thursday    Away  Win   24/10/09    HT        0:3           FT    0:7

Scorers – Adam Henfrey x 2, Gareth Bland, Stuart Croston, Sam Gallop, Martin Ebbage, David Ebbage

On arriving at St Margaret's Pastures for the second time in 3 weeks South were well aware of the challenge ahead. Leicester Thursday are one of the strongest teams in the EMPL and are rightly considered strong promotion contenders. That said, South seem to enjoy playing at St Margarets  having scored 44 goals in their past 7 trips there.

South started brightly, got themselves on top and nothing really changed from there. Adam Innocent was denied early on by a great save by the Thursday keeper at his near post, but this was shortly followed by a Stuart Croston goal as he was on hand to sweep a short corner save neatly into the goal. Adam Henfrey was making his South Nottingham debut and scored within 3 minutes of coming off the bench, he latched on to a poor defensive pass by Thursday, raced away from the defence and coolly slotted the ball past the on-rushing Thursday keeper. South went into the break 3-0 up after Sam Gallop got his second goal in two games with a short corner power flick!!

With confidence high South stroked the ball around well and showed exceptionally high levels of discipline as Thursday got more and more frustrated, it was this frustration that led to South’s fourth goal. Martin Ebbage out powered, skilled and paced the Thursday captain and his retaliation was to trip Ebbage, but quick thinking Ebbage popped back up to his feet self-passed and found Henfrey free in the D to finish off his debut brace. Further goals from David and Martin Ebbage from short corners and a ‘gambling’ Gareth Bland meant that the scoring finished 7-0. Bringing South’s tally to 51 in 8 at St Margarets Pastures.

Match Report    v Leic Westeigh   10.10.09      Away Win HT     1-2               FT    1-10

Scorers – Adam Innocent 5, Sam Gallop 2, Gareth Bland, Martin Ebbage, David Ebbage

After the disappointing home draw with Loughborough Sharks the previous week South knew that nothing but 3 points was acceptable against a Westleigh side who grabbed an excellent point the previous week against newly relegated Solihull.
South started the game at a great pace, something they failed to do the week before. As a result ,South won a string of penalty corners and created many chances, however, the Westleigh keeper had decided that today was going to be his day and produced a string of fine saves.  It was from one of those saves, that South gave away possession far too cheaply from a rebound and Westleigh were on a break and as easy as 1,2,3 the ball was in the back of the South goal, the final quality finish coming from James Williamson. Peter Hextall in the South goal had the right to tell his defence and midfield exactly what he thought as this sort of defending simply isn’t good enough. That however was the final mistake made by South this game and would be Westleigh’s only chance to cheer. Within 2 minutes Adam Innocent picked up on some good work by James Bateman down the right, beat an onrushing defender and keeper and slotted home from a tight angle to draw the sides level. Westleigh weathered the storm until 1 minute before the end of the half when Sam Gallop won possession with a strong tackle in the middle of the park, weaved his way into the D and fired a superb finish past the Westleigh keeper. South were relieved to go in at the break 2-1 up.
The message from the side at half time was to stop making the Westleigh keeper look good and work the ball. South did just that!  Martin and David Ebbage bagging themselves a goal a piece from PC’s putting South 4-1 up within 10 minutes of the restart. Then came a dramatic 7 minutes in which Adam Innocent grabbed himself a hat-trick, one of which was a beauty struck from the top left of the D like an arrow into the top right hand corner of the goal crashing in off the crossbar and post joint. South were then moving the ball around well and in a destructive mood 7 became 10 with further goals from Sam Gallop, Gareth Bland and Adam Innocent taking his tally to 5 for the game.
On reflection this was a great performance and the score line was good, but South feel that they have more and are probably playing to 80% of their full potential. With a week off then a trip back to St Margaret’s to play promotion contenders Leicester Thursday on 24^th October South Nottingham spirits are high!

Match Report v  Loughborough Sharks       3.10.09          Home draw HT        1-1                   FT        2-2

Scorers – Martin Ebbage, David Ebbage

The sun was shining on The Banks for the start of the 09/10 season, South Nottingham were full of optimism ahead of the season after finishing 3^rd last year, promotion this year is a must.
South were put under pressure from the start by a well organised and vastly improved Sharks side who were 10 times the team that South beat 10-0 and 6-0 last season. Sharks got their just reward for all there pressure on the 17^th minute when Richard Mearns was well placed to pick up on the loose ball and slot home from 2 yards after several ricochets and missed opportunities to clear the lines by the South defence. This sparked South into life and their superior creativity showed when a great show of skill down the right and  the cross ball  was met by a powerful finish from David Ebbage. The sides went in level after 35 minutes.
The second half started poorly for South conceding another scrappy goal after just 4 minutes when Jack Baker tapped in from no more than a yard out. South then went on the offensive creating an abundance of chances but failing to convert, most notably Stuart Croston latched on to a Sam Gallop through ball but saw his effort beat the keeper and slide just the wrong side of the post. Shortly after this South got over excited and David Ebbage and Adam Innocent both received deserved yellow cards. Fortunately the boys on the pitch kept their calm and it was whilst South were at 10 men that there were gaps appearing in the otherwise excellent Sharks defence, Martin Ebbage capitalised on one of those opportunities and struck South level with 14 minutes remaining. Failure to convert penalty corners and open play chances ended up costing South dear and ultimately 2 points as South were unable to grab a winner.
Credit goes to Loughborough Sharks who were a great opposition on the day and gave South Nottingham an early season wake-up call.

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